Obituary of Margaret Evelyn Ackroyd

ACKROYD: Margaret Evelyn Ackroyd (nee Murray) passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington, Ontario, on February 27, 2019 at the age of 94. Margaret was born in Brandon on December 9, 1924. Margaret spent her early years on the farm at Beresford, then her family moved to a farm, south on 17th Street East. Margaret finished her schooling at Cornwallis School. The family moved into Brandon in 1941. Margaret met her future husband at a dance for service men, where she was a hostess. Margaret married Brant Ackroyd on April 14, 1945. Most of their married life was spent in the Brandon area. Margaret worked many retails jobs including Brown's Drugstore, Kresge's, and Bargain World. In 1967, Margaret and Brant moved to Virden and managed Bottomley's Furniture. Upon Brant's passing in 1971, Margaret returned to Brandon where she was the assistant manager at Chez Cloth. When it closed, Margaret worked at Reesor's Jewellers until her retirement in 1989. In her early years, Margaret enjoyed playing softball, just being on the farm, square dancing, bowling in the A&W five pin league, and she also volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Margaret was an active and dedicated member of Naomi Rebekah Lodge #6, having been initiated an April 6, 1964. She was Past Noble Grand, Past District Deputy President, Past President of Mandak LAPM. Margaret also held the position of Chaplain of the Rebekah Assembly of Manitoba. While living in Virden, Margaret attended Crocus Rebekah Lodge. Margaret forged many friendships, near and dear to her heart while in the Rebekahs. She will be so missed by her fellow Sisters. In her retirement years, Margaret travelled several times a year to visit her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Margaret is lovingly remembered by her children, Jack (Mo) of Vernon, BC, Greg (Sheri) of St. Albert, AB, Susan of Burlington, ON, Brian (Jackie) of Winnipeg. She also leaves to mourn her passing her brother Roy (Lori), her son-in-law John Kachan of Calgary, grandchildren Nancy (Terry) McNeill of Calgary, Brianne and Cari Slawson of Burlington, Connor and Regan Ackroyd of St. Albert, great grandchildren Jared and Cayley McNeill of Calgary, sister-in-law Joan Ackroyd of Mississauga, and several nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Brant, daughter Ellen, parents Roy and Lois, brother Jack, sister Eileen and brothers-in-law Roy Ackroyd and Bert Blake. A Memorial Service will be held at the George Brockie Fellowship Centre, (Brockie Donovan), 332-8th Street, on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Memorial Eye Foundation, Box 132 – 4025 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, R3R 3V5.