March 18, 1917 – February 14, 2014
It is with a great sense of loss that the family of Margaret Harris announce her passing at Kiwanis Lodge in Nanaimo just a few weeks short of her 97th birthday. She was predeceased by her husband Firman in 1977, daughter Tracy, son Rodney, one grandson, 10 brothers and 2 sisters, as well as her parents. Survived by her children: Gayle (Jim) Odo, Fay (Rudy) Sellars, Peggy (Paul) Harris and Robert (Lori) as well as 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Marge was born in Newark, South Dakota, the 9th and last surviving of 13 children of Warner and Gertrude Roberts. The family moved north to Canada in 1923 and settled in the Peace River district near Dawson Creek. B.C. It was here that she met Dad (Firmie), who she married in 1936. Dad joined the RCAF in 1941 and for most of the next 20 years they moved around to various parts of Canada. It wasn’t until they transferred to CFB Comox in 1961 that they were able to buy their first home, on Lake Trail Road, and settle down in one place.
She was a stay at home Mom and homemaker, and having had her 6 children at various stages of her life (the last 2 when in her 40’s) she was kept employed for many years. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed feeding her family and friends, it was hard to leave her home without having a bite to eat. Most members of her extended family have her recipe for molasses cookies but they never seem to taste the same as when she made them. One of her greatest pleasures was having all of her children and their families together at camp outs and special birthday or mother’s day gatherings.
When she was finally able to put down roots in Courtenay she became a very involved and willing volunteer. She was a long time member of branch #17 Legion ladies auxiliary and was awarded a life membership for her years of service, she was very proud of this. Mom also enjoyed her years of membership with the Evergreen Seniors where she volunteered her time to be a “Muffin Lady” and also devoted many hours to being a Bingo runner for both the Legion and the Recreational Association.
Mom enjoyed playing cards, whist at the Evergreen, cribbage at the Legion and bridge with a small group of friends until her hearing failed. When she was in her 80’s she was convinced to hook up to the internet so she could use Messenger to chat with her family and this became a life line to her. She liked to travel, made several trips to Reno, and never missed a Roberts family reunion until this past year when her health made it unable for her to go. Her most treasured memory was of her trip to Australia and New Zealand with the Evergreen Seniors.
She was an amazing woman to those that knew her and will be missed by many.
There will be a private family gathering at a later date. Donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency if desired.