Obituary of Margaret "Peggy" Matheson

Margaret [Peggy] Matheson passed into the arms of her Lord on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 embraced by the love of her family. Peggy was born in Brandon in May, 1926. She grew up in the city and finished her schooling at Brandon Normal School before going on to work as a stenographer for the telephone company. Peggy met her future husband, Alec, a dashing, young military man stationed at Rivers base, at a dance and they were married in 1947.

Peggy, as the wife of an officer, was not expected to work outside the home so she became a consummate volunteer giving of her time to the Red Cross at blood donor clinics, the Ladies Auxiliary at the hospital and on various committees relating to the Anglican Church and Rotary Clubs. Some of this volunteer work ended with the birth of her first child, a son, closely followed by three more sons. She grew to become a powerful advocate for the boys, especially when it came to enrolling in new schools each time they moved to a new military base. When the boys were all of school age, Peggy resumed her volunteerism, which only ended as she approached eighty years of age.

Peggy was also a wonderful hostess and talented cook and served many delicious meals to friends and family. Peg and Alec’s circle of friends organized a Gourmet Club that researched international themed recipes (before the internet) and then created amazing suppers. What fun this group of friends had feasting on these delightful meals.

After 33 years of service, Peggy and Alec retired from the military in Shilo and then moved to Brandon. This was the agreement they made when they got married. After a life of moving with the military, they would return to Brandon to be near to Peggy’s extended family. Peggy and Alec enjoyed traveling and they visited Hawaii, Scotland [more than once], Italy and Palm Springs. They also enjoyed a cruise to Alaska so much they did it twice.

Peggy was known by all her family and friends to be very welcoming, loving, and supportive. She was a gracious and kind person who brought out the best in everyone. Peggy loved life, her family and friends, and had a beautiful and joyous smile. Peggy was the heart of the family, intelligent and strong but always caring. She had a mind for numbers and thus was in charge of the family finances. She was organized, capable and confident, and like the rest of the family she loved ice cream.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents Robert and Jane Clark, in-laws Murdoch and Catherine Matheson, brother Bert Clark, brother Norman and wife Sheila Clark, sister Ina and husband Mike Morson, and sister Jean and husband Lloyd Thomson, brother-in-law Brum Matheson, and by her husband Alec.

Peggy is survived by sons Dan [Judy], Bruce [Sheila], Gordon [Marie], and Murray [Karen], sister-in-law Doreen Matheson, and grandchildren Sarah, Robert (Louise), Kelsey, Brittany (Patrick), Scott (Amanda), Graeme, Kristine (Chris), Stuart (Sandra) and Andrew. Peggy also leaves 10 great grandchildren to cherish her memory. She also leaves behind 10 nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fairview Personal Care Home for taking such good care of Mom throughout her stay.

Peggy’s ashes will be interred in the columbarium at St. Matthew’s Cathedral where she will rest with her beloved Alec.

The funeral service for Peggy will be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, 403-13th Street, on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., to be followed by refreshments and fellowship at Westridge Community Center, 32 Willowdale Crescent, Brandon.

Donations in Peggy’s memory can be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation Auxiliary, St Matthew’s Cathedral (Altar Guild) or to the charity of your choice.