Margaret Blades

1927~ 2021

Margaret passed away peacefully on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the age of 94, beloved wife of the late George Blades. Mom was born on November 17, 1927 in Purewell, Christchurch, England. She met George, a Canadian Airman serving in England during the War, at the movies and they were married in Christchurch in June 1945. Mom was proud to be a British War Bride and, newly married at the age of 17, she sailed on her own from Southampton, England to Halifax and then travelled by train to Medicine Hat where she was welcomed by in-laws whom she had never met. She then waited for George to return from War. During that time Mom met another British War Bride, Eileen Clark, and they became lifelong friends and kept in touch until the time of her passing. Mom loved flowers and loved to garden and was proud of her house and gardens and was able to stay in her own home until the time of her passing. Although she could not garden anymore, she loved to sit on her balcony, feed the blue jays and always had fresh cut flowers in the house. She loved to read, knit, crochet and all kinds of crafting. Mom was blessed to have many good friends and loved to spend time with them, golfing, bowling, playing bridge, going to garage sales and visiting over a cup of Cappuccino. “Grandma” loved chocolate – especially British Cadbury Milk Chocolate Bars – a taste she passed onto her Grandchildren who could always count on there being a cupboard dedicated to chocolate and mints during their visits. She looked forward to Family Dinners ending with playing cards at which she always seemed to win. Mom enjoyed many vacations with family and friends including return visit’s to her family in England; travel to Europe, Ireland and back to the UK; trips to California, Texas and Hawaii, as well as many holidays throughout Alberta and BC. Mom worked in the ACL at Redcliff Glass Factory, Hawrelak Drug Store, Salvation Army Thrift Store and was a Drape Seamstress. She was a member of Gordon Memorial United Church, Ladies Evening Circle, War Brides of Canada Association and Redcliff Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Mom leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Shirley (Alan) Akers, their children Kristin (Brian) Weighill (Samantha, Carter and Charlie) and David (Veronica) Akers (Tristan, Elizabeth and Annabelle) all of Calgary; Sharon Kirvan of Redcliff; Sheila (Dwayne) McFadzen of Lloydminster, their children Kurtis (Darla) McFadzen (Slade and Tryp) of Redcliff and Kelly (Kristin) McFadzen (Taigen and Rilee) of Lloydminster. She also leaves one brother Dennis Rowley and numerous nieces and nephews in the UK. She will be sadly missed by her family, many friends and her adopted British Grandson Tommy McMurtrie, whom she loved to have lunch and tea with and talk about wartime England. She was predeceased by her husband George (August 1979) and his parents Nora and Charles Blades, her parents Lily Hogarth Rowley and Reuban Rowley, brothers Reuban (May), Eric (Gladys), Norman (Gwendaline), Stanley; sisters Brenda (Norman) Fear and Dolly (Michael) Kernan; and sister-in-law Pam Rowley all of UK. The family wish to thank Dr. Lazarevic, the Home Care Aids, the staff at St Joseph’s Home and Redcliff Meals on Wheels Drivers. A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at the Gordon Memorial United Church, 401 – 2 Street S.E. in Redcliff on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Bob Cruickshank officiating.  Following the Church Service, everyone is invited to stay and share in a time of fellowship and refreshments in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s name may be made to Gordon Memorial United Church or a Charity of choice. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455 or toll free at:  1-877-528-6455.

 

• Date : 2021-11-22
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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