December 17, 1938 - January 2, 2019
It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of our beautiful mom, grandmother and great-grandmother; yet we also celebrate our gratitude for the lifetime of love she shared. Margaret Elizabeth McPhee passed away January 2, 2019 at the age of 80 years. Margaret was born in Lacombe, Alberta on December 17, 1938 the second of four daughters to Madeline and Earl Gillespie. Margie attended school in Red Deer and Penhold, where she excelled academically and upon graduating was offered a university scholarship. However, life had different plans. Margie met the love of her life Norm McPhee and they were married in 1957. They began married life on the McPhee family farm and raised four children, Cindy, Norma, Russ, and Grant. Margie had a vibrant, fun personality that drew people to her and made her loved by all who met her. She cared deeply about her family, friends, neighbours and community. Her caring nature, combined with limitless energy, manifested into a community spirit that had her volunteering for many activities. These included; Sunday school, WMS, CGIT, Parent/Teacher Council and the Red Deer Westerner. In 1983-84 Margie became the second woman president of the Westerner. During this time, she was also a school secretary at South Hill school for 20 years where she was adored by staff and students alike. Margie liked a challenge and became the first woman to hold a Red Deer County Councillor position. Her final career path was as a successful real estate agent. Anyone who stopped at the farm was warmly welcomed and her hostess skills were legendary. Margie always lived life to the fullest and together with Norm, had a very active social life with family and close friends. Margie loved becoming a grandmother and all the grandchildren have very fond memories of their time with her. We all feel blessed and honoured to have been able to share our lives with such a remarkable and highly respected person. Margie will be lovingly remembered by her children Cindy Last (Tom), Norma Espersen, Russel McPhee (Colleen), Grant McPhee; grandchildren Katie (Jade), Pamela (Steve), Annette (Greg), Vicki (Chris), Krista (Karl), Brett (Rawnie), Brody (Katelyn), Graham (Sarah), Brandon (Megan), Tyler (Louise), Rebecca (Scott), Lauren (Tom) and her 18 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Gillespie and Faye Cipperly, also survived by sisters-in-law Gail Johnston, Carol Lundgren, and Barb Blanchette and brother-in-law Bill McPhee. Margie was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Madeline Gillespie, husband Norm, sister Jackie Gillespie, sister-in-law Maxine Brautigam, brothers-in-law, Fred Brautigam, Stewart Johnston and Tom Blanchette. A Funeral Service will be held for Margie on Friday, January 11th, 2019 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 4718 Ross Street, Red Deer, Alberta at 1:00 PM with burial to follow at Horn Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Margie's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto ON M4R 1K8. Condolences may be left for the family at www.eventidefuneralchapel.com.
Eventide Funeral Home & Crematorium
Service Details
1:00 PM