January 31, 1929-March 9, 2011
Margaret Elizabeth Strong (nee Cunningham), loving wife, mother, grandmother and devoted daughter and friend, died peacefully in the warm embrace of her family. She will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered. Margaret (“Maggie”) was born, and grew up, in Victoria BC, proud of her Scottish roots (Cunningham and Gibson clans). She became an avid archivist of her family’s history (past and present), which she carefully researched and compiled in lively prose accompanied by photographs to pass on to her grandchildren. No mean feat! Margaret had many talents, not least of which was her way with words. A talent is something for which you have an aptitude, in which you develop skill, and especially, that you love to do. She loved to bake, garden, knit and sew. She loved to work. She was a secretary of outstanding caliber, valued by such places as Vital Statistics (Victoria BC), where she began her career, and by National Trust (in Montreal, Quebec). She was always admired for her elegant appearance, which was accompanied by an equally as graceful manner. She was dearly loved for her independent resilient spirit, her alertness and quick wit, her fun and spontaneity, and her playful “Scots” humour, qualities that touched a chord in others and remained right up to her final days. She loved to “keep busy”: to walk, to play, to write, to read, to decorate, to do crafts; above all, to give (and receive) warm hugs and kisses. Margaret and her husband, Art, remained deeply in love for the 60 years (they were still going strong!) of their happy marriage and fulfilling life together, beginning in Victoria, then in Montreal, followed by Calgary then back home again. Margaret loved the ocean; she grew up in James Bay close to the beach, where she played and helped her father, who worked in the Parliament Buildings, but was a fisherman at heart. Family was very important to Margaret, a value instilled in her early in life by both of her parents: Sunday get-togethers (with good food); hockey games on the radio; playing cards and dominos; teasing. The youngest of the Cunningham girls, she was predeceased by her two sisters (Isa, Jean), her brother (Bobby) and her parents (Alex and Peggy). “Grandmothers don’t have to do anything except be there,” she quoted in her book for her grandchildren. She was devoted to the happiness and well-being of her family: her husband (Art); three daughters, Leslie (Robert), Teresa, and Cindy (Ken); four grandchildren, Anita (Chris), Fiona, Thomas, and Brian; and a found “kindred spirit” and “soul partner”, Rita. We are deeply thankful for Margaret’s presence and spirit, and are blessed with countless memories of a lifelong companion, dear mother, cherished grandmother or bosom friend.
The family would like to thank all those who selflessly cared for Margaret; words cannot suffice to express our thanks to each and every one of you for the warm extent of your care and devotion.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you kindly make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 11:00 am in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Street. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
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Catherine Cunningham
When I heard of Auntie Margaret’s passing I was filled with a great sadness as I knew how very much she will be missed by those that love her. I have so many childhood memories of those family gatherings on Sundays and Christmases, all of us jammed into that front room of the house on Niagra Street. So many hours spent “hanging out” in the old kitchen, seated around the table and the stove, laughing and feeling the embrace of family.That’s where we learned to “take it “and “dish it out”…the fine art of the Cunningham humour. I can’t tell you the number of times I heard “you’re just like your Aunt Margaret” when I was growing up. Well that’s something I can certainly wear with pride. I’m so glad that she was able to meet my children, even though our family became scattered across the country over the years. I also feel blessed that I was able to see her on a daily basis for awhile during the last year of her life. I’m sure she knew who I was, as she seemed so pleased to see me when I came into the unit on my rounds as charge nurse, and when I just came to visit her. I’ll miss those hugs and kisses most of all. It is so sad to think that this branch of the Cunningham clan is now gone. They were one of a kind, and all so alike in so many ways, but especially in their sense of humour. I have certainly inherited it and am proud to say I have passed it on in my branch of the tree. This will be my nod to Auntie Margaret and the rest of the Cunningham clan. My thoughts and love are with you.