Margaret Kirkwood Gemmel

We, the nieces and nephews of Margaret Kirkwood Gemmel announce her death on March 22, 2018 at age 103. Margaret died peacefully after facing the challenges of advanced age. She was the last surviving child of Francis Alexander Gemmel and Margaret (Kirkwood) Gemmel. She was predeceased by her siblings: Meran (Grain), William, Frances, Harry, Mary (Downie), John, and Elsie. She is survived by 10 nieces and nephews and her sister-in-law Diana Gemmel.

Margaret was born in Selkirk MB and lived there until she completed high school. She had wonderful stories of the “olden days”, for example, she remembered riding the street car from Selkirk to go to University. Margaret graduated from Wesley College (now University of Winnipeg) in 1937 and made many life-long friends during her years at University. She worked at Monarch Life and General Motors Acceptance Corporation. Margaret was a life-long member of the Liberal Party, of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, and a long-term member of the University Women’s Club. She maintained her passion for Canadian politics all her life.

Margaret and Elsie had a cottage at Wanasing Beach and family and friends spent many happy times with them “at the cottage”. Margaret was a wonderful cook, excellent seamstress, a welcoming hostess and the keeper of the family history.

The family held a wonderful celebration of Margaret’s life in 2014 on the occasion of her100th birthday. It was a great time to gather, remember, and tell stories.

The family is grateful for the continued support and companionship offered by Barbara Sparling, Gwen Krahn, and Thao Nguyen Vu (Winn) and for the out-standing care Margaret received at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg.

A private grave-side service will be held in Selkirk at a later date.