Obituary of Margaret Harper

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret (Effie) Harper at Luther Retirement Village in Waterloo on September 24, 2016 at the age of 91. Daughter of late Ivan Mowat and his wife Emma Miller. Beloved wife of the late John (Jack) Harper, and predeceased by her sister Joy. Survived by sister Glennys (Bob); loving mother to Darryl (Sandy), Robin (Carol), Murray (Rosemary), Alan (Glory); grandmother to Tricia, Jennifer, Laura, Andy, Jill, Debbie, Katie, great-granddaughter to Fiona and Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Margaret was born and raised in northern New Brunswick in Restigouche County. As a young adult before she went into nurse training at Montreal's Royal Victoria hospital, she boarded with the Harper family in Campbellton, N.B. She exchanged letters with their oldest son Jack, serving overseas during the Second World War. She finally met Jack in person in February, 1945 in Montreal where he was recuperating from serious wounds incurred in France. On her birthday the following January she received a diamond ring and marriage proposal from Jack (married December, 1946). Over the next nine years, four boys were born. Marg resumed her nursing career at Montreal's Catherine Booth Hospital in the mid 60's. In 1970, Marg, Jack and the two youngest boys moved to Kitchener. Marg worked at Kitchener's St. Mary's Hospital for close to 20 years, the latter years in the emergency department with colleagues she had very fond memories of. After Jack passed away in 1998, Marg involved herself in volunteer activities at the Breithaupt Community Centre and at Trinity United Church where she was a member for 45 years and developed many friendships. She and her good friend Ted Johnson volunteered at the "Out of the Cold" program for several winters that followed. For the past seven years, Margaret has enjoyed her stay at the Luther Village Retirement Home in Waterloo. Heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary Luther Village staff whose care and attention made Margaret feel safe and loved. Also a very special thank you to Sheila Brown for her friendship and incredible support to Margaret. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Margaret during a Celebration of Life Reception on Monday, October 3, 2016 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo. Condolences for the family and donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com