McLaughlin, Marguerite Wineva, beloved mother of a daughter Bev McLaughlin, passed away on December 30, 2023 in Calgary at the age of 86 years.
Marguerite was born September 4, 1937, in Vulcan, Alberta to Winter and Neva Speer. Spent a few years in Dewinton, and in the Reid Hill district as a child, before moving to Vulcan. Marguerite moved to Sudbury, Ontario for 8 years and worked for the Nickle Range Hotel, the Caswell Hotel, and the Sudbury Police Department.
In 1970 she returned to Calgary, Alberta, where she worked for Pacific 66, AGT, Calgary Cable Cast, PWA, IBM and Atlantis Oil & Gas. She had many roles with AGT; Commercial, Training Center, and Chinook Phone Center. She fulfilled a childhood dream by training for a Flight Attendant with PWA. She joined IBM as a Dispatch Agent, and with the encouragement of the guys, she embraced the challenge of learning the computer and applications for the job. After a layoff from O&G, she revived her career by completing the Unit Clerk course at Bow Valley College at the age of 60. She worked at various Calgary hospitals and Care West facilities, before joining AMHB/CMHA organizations at the East Clinic, Downtown Clinic and finally at the Northwest Clinic, where she retired from in 2007.
For many years after retirement, she did relief work at the NW Clinic keeping the file room organized which was one of her favorite tasks, and vacation coverage at the Foothills Hospital till she was 80 years old. She cherished the friends she made while working in the Downtown, and NW Clinic. She deeply enjoyed her times with the “Whistle Stop” gang, who met in High River for lunch. She very much enjoyed eating out with friends and family. She specifically spoke fondly about her trip to Deadwood, South Dakota with friends, and the few bus trips she took to Moose Jaw for the hot springs and the bootlegger’s Tunnels. She always enjoyed a road trip, long or shore, like to Banff Hot Springs.
Her last place of residence was at Dreamview Village in the community of Hawkwood in Northwest Calgary. I believe this was her dream home with a balcony, East morning sun, and a bay window. When not at home she enjoyed excursions to High River to visit with her Mom’s friend Virgina, and play a few hands of crib, which she won most of the time, and shared lots of laughs reminiscing about the old days and stories about her parents.
Marguerite and Bev spent a few years’ worth of Mother’s Days and Christmas’ in Radium Hot Springs. When mobility became an issue, they started visiting the Fairmont Hot Springs in Invermere, BC, in the spring and fall/winter, from winter of 2017 to spring of 2023. They had many laughs about people’s curiosity of what they were doing by the side of the pool for many hours; playing dominoes as the snow fell on their heads.
Marguerite enjoyed attending theatre performances and for many years the Alberta Ballet. Marguerite also worked as an usher at the SAJA.
Marguerite was a strong, independent single mother, and a consummate professional. Her mind was very sharp despite recovering from a stroke on October 6, 2022, and was able to reminisce about her life and careers with great detail.
Marguerite was predeceased by her parents Winter and Neva Speer, brothers Orville and Allyn Speer, and sister Eileen Honeyman.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 11 AM at the Vulcan Lodge Hall (231 Centre St) and Inurnment in Vulcan Cemetery family plot.
If friends desire, tributes could be made to the following charities:
Canadian Cancer Society – Uterine Research
https://cancer.ca/en
https://support.cancer.ca/site/Donation2
Heart and Stroke Foundation
https://app-hsfdonation.heartandstroke.ca/
Alberta Cancer Foundation
https://my.calgaryhealthfoundation.ca/page/108135/donate/1?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI55vP-ajJgwMVjSytBh3r1wzEEAAYASABEgJDYfD_BwE
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/get-involved/ways-to-give
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca/ We Remember.
Bev, I am so sorry for the passing or your beloved mother. I didn’t meet her, but I know how much you cared and loved her. You were a wonderful daughter. My sincere Condolences.
I met Marguerite when she began working at the hospital and we kept in touch after she retired. I will miss my lovely friend, Marguerite, especially the mischievous twinkle in her eyes, our discussions regarding the prairies, farming, cowboy culture, the arts, her love of ballet, and her love of her daughter, Bev. To me Marguerite was a wise and kind woman. We enjoyed laughing together. She was a gift!
-In remembrance
By Marj Moon
Bev, I am sorry to hear about your dear mom’s passing. I wish I had met her, but I feel like I know her a little through you.
I know this is a difficult time, so please let me know if there is anything I can do.
I am keeping you in my thoughts. Hugs.
I remember Wineva very well .. her daughter and my oldest one are the same age … her parents and family were very good friends of my mother and dad..so sad to hear she has passed on she was a very energetic person and a very hard worker..you will be missed my friend.. RIP
What an incredible career she had! I am sure Marguerite is the best flight attendant heaven has ever had. God has asked her to come and work her wings there!
Blessings and sincere condolences!
I remember “Winks” from so many years ago when she came back to Vulcan to visit. I have thought of her off and on over the years. She was a very sweet lady and will be sadly missed by anyone that got to know her.