Obituary of Margaret Daniel

Margaret Catherine Daniel passed away at Lloydminster, Alberta on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the age of 77 years. Margaret is survived by: her children Carrie (Byron) and their daughter Sara; Darren (Toni)Daniel and their children Jackson and Kyle; daughter Sandra Daniel; sisters: Mary (Bruce) Sutherland and Diane (Richard) Landerl; brother-in-law Huey McKenzie and numerous nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by: her parents William and Emma Cameron and her sister Myrtle McKenzie. The Memorial Service for Margaret will be conducted from the Grace United Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10:30 AM. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of choice. EULOGY OF MARGARET DANIEL Hi everyone, my name is Yvonne Babey I am one of Auntie Margs’ nieces. I want to thank the family for asking me to share this account of Auntie Marg’s life. I said to the kids the last time I was up here the only words I had to speak were “I Do”, so this is a stretch. Auntie Marg was a planner and she had made very detailed notes on how today would unfold. So Auntie Marg I hope I can do you proud. Margaret Catherine Daniel (Cameron) was born on March 30th, 1939 in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan to Bill and Emma Cameron. She was the second oldest of the four sisters. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Emma and her sister, Myrtle. They grew up on a farm north of Greenstreet, Saskatchewan. She enjoyed her time at the Albion School from grades 1 to 9. She shared many stories of getting to school by horseback and all the adventures that allowed. She lived with Helen and George Morlidge for her high school years of grade 10, 11 and 12 at Lloydminster High School. She really enjoyed high school and participated in many of the school clubs. She had a full social life and loved to laugh. During this time she worked part time at Hale’s Department Store. She was able to take Secretarial courses during her high school years and that helped her get a job in Edmonton after school. She adored her time working in Edmonton at the Alberta Government Personnel office in the Parliament Building. She always spoke of these 4 years in Edmonton with such pride, joy and freedom. Her independence meant so much to her. She was very proud that she bought her first washing machine herself while in Edmonton. She returned to Lloydminster in 1961 and married Stan Daniel. They spent a year in Camrose and her first daughter, Carrie was born there in 1963. But the call of Lloydminster which was home was always there and they returned to Lloydminster where her other two children were born, Darren in 1965 and Sandra in 1966. Margaret enjoyed being a stay at home mom to her three children. She was a devoted and present parent. There were always birthday parties, homemade Barbie clothes , trips to the lake and holidays with family. She loved to visit her parents on the family farm. She always loved style and had a great knack for creating and putting together stylish outfits. Mary remembers from the high school days Auntie’s white poodle skirt with black poodle appliques complete with saddle shoes and bobbie socks. Her children were often found wearing matching dresses made by her.   Education was very important to her and she encouraged all the kids to pursue their interests. She was very proud that Carrie achieved a Bachelor of Education degree at the U of S; Darren attended Lethbridge Community College completing Renewable Resources Management and Sandra obtained a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from the U of S. She particularly loved her sisters, Myrtle, Mary and Dianne, they had many memories of their fun growing up and all the high-jinks and freedom they had. From going to dances and dancing all night to playing ball. She often spoke about walking over to her Granny Patmore’s place. She adored her parents and spoke about them with pride and love. All the sisters had jobs at home. Aunty Marg wasn’t too fond of milking cows though and there were some farm chores that she didn’t love, so Myrtle and Mary took care of these. At heart she was a lady through and through. Aunty Di remembers that suppers were her and Aunty Marg’s job. Aunty Marg and Aunty Di had a special bond, which likely began when they had to share a bed growing up. Aunty Di remembers moving in with Aunty Marg in Edmonton and that she always made sure she had birthday cake. She cherished her sister time. All four sisters loved to go to the dances and the Cameron girls were popular avid dancers. The brother in laws, Hugh, Bruce and Richard held a special place in her heart and she especially enjoyed the teasing that always ensued at family get togethers. Throughout her life she will be remembered as a very classy woman who loved clothes, shopping and spending time with her sisters. She just had a knack of knowing how to put things