Margaret was born on the family farm near Speers, Saskatchewan. She was the fifth of six children to Robert and Marjorie Cunningham.
Margaret was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at 14 years of age and this diagnosis would shape her life in many ways. Remarkably, she was recently recognized for more than 75 years of insulin dependence.
Margaret enjoyed a long career as a teacher in Outlook and Leask, Saskatchewan and Okotoks, Alberta as well as several years specializing in ESL teaching in Calgary, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic and Edmonton.
Margaret was amazing at connecting with people. Even as her memory was fading it was important to her to introduce everyone at her table and include everyone in the conversation. She was always interested in discussing politics and current events.
In July 2017, Margaret was found in a diabetic coma, after which she moved from living independently to a lengthy hospital recovery, assisted living, and dementia care with several hospital stays. She had many challenges due to diabetes.
She became our greatest teacher. We learned patience, empathy, determination, and forgiveness. We did our best to navigate the many layers of acute, geriatric and dementia care before, during and after the pandemic.
We are very thankful for the amazing care Mom received in her final years and days.
Margaret leaves her family; Leslie Barron (Richard Kilpatrick), Alex Barron (Kim Mullaney), Robert Barron, Katrina Comfort, Greg Barron, Nikki Smith, Duncan Houssian, Vivian Lau, Monty Houssian, Jameel Houssian, Debbie Barron, and sister Esther Shroeder.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Marjorie Cunningham, Her siblings: Jack (Darlene) Cunningham, Laura (Norman) Sherrer, Dennis Schroeder, Carole (Bob) Norrish, Isabelle (Alfred) Hockenhull).
In lieu of flowers, donations to juvenile diabetes research are greatly appreciated.
https://jdrf.akaraisin.com/ui/donateJDRF/donations/start?
Alex I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a great teacher, and one of the few teachers that made me feel like she actually cared about each student.
Our thoughts and condolences to you and your family in your loss.
Aunt Margaret was an amazing, talented woman. I always looked up to her growing up as she had this exotic air about her which I found fascinating. She encouraged me to see a bigger world and to pursue my dreams. I always admired her sense of style as she had exquisite taste in clothes and fashion. She even allowed me to borrow her mink paw coat to wear to a winter wedding I was invited to, when I didn’t have a proper coat to wear. She had a big heart and I’ll never forget her kindness toward me.
Long time no see Leslie.
Sorry to hear about your mom.
Sending you hugs. ❤️
I remember picking raspberries from her backyard and making jam with her. She taught me to play piano, and ALWAYS made sure to have olives with family dinners because she knew they were my favorite. These are just a few of many great memories have with her. She was a kind and beautiful person and I couldn’t have asked for a better grandma ❤️. My condolences to all of Margaret’s other family and friends, She will forever be in our hearts and memories.
Aunt Margaret was so good to me and for me for many years. Sometimes she was like a second mother and taught me what it means to be a lady. My heart and thoughts are with you as you deal with your loss. Virtual hugs to you all. Stay strong.
Aunt Margaret had the gift of being genuinely interested in others and made us all smile. Her smile, wit and warmth defined her. I’ll miss her. She was a lovely lady.
Our condolences, Leslie , Alex and families. What a great and interesting aunt she has been.
Martin and Carol Sherrer
There is no one in this world like Aunt Margaret. She was smart, charming and attractive. She was a special person and she will always be with us. She is a part of us and gives us strength. xxx