MARGARET CHOWN MORSE

Margaret Morse, O.M., died peacefully on April 19, 2021. Margaret was born in Winnipeg on August 28, 1925 and was predeceased by her husband, the Honorable Peter Morse, in 2018. Margaret is survived by children, Brian (Evelyn), Douglas (Sandra Roberts) and Peter McDonald; David (France Morin), Stephen Morse and Ruth (Ronald) Hermann; by grandchildren, Jenna (Phil) Neuendorff; Lauren and Matthew McDonald and Samantha Roberts; Thomas (Virginie Begin), Lawrence (Vickie Sonier) and Catherine Morse; Ashley and Nicole Hermann; by great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Harper, and Weston.

Margaret was a distinguished member of a distinguished family.  She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba and completed a Master’s program in Speech Pathology at Kent State, returning to Winnipeg to become the first speech language pathologist in the Province.  Margaret was at the forefront of speech language healthcare for more than 70 years, establishing numerous hospital clinics and working tirelessly to establish a Department of Communicative Services and Disorders at the University of Manitoba until the time of her death.

Margaret was an iconic member of All Saint’s Church, teaching Sunday school, serving in various leadership roles and fund-raising for both the Church and St. John’s College.  She had a passion for community service including Board roles with the St Boniface Research Foundation, the Victoria Hospital Foundation, the R.H. Institute, the Women’s Musical Club, and the Manitoba Historical Society.  In 1958, Margaret joined the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and played a lead role in fund-raising for art acquisition and other purposes.  She remained a staunch supporter of the WAG until her death. In 2017, at the age of 92, Margaret established an endowment through the Winnipeg Foundation, in memory of her father, Dr. Gordon Chown, to support medical students, particularly those of indigenous backgrounds.  She had established the Margaret Chown Fund previously to support various community causes.  In 2020 Margaret was awarded the Order of Manitoba in recognition of her contribution to her profession and Manitoba society.  In 2021, she was chosen to receive the Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer award, further recognizing her contribution to Manitoba.

Margaret inspired and supported many.  She gave to her family, friends, and community continuously and, when faced with challenge, stated simply; “This too shall pass”.

Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Winnipeg Foundation, Margaret Chown Fund. A celebration of her rich life will be held once restrictions on travel and gatherings permit. In the meantime, Margaret’s family kindly requests that her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by visiting her tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. Memories and stories published by those who knew her, are available there.

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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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