Mrs. Margaret (Peg) Emma Taylor Burkett

Peg passed away peacefully with her family and minister at her side on March 3, 2009. She was predeceased by her husband, Herb, in October 2008, with whom she had shared 60 over years of happy marriage.

She leaves to mourn her sons, Richard (Heather), Chuck (Shelley); daughter Diane Harms (Geoff); and her grandchildren, Gillian, Kevin, Brian, Carlie and Michael.

Peg was born in Minnedosa on May 23, 1922. A town to which she returned to frequently and which held a very special place in her heart. She grew up in a large family characterized by love, music, hard work and a sense of fun. She was the second youngest and last surviving child of Robert and Ellen Taylor. She was predeceased by her five sisters: Helen Lucas, Jean Gray, Rhoda Sutherland, Marnie Thompson, and Beth Brent. She was also predeceased by her five bothers: Bert, Sandy, Norman, Bill and Jim. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews.

Peg moved to Winnipeg to attend nursing school at the Misercordia Hospital from which she graduated in 1946. Her nursing career spanned more than 35 years. Mom was a sought after nurse to provide one on one special duty care. She never retired from taking care of people, her sense of caring and service extended throughout all aspects of her life.

Along with her husband Herb, Peg loved to entertain and they both treasured the many friendships they developed through their church, various bridge groups as well as golfing and curling friends. Peg was a former member of the Eastern Star and long time member of the Daughters of the Nile serving as Queen in 1986 and loved participating in choir.

Mom brought passion, enthusiasm and a sense of fun to everything she did. Her compelling presence and style demonstrated the traits of a true lady. Mom’s life was well lived, and serves as an example to those who knew her and loved her. Through her, we learned to appreciate all things in life and to seek joy and purpose in helping others.

The family expresses their profound gratitude to the wonderful staff of West Park Manor for their exceptional kindness and love in the care of both our parents.

