Obituary of Margaret Newsted

NEWSTED ~ Margaret Joan Newsted of Maidstone, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully in the Maidstone Hospital surrounded by family on Friday, April 26, 2013 at the age of 94 years. She is loved and remembered by 4 children: Sharon (Eugene) Elash, Andy (Carol) Newsted, Gloria Fehr and Gordon (Marlene) Newsted; 13 grandchildren: Gene (Sherri) Elash, Michelle Watson, Scott (Corinne) Elash, Diedre (Brian) McDonald, Chelene (Kurt) Freyman, Kirk (Rachelle) Newsted, Kyle (Kim) Newsted, Melissa Newsted (Brian Wesson), Joanne (Brian) Blanchette, Brian (Jennifer) Fehr, Brett (Michelle) Newsted, Kris (Steven) Higgins and Kelly (Sean) McGilvery; 31 great grandchildren: Justin, Michael, Melina, Daemon, Cordelia, Akima, Daegan, Kaelin, Devrie, Presley, Halle, Keyara, Kamryn, Aspen, Atley, Kahlaya, Lauren, Mason, Lucas, Kalei, Nyah, Lane, Cole, Chance, Ty, Chase, Ashtyn, Drayson, Landon, Jerica and Ward. She was predeceased by husband, Alf in 1995; and son-in-law, Wayne in 2008. Mom was born in Lashburn, Saskatchewan on May 29, 1918 and grew up in the Idanell district, south of Maidstone. After attending school in Maidstone and Idanell she went to Victoria, B.C. to work. Mom married Alf Newsted, her childhood sweetheart, in Duncan, B.C. on December 28, 1942. After Dad returned from the war, they began farming south of Maidstone where they raised their 4 children. As a farmer's wife, Mom milked cows, gathered eggs, delivered meals to the field and worked in the garden which she diligently preserved for the winter. Having 4 children meant Mom was always busy cooking, baking buns and treats, sewing, cleaning, driving children to school, watching hockey and tying figure skates; which continued into the next generation. Later in life Mom was able to enjoy belonging to the Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the Bridge Club and visiting with her huge family. Mom and Dad enjoyed their time at Loon Lake, traveling to Hawaii, Florida, Victoria and numerous places in their motor home. Mom's mother instilled in her that "you always keep your hands busy" so she crocheted and knitted up until the day before she was hospitalized on April 2. Now, all three generations of her family are enjoying pieces of her work. The funeral service for Marge was conducted from Maidstone United Church on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Ean Kasper officiating. Margaret Bubel gave the eulogy and Frances Wright played the Organ. The honorary pallbearers were all her grandchildren, great grandchildren and all those whose lives Mom touched. Interment followed on May 1 at the Maidstone Cemetery. Donations in memory of Marge may be made to Pine Island Suites or to a charity of the donor's choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks Thank you to Anne (her Den Mother), Home Care staff, Maidstone Hospital Doctors, Nurses and staff, Reverend Ean Kasper, United Church Choir, United Church Ladies for lunch, Margaret Bubel, Frances Wright, McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., and to all friends and family that sent flowers, baking, food and made donations.