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MARGARET ATKIN (nee RITCHIE)  Obituary pic

MARGARET ATKIN (nee RITCHIE)

Born: Oct 06, 1922

Date of Passing: Feb 08, 2014

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MARGARET ATKIN (nee RITCHIE) On February 8, 2014 Margaret Atkin passed away peacefully at the Riverview Health Centre at 91 years of age. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Percy, her parents, Gibson Ritchie and Christina Kelso Ritchie, and her brother-in-law Bill Perchaluk. Margaret will be lovingly remembered by her two children, Kathy and Fred, her two sisters, Elizabeth (John) Glavin of Vancouver, and Ethel Perchaluk of Winnipeg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Margaret was born on October 6, 1922 at Ritchfield Farm in Tummel, Manitoba. The eldest of three sisters, Margaret excelled in both academics and athletics, receiving the Governor General's Medal for outstanding achievement in Grade 12. Margaret attended United College (University of Winnipeg) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1944. She received her teacher training at the Normal School in Winnipeg and began her early career teaching in rural Manitoba and Regina, Saskatchewan. In 1948, Margaret joined the staff at St. John's High School in Winnipeg where she taught physical education for 10 years. In addition to coaching girls' volleyball and choreographing the school's Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, many former St. John's students will remember Miss Ritchie for their first instruction in ballroom dancing. Margaret married Percy Leonard Atkin, and together they built the family home in St. Vital in the late 1950s. They also maintained a residence at Flat Lake (Madsen) near Red Lake, Ontario where Percy owned and operated Fathom Drilling Inc. After raising her children, Margaret returned to teaching at Chancellor School in 1978, where she was teacher-librarian until her retirement in 1992 at age 70. Margaret was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. Her extraordinary personal work ethic and unwavering commitment to family life were unrivalled. Education always played a significant role in her life, and she shared that passion with both her husband and her children by encouraging active participation in reading, music, art, sport and travel - providing many new learning opportunities that enriched all their lives. An avid gardener, she took great pride in planting and tending her flower beds and landscaping her yard. Margaret was also an accomplished dancer who studied and enjoyed performing ballet, folk and ballroom dances. A celebration of Margaret's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14 at Thomson "In the Park", 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Interment to follow at St. Vital Cemetery, 236 River Road. Our sincere thanks to the staff of A2 and B1, and companion Cindy for the special care they provided to our mother during her time at Riverview Health Centre. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Margaret's memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald Street Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2014

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • To the family of Margaret Atkin My sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother. I volunteered in the Library for several years when my children attended Chancellor School and very much enjoyed my time there and the friendship of Mrs. Atkin. - Posted by: Beryl Lanphear (Chancellor School Volunteer) on: Mar 06, 2014

  • Dear Kathy and Fred: Remembering back to the 60's and 70's when we were neighbours on Tod Drive brings back many happy memories of children playing and of both your parents. As time passed Kathy, provided music lessons to both Richard and Carolyn and from time to time afforded visits with your Mother. She was a very lovely person in every way and I realize a close and valued friend with both her children. She had reason to be proud of you both, whom she so obviously valued very much. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bev and Bob Goodwin - Posted by: Bev and Bob Goodwin (frieend and past neighbour) on: Feb 22, 2014

  • To Fred, Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother. - Posted by: Janice Briggs (Colleague of Fred Atkin) on: Feb 20, 2014

  • My sincerest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful, caring person. It was a pleasure to work with her during those years at Chancellor. My thoughts are with you at this time. - Posted by: Belinda Kotschorek ((Library) Fort Garry School Division) on: Feb 19, 2014

  • Kathy, I was very saddened to read about the passing of your mother. Although you are a very private person, I would often pick up on the little things you would say about her. I also recall seeing you with your mother at the grocery store one day. You were quite a bit ahead of me, but I noticed how you turned in towards your mother to share a precious moment that left both of you laughing. I was quite envious not having had the opportunity to do that with my mom. There is no doubt in my mind that your mother was very proud of you. I'm sure the memories of your mother bring you much sadness at the moment. My hope is that one day those same memories will warm your heart and bring a smile on your face. My deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lise - Posted by: Lise Drake (Louis Riel School Division) on: Feb 14, 2014

  • Dear Kathy Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I know how precious she was to you and those who surrounded her. Kevin - Posted by: Kevin Mowat (Library Colleague ) on: Feb 14, 2014

  • Dear Kathy, Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. The love and devotion you showed to your mother these last few years is a great indicator of the kind of mother she must have been. Be at peace - Nell - Posted by: Nell Ududec (Colleague of Kathy Atkin) on: Feb 13, 2014

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website

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