A celebration of Peg’s life will be held on Saturday March 7, at 1:00 PM at the Charleswood United Church 4820 Roblin Boulevard, Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson presiding. A reception will follow at the church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charleswood United Church Opening Hearts and Minds Campaign (4820 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg R3R 0G6) or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

~~~~~~~~~~ BIOGRAPHY ~~~~~~~~~~~

Many things can be said about Margaret (Peg) Burkett. She was an energetic, empathic and compassionate woman, wife, and mother of three. A sought out friend and advisor, she was kind and gentle in her nature, never hesitating to reach out to anyone in need. With her accepting heart, Peg was able to connect with people and bring out the best in them. She was often described as “a real lady”. She had a love of, and flair with clothing. Her appearance was stylish and elegant. She was a lady in looks and in her heart. Her grace and sense of fun were evident in the way that she presented herself and everything that she did.

Peg was raised on a farm in Minnedosa, Manitoba by her parents Robert and Ellen Taylor. She often recalled her happy childhood and cherished these early years of her life. She was fiercely loyal to her beautiful hometown and to her family – the Taylors. She enjoyed frequently recounting happy memories of both. Stories of “Old Whitey”, her beloved family horse, and fondly remembered happy times on their farm like Sunday dinners and sing songs with friends and family around the table. In her family she also learned to share her opinions and enjoy a spirited debate.

Peg took being a Taylor very seriously. She was number 10 of 11 children. She had five brothers and five sisters. Her five older sisters were Helen, Jean, Rhoda, Marnie and Beth. There were four older brothers, Bert, Sandy, Norman and Bill and one younger brother Jim. Peg was involved in all sorts of activities with her family which included both work and fun. She enjoyed her relationships with her siblings. While growing up, some of her best friends were her brothers and sisters. Deep friendships were developed that would last a lifetime. Later in life, she enjoyed an especially close relationship with her brother Bill and his wife Marion, who lived close by.

In 1942 Peg graduated from The Minnedosa High School, where she was a popular and successful student. She was often in trouble for talking – she claimed that it came from being number 10 of 11 children and never getting a word in edgewise at home. Her brothers and sisters felt otherwise – they claimed she was always talking. Never the less, Peg placed a high value on education and its importance was unquestionably instilled into her children and grandchildren.

After high school Peg followed her heart and channeled her natural abilities into her choice of career. She moved to Winnipeg where she earned her Registered Nurse Certificate from The Misericordia School of Nursing in 1946. Her favorite area of study was surgery, but no matter what class it was, she embraced the challenges that her training provided. One rotation that Peg particularly enjoyed was at the Princess Hospital where she was the student nurse for a particularly handsome patient named Herb Burkett. Following WWII Herb, along with many other young returning soldiers, was hospitalized at the Princess Hospital for one year. In fact it was Herb who took Peg to her graduation dance. On July 3, 1948 Peg married her favorite patient Herbert Norman Burkett at Young United Church of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Throughout the 60 years of marriage that they shared there was no question about it - Herb was always first in Peg’s world! She never tired of looking after him.

Peg worked as a Registered Nurse for 41 years. She was well liked and successful in her work. A team player who managed to always put her patient’s wellbeing first. Peg took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to know what was necessary to successfully complete a project, or encourage/coax a patient or staff member. Her initiative and skills, and the ability to work cooperatively, were highly valued. She was respected by both doctors and nurses who often requested her to be the nurse to care for their own families and loved ones. As a leader, Peg continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they worked most effectively, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential. Later in her career she specialized in geriatrics, bringing her love and skills into the world of the elderly and those that cared for them.

It was not just at work that Peg genuinely understood and cared for others. She had no trouble making powerful connections with the any of the people around her. She was a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others. Peg sought to understand the things that other people enjoyed. She was open to new ideas and experiences and loved to have fun with people. Her friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and amiable in her dealings with others. Peg went out of her way to make sure that people’s needs were met. She was seen as a gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life, Peg seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances and an ever- growing list of loyal friends.

Peg enormous capacity to love others was lavished on her family. She was a devoted and loving Mother, committed to her family’s needs and well being. She shared her strong family values with her three children, sons Richard and Chuck and daughter Diane. She put an emphasis on how to treat people and taught by example - be fair to others, give people a chance, forgive, smile and enjoy people, be kind, help and be an advocate for those who need help. Be considerate, stick up for yourself, be a good sport, do the right thing and enjoy your life. Peg was blessed with five grandchildren whom she was immensely proud of. Gillian, Kevin, Brian, Carlie and Michael filled her life with much joy. Her Grandchildren loved her deeply and they all viewed their Nanny as a very fun and dynamic woman who played a significant role in each of their lives. She was devoted to them completely, and loved them all. She was generous with her time and energy. There were always cookies in her kitchen, and love in her heart.

Peg led a full life; she was very organized and always busy doing something. She worked full time as a nurse while raising her family. She volunteered at school, community activities, church and took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Often seen enjoying knitting, sewing, crafts and handwork, she was not afraid to work hard or try anything at least once. Somehow, things always turned out well – whether it was painting, wallpapering, cooking or creating something with her hands. Peg enjoyed sharing her passions with others. Recreational sports included golf and curling; she liked the sport and loved the people. Peg was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity. At the top of her list were ladies curling. Many happy times were spent playing bridge – a passion she shared with Herb. Their home was frequently open for entertaining which Peg thoroughly enjoyed and excelled at. People were comfortable in their home. The duo of Peg the wonderful cook and Herb the helper never failed to impress and wow their company.

Peg was actively involved in a multitude of professional and community organizations. Whatever she was involved with she was often sought after to take the lead. She had strong opinions and was able to express them clearly, yet being a natural leader, she could encourage harmony and good relationships within the group. Peg was not afraid to say what she thought; you always knew where you stood with her. She was a loyal advocate for who and what she believed in. She was an active member of the Eastern Star, and Daughters of the Nile which included serving as their Queen in 1986. She loved to serve and participate in activities involving her beloved Misericordia School of Nursing. Over the years, she served on boards such as The Victorian Order of Nurses, and a multitude of community organizations. She was a longtime proud Liberal supporter often involved in canvassing for her politician.

Peg’s faith was important to her. She grew up attending the Minnedosa United church – in the Taylor pew every Sunday. After marriage, she was a member of Fort Garry United church where she served as an elder. Her warmth and caring was clearly demonstrated in the work she did for the congregation. Over the years, she served on many different committees within the church. When Peg and Herb moved to Charleswood she enjoyed her time as a vibrant member and supporter of the Charleswood United Church.

When Peg’s retirement from formal nursing came in 1987, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Peg had taken care to plan for this part of their lives, she continued to be busy. She and Herb continued to stay in touch with old friends, made plenty of new acquaintances, remained active in their community and the organizations to which they belonged, and loved to travel. They made frequent visits to their children in San Diego, Cleveland, Kansas City, Victoria, and Wenatchee, Washington. On their list of favorite travels was their time in Palm Springs and Florida. Some of their gallivanting included Ireland, Scotland, and visiting friends and family anywhere.

Peg passed from this earth peacefully, surrounded by her three children and beloved Pastor Michael Wilson. She died on March 3, 2009, at West Park Manor Personal Care Home, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Peg is survived by her children and their families; her son Richard (Heather), daughter Diane (Geoff), and son Chuck (Shelley) and grandchildren Gillian, Kevin, Brian, Carlie, and Michael. On March 7, 2009 Peg was laid to rest alongside her beloved Herb, who had passed away four months earlier. They are buried at the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The memorial service for Peg was held at the Charleswood United Church.

Throughout her life, Peg was a strong, outgoing and enthusiastic woman with a tremendous energy that she shared happily with others. She was generous with her acceptance and love, finding joy in giving to others. Peg leaves behind an enormous footprint, a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. She will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts.