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MARGARET SAUNDRY Obituary pic MARGARET SAUNDRY Obituary pic

MARGARET SAUNDRY

Born: Aug 10, 1926

Date of Passing: Nov 23, 2023

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MARGARET SAUNDRY

August 10, 1926 - November 23, 2023


Margaret Saundry was born August 10, 1926 to Agnes and Joseph Saundry in Stonewall, Manitoba. She was the second of four daughters in the family. Growing up in Stonewall, she demonstrated her lifelong belief in hard work and service to others. Margaret was a good athlete, becoming a good tennis and baseball player. She played baseball for the Stonewall team. She also was a highland dancer. This activity earned her a family nickname of “Scottie”. Besides athletics, Margaret was active in the Stonewall United Church. She enjoyed singing, volunteering and worship. She graduated from Stonewall Collegiate in 1943.

Margaret began her career in banking working at the Stonewall CIBC. From there, she moved to other accounting and clerical positions at Ashdown’s Warehouse and later Westeel in Winnipeg. In 1959, Margaret made the fateful decision to join CBC. Canadian broadcasting was evolving quickly, with more programming being produced on location as opposed to in studio. Starting as an accountant, her dedication and hard work lead her to new assignments, all with increasing responsibility. In 1961, she became a script assistant. She and her crew primarily covered sports, in the league that was the forerunner to today’s CFL. She never imagined her early athletic career playing baseball for the Stonewall team would lead to her working in the dugout, rubbing elbows with the likes of Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, and Ted Williams. Margaret was a pioneer for women in sports broadcasting, having senior roles at a time when very few women worked in the industry. Her story was chronicled in the book Radio Ladies: Canada’s Women on the Air, by Peggy Stewart.

With promotions came a move to Toronto in the late 1960s. Margaret’s work with CBC Sports offered her a chance to travel the world, covering events such as the Olympics, Pan-Am and Commonwealth games in exotic locales like Montreal, Munich, Innsbruck and Cali, Colombia. Upon the death of her father Joseph, Margaret made the selfless decision to move back to her childhood home in Stonewall to care for her mother. She spent 15 years in Stonewall, commuting to her Winnipeg CBC job. She retired from CBC in 1985 after 27 years at the corporation. In 2013, Margaret was inducted to the CBC Hall of Fame. Approximately a dozen people before her were given this honour. A video of her acceptance speech is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoYvclkH5n4

Margaret enjoyed an active retirement after 1985. Her reputation for hard and precise work resulted in other offers from other broadcasters in Winnipeg. Agnes passed away in 1989. Margaret remained in the beautiful family home in Stonewall for a few years, before eventually relocating to Winnipeg in 1998.

Margaret’s love of travel continued in these years as she embarked on cruises and other travel packages, visiting dozens of countries with her sister Doris. She remarked that there wasn’t one destination she didn’t like, and cited China, Scandinavia, and Turkey as the trips she most enjoyed!

Margaret was known as “Auntie Scottie” to her extended family and was legendary for her ability to do little things with great love. From back scratches, to regular care packages, various good deeds, and “treats”. Margaret was a great believer in education, and many a relative benefited from her considerable help with university books and tuition. Beyond gift giving, she hosted many nieces and nephews for overnight visits, or longer stints when they needed a place to stay due to employment. Margaret’s giving nature extended beyond family. Her knitting and crocheting talents resulted in many newborns having donated hand made baby outfits at Stonewall Hospital.

Margaret was known for being pragmatic and wise. Her sharp mind and excellent memory gave rise to a few favourite expressions – “travel light and take money” for example. These numerous sayings are still quoted by family to this day. Her common sense and wisdom were among her great gifts.

Margaret spent her final days at Tuxedo Villa, in Winnipeg. Her desire to be near her sister Doris drew her to that location. Our family wishes to thank the many kind care givers at Tuxedo Villa for their care and compassion for Margaret when she needed it most.

In lieu of flowers, Margaret requested any in memoriam donations be made to the Stonewall United Church, Box 1099, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0.

Margaret was predeceased by her elder sister Joan in 2019; sister Doris earlier in 2023; her brothers-in-law, John “Jock”, and Ronald; as well as her nephew James “Jim”. She will be dearly missed by sister Darlene; Jim’s widow Liz; nieces, Nancy (Jim) and Paula (Greg); as well as nephews, Mark (Sangita), Scott (Grace), Jon (Deb), and David (Katherine),

At Margaret’s request, there will be no funeral. A private family gathering will be held in Stonewall in Spring, 2024.

MacKenzie Funeral Home

Stonewall

204-467-2525

mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2023, Dec 02, 2023

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

  • Margaret was one of my favourites at CBC. There was so much to admire about this remarkable lady: her work ethic, her efficiency on the job, and above all, her decency. Marg was super bright. I loved her witty expressions: eg. “I’m not a single woman, I’m an unclaimed treasure!”…. I cherish the memories of our long lunches, my annual pilgrimage to Stonewall to join her family at the fabulous Fall Suppers, and especially having breakfast with her and her sister Doris on 2 occasions in China in 1996, when we found ourselves at the same hotels although on different tours…. Having Marg as a friend was a privilege, and I will miss her forever. Ms Frankie Glickman Victoria BC - Posted by: Frankie Glickman (CBC colleague and friend) on: Dec 02, 2023

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