MARGARET-ALLISON SYMONDS

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MARGARET-ALLISON SYMONDS

(nee KILLEN)

It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, sister, and mother Maggie.

She leaves behind her husband of 57 years, Malcolm; two sons, Christopher and James; sister Janet; grandchildren, Amy, Anna, and Ryan, their mother Jenny; brothers-in-law, Kenneth and Bruce. She was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Margaret.

Maggie was born at Winnipeg’s St. Boniface Hospital in 1944. She attended Churchill High School, graduating in 1962 and then went on to train as a Registered Nurse at the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated in 1965 and began working as a general duty nurse.

On the 1964 May long weekend at Clear Lake, she met Malcolm, her future husband, who was in the Royal Canadian Navy taking advanced flight training at CFB Rivers. They were married in October 1966 and settled into the military professional and social life at HMCS Shearwater in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Maggie quickly adapted to the role of “Navy Wife” and even became part of operations when she joined the base hospital as a registered nurse. She enjoyed this very much except for when the daily aircraft crash communications exercise bell rang, especially when she knew her husband was flying. She worked extremely well with the military personnel and Malcolm quickly became known as “Mrs. Symonds’ husband”. In 1968, pregnancy and health issues demanded that she leave Shearwater and work part-time at the Dartmouth emergency clinic until her first son, Christopher, was born. During this time, “normal” life was similar to most military wives; dealing with the extended absences of spouses on operational deployment and having to run a household by herself. This she did with skill and humour, and the help of the other navy wives.

In 1969, the family was transferred to HMCS Esquimalt in Victoria, BC. Here she was able to live near, and get to know her in-law family in Vancouver. In Victoria, they bought their first house and had their second son, James.

In 1971, the family moved back to Shearwater with an interim stop in Manitoba for a helicopter conversion course for Malcolm before moving on to naval helicopter operations. Although Maggie had family time with both sets of her parents, she was extremely glad to be in Nova Scotia again. She was back to being a navy wife with all that that entailed.

In 1974, the family left Nova Scotia and moved to Winnipeg. Here she became a part-time nurse at the Municipal hospitals and a full time homemaker and hostess. The latter became her passion as she became a fantastic and adventuress cook. After the boys grew sufficiently, Maggie went to work full time, first at Versatile Industries as the Staff Health nurse and then at the Victoria General Hospital. It was at the Vic that she expanded her education, influence, and competence by completing her Infection Control Practitioner certification.

Throughout her adult life Maggie endured a series of painful and debilitating conditions. She met all of them with a stoicism and humour that amazed all who knew her well. Even with these constraints, Maggie was always the leader, organizer, and chief cook for some of the most amazing group and family gatherings. She had a great appreciation for the many friendships she made across Canada.

She also enjoyed traveling and, with Malcolm, went to Great Britain to visit relatives, on Caribbean cruises, vacations throughout Canada and the US, and especially to see her grandchildren in Illinois.

As time went on, Maggie’s dystonia became more disabling. It became difficult for her to remain independent and to stay at home. In April, 2020 she was transferred from the Victoria Hospital to the hospital ward (2 West) at the Riverview Health Centre. She adapted to her new home during the COVID outbreak. She loved the staff on 2 West. They went to great lengths to make her life easier and more comfortable. As an example, Maggie always liked to keep track of the exact time of day; so, when staff member Rose put a bright red clock on the wall next to her bed, she was delighted. She was always expressing how fortunate she was for the wonderful staff who looked after her. She also enjoyed the visitors she received and was especially happy on the occasions she was able to go home for summer parties with her family and close friend Ilana (and her dog Brianna never left her side).

She will always be remembered as someone who loved life and had an appreciation for its humorous side. She will be missed and loved forever.

In accordance with her wishes there will be a private family graveside ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2023, Nov 18, 2023