May 8, 2021
My mother, friend, good bad influence, partner in crime and travel, and all around life of the party, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2021 after very short battle with cancer.
Known for her big heart, infectious attitude, strength, work ethic, and loyalty, she will be incredibly missed by many. Marge was one five siblings born to Fred and Margaret Higginbottom. Her entire childhood was spent in the Elnora and Trenville communities, eventually graduating from Delburne School.
Marge also had an adopted sister and many step siblings from her mom's second marriage to Dude Hughes. She moved to Red Deer to go to college and ended up detouring to start a family.
Being the strong woman that she was, she worked many physical jobs at such places as Gray Beverage, Uncle Ben's Brewery, Drummond, etc., to support her daughter.
She also worked a variety of other jobs and professions before working at Olymel until her passing. Her farm girl work ethic was one of her greatest qualities, second only to her willingness to do anything. No job was ever beneath her.
Marge was probably the funnest person you will ever meet. She had this zest for life that radiated around her, always making a good time out of nothing. Senior scooter drag races on thanksgiving? Trying to play kick the can with the nieces and nephews while a big red dog followed her around? Even Friday night card nights with her friends or just a weekend sleepover at her parents house, she was always making things just that much sweeter.
Her penchant for bad jokes always made us laugh. Mom was many things to many people: Sister, daughter, lover, friend. As I became an adult with children of my own, she was one of my best friends, my travel partner to places where "house plants grow outside" and sometimes co-parent.
The twins are quite possibly the luckiest kid on earth because she was an excellent grandmother, with just enough sass and bad influence.
One of the most important lessons I learned from my mother was how to be a good daughter. She took great care of her parents in their later years, usually juggling home care and working full time.
Marge is survived by her daughter, Jeannie (Mac), her grandchildren, Martin and Ashley, as well as her step children and their families. She is also survived by her biological siblings, chosen siblings, and siblings by marriage, her extended family and her many, many friends.
She was predeceased by her father, Fred (1974), her mother Margaret (2019) and her step father Dude (2020).
Due to Covid restrictions, a funeral fitting for my mother cannot be held at this time.
Instead, a family and friends barbeque will be held at a future date to celebrate the unique, sassy, loving and infectious woman we all love.
Kneehill Funeral Services, Trochu, entrusted with arrangements. 403-442-2123 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Deer Hospice, http://www.reddeerhospice.com