together. She revelled the trips to Edmonton with her sisters. They had a day of fun, shopping and always ended with a “nice” lunch. As Aunty Marg’s children grew and they moved to an acreage, they became involved with horses, 4-H and showing. This was a family hobby that still continues today. Margaret was fully involved in every aspect of this. She had an excellent eye for a good quality horse and fully supported her children in this endeavor. A favorite part of this past time was her design and creation of the horse show clothes. She chose the fabric, the seamstress and the style. She just had that gift of knowing how to create interesting and stylish outfits. She always made sure her children had the best horses and clothes that she was able to provide. She loved that the Jackson, Kyle and Sara all have their own horses and she liked to hear of their experiences with their mounts.   She spent 28 years of her working life at Sears Canada in the Accounting and Catalogue areas. She really enjoyed this and it was more than a job for her. She found lifelong friends and a sense of community that was positive, fun and even paid her. Her warmth and genuine kindness made this a perfect work situation for her. She had many life long relationships with staff and customers. Her existing coffee group includes many of her Sears friends. She treasured her life long friendships. The love of dancing continued as Aunty Marg so enjoyed square dancing and it also led to her other love of picking the appropriate outfit. She enjoyed the socializing and making of new friends that went along with it. Margaret loved being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, Jackson, Kyle and Sara. She doted on them and particularly loved taking them shopping for clothes. No surprise here. They of course loved it too. Jackson lived with Grandma (who he called G-Ma) for 1 ½ years and he often called her his “moral compass.” She would not hesitate to shake her finger at him if she thought he was doing something she didn’t think was quite right. I too remember the finger wagging growing up whether it was directed at us kids or at one of her brother in laws. She also did this with great humor. She attended most of Jackson and Kyle’s school performances and she even remembered the Lloydminster High School Cheer at Kyle’s football games. She enjoyed shopping with Sara and often mailed clothes and cheques to Calgary telling her to get something nice for herself. Kyle’s words to describe Grandma were kind, wise and the best Grandma a kid could have. Margaret adored her little black and white Boston Terrier, Mindy. Mindy was great company in her later life. Mindy was a strong minded terrier and the kids were all a bit scared of her. She only listened to Aunty Marg and she was a great comfort to her in so many ways. They enjoyed many walks. Mindy would vacation at Darren and Toni’s and she will now be living with them. One of the acquisitions she had later in life was her beloved car. She adored her Cadillac mostly because it was so stylish and she found great freedom with this car. She just loved it! She would travel to watch her daughter Sandra show her horse. Auntie Marg was immensely proud of Sandra’s success with her horse. Another request of Auntie Marg was that there be 50 roses here today. There were to be white to represent innocence; cream for appreciation; yellow for friendship; red for romance; peach for gratitude; pink for sweatness and lavender for charm. All qualities Auntie Marg held in the highest regard. As we sat around the other night with the family sharing stories I asked each of them to give me “one” word that popped out when they thought of Auntie Marg. This is the result: So how best to describe the life of Margaret Daniel. She lived well with grace and great humor and style. She had this humble kindness and she was quick to help and connect with people. She was particular, a perfectionist and selfless. She had strength and resilience in spades. She valued independence and her freedom. Classy, elegant, generous, gracious, thoughtful and good hearted. She always meant well and always saw, hoped and wished for the highest good. Lastly, she could laugh. Laughter from its purest kindest place of joy, and the simple pleasure of being alive. A life well lived on her own terms. In closing, I would like to say to you Carrie, Darren and Sandra your Mom was very proud of you and your families and loved you to the utmost. Your success was her success!!! She honoured herself and was content. Toni asked me to share a poem that Auntie Marg had given her when she lost her Mom. She has kept it for 15 years and feels this was Auntie Marg.   The love of a wonderful Mother is something that always lives on; filling the days with sweet memories; long after her presence is gone; you still feel the warmth of her caring; her wisdom will never depart; for the love of a wonderful Mother; forever lives on in your heart. Thank you.