MARGARET ANNE YUILL

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With heavy hearts, we announce that Margaret passed away on 4 December in Winnipeg at the age of 85.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents Verna and Clarence, her brothers Ken and Tom, infant son Darren, and son James. She is survived by her son Dean, daughter-in-law Diana, grandchildren Eric (Gurmeet), Brandon (Haley) and Cody, great-granddaughter Sadie, sister-in-law Patricia, nieces and nephews Roberta (Bob), Joanne (Doug), Kevin (Iris), Chris (Mandy), and Cara (Frankie), and many more in her extended family.

“Margie”, as she was known to most, was raised on the family farm north of Portage la Prairie. She would often talk of the people who worked on the farm, extended family and neighbours, the seemingly endless summers at nearby Delta Beach.

She left high school early for the big city of Winnipeg, training as a Registered Nurse at Misericordia General Hospital under the Misericordia Sisters. Being the youngest trainee, she was always under the watchful eyes of the Sisters… not so watchful, mind you, that she didn’t sneak away at times and have fun! She often told stories of storms, emergencies and crises during her training. Graduating in 1960, she served in many Manitoba institutions, including Brandon General Hospital, Grace Hospital, Luther Home, Middlechurch Home, and Deer Lodge Hospital. She worked in mental health care, emergency, surgery support, on various wards, and geriatric care. She defined herself as being a nurse.

She knew sorrow and endured with grace. Her sons had health complications, which she persevered with humour and resolve. When Dean and James were still very young, her infant son Darren was born with a fatal heart defect, yet she was home within days to continue caring for her family.

Margie was a survivor. After a major heart attack and open heart surgery in 1982, she was unable to continue her beloved profession of nursing. In spite of all odds and many more serious health challenges and scares over the years, she outlasted even the most optimistic expectations. She knew her limits, but then challenged those limits, allowing her to maintain an active life almost to the end.

She got to enjoy life. In the 1980s, she and friends spent glorious vacation time in warm southern destinations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. She visited relatives and friends in Arizona. She visited friends and relatives on Vancouver Island. In 2006, she went with Dean and Dayna on the trip of a lifetime, to England and Scotland, tracing her heritage. One memorable stop was to the Lanark Museum, where she found evidence of Yuill family history.

Margie loved to travel. For many years, she drove to and from Calgary or Red Deer (often non-stop), to visit James and family. She visited Dean at his home in Phoenix in March 2015. As late as this past August, she travelled to Three Hills, Alberta to joyfully attend the wedding of her grandson Brandon.

She took classes in ceramics, furniture refinishing, and calligraphy, learning to make pottery gifts, to restore old wash stands, and to do fancy writing with a fountain pen for signs, posters, and greeting cards. She made her own clothes for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, and also for James and Dean when they were young.

Margie loved Delta Beach. The Yuill cabin at 32 East was a refuge from life’s troubles, a place of solace, and a gathering place for family and friends. She loved the sound of the lake at night, the pounding of rain on the cabin roof, the sights and smells of a storm out on the water.

In the last two years, especially since the passing of her beloved son James, who had been helping around her home in many ways, Margie found it difficult to maintain her independence, so she moved into assisted living. This helped immensely, as the burden of cooking and cleaning was relieved, and she was able to slow down and enjoy her new surroundings and new friends.

The family expresses its sincere thanks to the staff and residents of Portsmouth Retirement Residence, who welcomed her warmly and assisted her when she needed it. The family also wishes to express its gratitude to the staff of Grace Hospital for their care and compassion in her final days.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 31 January, 2026, at St. Charles Headingley United Church, at 110 Bridge Road, Headingley. The service will also be live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel, St. Charles Headingley UC.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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