Margaret Elizabeth Anderson (nee Kennedy)
July 24, 1920 - October 9, 2009
Margaret Elizabeth Anderson (nee Kennedy) died peacefully with her family around her in the early hours of October 9, 2009. She was born on July 24, 1920, and spent her early years on the family homestead at Waterhole, AB, before moving with her family to the farm at Green Island on the Peace River overlooking Dunvegan. She took her High School and Piano Lessons in Fairview, AB, and in 1939 – 1940 attended Normal School in Edmonton. The following year Margaret began her teaching career. She taught school (grades one to eight) in the little one room school at Green Island, riding her horse when the weather was good and staying at the school with two of her students when the weather was poor. She especially loved Music and Drama, and family and friends have enjoyed many stories about the annual concerts and festival competitions. On July 6, 1942 Margaret married her high school sweetheart, Carl Henry (Hank) Anderson who was a research scientist with Canada Agriculture. They lived on the Canada Agriculture Research Stations in Beaverlodge and Fort Vermilion, and moved to Swift Current, SK, in 1963 when Hank became the head of the soils research section. Following the death of Hank in 1977, Margaret remained in Swift Current until her move to Calgary in August of this year for greater family support. Margaret was a fine musician who taught piano and voice to countless students over more than 50 years. In addition to her membership in the Registered Music Teachers’ Association, she sang in the choir at First United Church in Swift Current, directed the Children’s Choir, and worked in various capacities within the church - most notably the UCW. The Saskatchewan Choral Federation recognized Margaret with “The Golden Note Award” presented to her on September 11, 1993, for over twenty-five years of active service to the choral arts. In addition to her musical interests, Margaret was a member of Eastern Star and served on the National Board of “Save the Children - Canada” for many years. She was an avid reader, a gardener, and an advocate for fitness and nutrition. She also loved the visual arts and was involved in most aspects of the Arts Community in Swift Current. Her interest in politics and the welfare of others grew from her childhood family experiences, and from watching and listening to her father speak in the House of Commons in Ottawa, as the member representing Edmonton North for the Progressive Party from 1921 - 1935. This interest extended to the international scene. She had a curiosity about the world and world events, and was able to visit five continents in later life, including a trip to China with friends when she was well into her eighties. Most of all, Margaret was a loving wife, mother and friend. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a determination that enabled her to overcome obstacles. She will continue to be an inspiration to us all. Margaret is survived by her five children: Karol Dabbs (Donald), Donald Anderson (Katy), Bruce Anderson (Dianne), Kristine Anderson (Rick), John Anderson (Irene) and grandchildren Travis, Tom, Mike, Cody (Jessie), Jim, Elizabeth and Liam Anderson. She is also survived by her sister Mary Jones (Jerry), nephews Donald and David Jones and their families, niece Lee Anderson and nephew Ted Anderson. Margaret is fondly remembered as a second “Mom” to many and as a valued companion to her many friends. The family would like to send special thanks to the many capable, respectful and considerate caregivers who have helped Margaret and her family over the past seven months. Thank you to the Swift Current Cypress Hospital staff, to Swift Current and Regina EMS, to Saskatchewan Air Ambulance, to the staff of the Regina Pasqua Hospital, to Swift Current Home Care, to the staff at the Bentley in Swift Current and to the wonderful staff at the Beverly in Calgary. The kindness and support of Mom’s many friends has been incredible and has helped us all throughout this time. A Memorial Service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held at First United Church in Swift Current (223 3rd. Avenue N.E. S9H 2G6) on Saturday, November 14th. at 2:00 P.M. with a reception to follow. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First United Church Memorial Fund, or to a charity of choice. Email condolences may be sent to kdabbs1@mac.com