Margaret Ruth Gratto (Burnham)
May 5, 1927 ~ February 16, 2018
Margaret was born in Innisfail Alberta to Edward “Ned” and Enid Burnham. Her early years were spent on the family farm west of Bowden. In her teens the family moved to Banff. Margaret enjoyed tennis, golf, hiking, swimming, riding, skating and skiing. Her passions were many: her pets, nature, gardening, photography, but she will always be remembered for her beautiful voice and love of music. Margaret moved to Calgary and trained as a medical lab technologist; she met Mac and they married in August 1950 at Rundle United Church in Banff. A few years later and three children in tow, the family moved back to Banff where she shared her love of music, teaching both voice and piano. Returning to Calgary and then on to Red Deer, Margaret continued to work as a medical lab technologist and also taught music. She was a life long learner and never stopped working at improving her skills not only in music, but in everything she took on. She strove to adopt a positive outlook in life, and was always thoughtful, accepting, and compassionate. Her family and friends have benefited by her example. In retirement, Margaret enjoyed her time at the cabin at Crimson Lake, growing and showing African Violets, playing snooker, and singing in Church and community choirs. Margaret moved in 2012 to Medicine Hat to be near family where she found great joy in spending time with her granddaughter and great-grand children, listening to music, and enjoying a cup of tea while chatting with her daughter. She will always be dearly remembered for her determination, her beautiful smile and her kind soul. Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Robert MacFarlane “Mac”, granddaughter Lacey, daughters-in-law, Patricia and Janet Gratto, her brothers, David and Michael, and sister, Elizabeth Burnham. She is survived by her children; Robert “Launie” Gratto (Deborah Flinn), Betty (John) Nagy and Murray Gratto; her grandchildren Catherine (Nathan) Dennison and Tim Gratto; great-grand children Liam and Anna Dennison; Launie’s step-daughter Joy Stillwell and her daughter Anne Marie; brother Noel (Marion) Burnham; sisters-in-law, Elsie and Dorothy Burnham and Esther Gratto, and numerous nieces and nephews. Thanks to the staff at Meadow Ridge for their love, care and compassion these past two years. As per Margaret’s wishes there will be no formal service. If you are one of her former students, please sing or play a few notes in her memory. Memorial tributes may be made on her behalf to your local humane society. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

• Date : 2018-02-16
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

1. Check all listings by this user