MAATJE (MARGO) PETRONELLA MARIA MAY

After a long journey with Dementia and other recent complications, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maatje (Margo) Petronella Maria May, née van den Maagdenberg, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.

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She is predeceased by her husband and soul mate Ronald (Ron) Ernest May and grandson Austin.

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Margo leaves behind 3 daughters, Audrey (Charlie), Joyce (Richard), and Virginia.  She will be greatly missed by 9 grandchildren and their families Kyle; Janelle (Teo); Sarah (Nik) and their 4 children Rowan, Noah, Willem, and Lewis; Shannon (Justin) and their 2 children Remi and Skye; Kara; Ethan; Jennifer (Johnathon); Megan (Dakota), and Joshua. 

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She also leaves behind all of Ron’s loving family as well as her immediate and very large extended family in Holland and a local community who will not forget her.

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She was the 4th of 8 children. Her parents owned and operated a restaurant in Breda, Netherlands and she bragged about her dad’s culinary skills making Dutch croquettes and his specialty cream puffs.  She carried on those favourite treats to her children.  She also had a huge fondness for gouda cheese, cookies and chocolates which came from her Dutch heritage and her sweet tooth.

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Life is short, Eat Dessert First.

Her children were introduced to cookie sandwiches and chocolate sprinkle sandwiches for school lunches which got some strange but envious looks. They also had zero introduction to ketchup as a condiment until they were older.   It was always Mayonnaise with the French Fries. They didn’t know any different.

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In high school Margo specialized in Fashion Design. She would design and make unique outfits to wear to stand out in the crowd.  Even in her senior years, she was well known for being spotted in her yellow attire. Shoes and purses were her claim to fame.

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Margo made her way to Canada after she was married in 1958 (Adrian Van Noort) all to give their future family new opportunities in a new country.  She ‘Canadianized’ her name from Maatje to Margo, to make it easier for everyone to spell and pronounce her name.

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She had several interesting business ventures all of which she excelled – Hair dressing – she owned her own Salon, Restaurant owner (delicious food), and even Bridal Salon Owner (specializing in designing wedding gowns which were impressive to say the least).

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After almost 25 years of marriage, Margo found herself single and used her resolve to press on.  She spent a few years in Vancouver to be near her first grandkids (her oldest daughter had twins).  

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Margo eventually returned to Winnipeg where she had a second chance at love. She married Ronald May at the age of 70. They met at their favourite past time, bowling. They were married for 10 years before he passed.  Those were truly some of her happiest years.

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Following the passing of Ron, Margo was diagnosed with Dementia and so began the journey of a long and winding road of change that no one should have to travel.  

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She’s Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Mom, our hope is that you are now dancing with Ron, as we remember you at your wedding. Thank you for instilling in us your values of hard work, your giving nature, and your unique humor. You were one of a kind. Rest in peace. We love you.

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A private family interment of her ashes will be held where she will be reunited with her beloved Ron.

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We wish to extend a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, including the Monday night support group.  Their assistance over the past several years helped us to navigate the unfamiliar road of Dementia. Thank you care workers at Oakview Place who made a special effort to make mom feel at home. Thank you also to the Grace Hospital for their care, perseverance, and compassion.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

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Margo's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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I will be your God throughout your lifetime—

until your hair is white with age.

I made you, and I will care for you.

I will carry you along and save you.

Isaiah 46:4

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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