Margaret Grace Moore

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Margaret Grace Moore, 86 years of Watrous and formerly of Simpson, SK, at Manitou Lodge, Watrous, on Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Margaret was the first child of William and Nellie Walker. She was born at Imperial, SK, where her father was working at the time. The family lived in Tadmore, where Margaret attended school until grade 9. She took her remaining high school years in Sturgis, where they moved to a new house there, built by her dad. After high school, Margaret worked as a nurse's aide in Yorkton, then attended Teacher's College in Saskatoon. It was during this time that her younger brother was tragically killed in a car accident. 

Margaret taught for two years at Willowbrook, took some more schooling in Saskatoon, and then started a new teaching position at Simpson in the fall of 1961. During this time, she met a local farmer, Ralph Moore, and they became engaged at the end of the school year. They married on October 6, 1962. Margaret began her life as a farm wife, first living in Simpson, then moving to the Moore farm on highway #15 in 1964. They had three children, Charles, Leonard, and Elizabeth. 

Margaret enjoyed her very large garden, which fed the family year-round. Asparagus, peas, raspberries, and much more was often shared with neighbours. She also canned several kinds of store bought fruit every fall. The second garden grew enough potatoes to feed the family twice a day, all year. There was always an abundance of bread, buns, pickles, pie, and delicious slices in her kitchen. Margaret raised chickens for many years, and for a while, turkeys as well. With the exception of one cat that Elizabeth managed to briefly have in the house, all cats were relegated to the barn. But they were the best fed barn cats around! Margaret enjoyed sewing, taking some classes in the 70s. With children in the school band, she sat on the Band Parents executive for many years. 

Margaret and Ralph made several trips to England over the years, keeping in touch with not only the Moore relatives, but also connecting with some of Margaret's family as well. In retirement, they enjoyed trips with the antique car club, threshing demonstrations on the farm and volunteering at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. 

Margaret and Ralph left the farm in 2011 and made their home at Westridge Manor in Watrous for ten years. When Ralph went to LLVIF in Imperial in late 2021, Margaret moved over to Jubilee Court in Watrous. Her declining health meant entering a care home at Craik last September and then a final move back to Manitou Lodge at Watrous in November. Visits with her children, grandchildren, neighbours, and friends were her favourite times, all documented in the well-known guest book. (Don't you dare forget to sign that!) 

Predeceased by her brother Fred in 1958, her parents William and Nellie, grandsons Michael and Russell, and her husband Ralph in July 2022, Margaret is survived by her children Charles (Sheila), Len (Tracey) and Elizabeth (Mike); grandchildren Jenna, Sarah (Trevor), Amanda, Sandra (Anthony), Andrew, Mariah (Evan), Leah (Brady), Alex, Riley (Owen), Jake, Madison (Myles), Jesse (Brittany), and Meagan; great grandchildren Lily, Rose, Beckham, Deklan, Zarah, and Tyli; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours, and friends.  

A Celebration of Life for Margaret was held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Simpson Community Hall, officiated by Rev. Betty-Lou Skogen.  Interment will follow at a later date at the Simpson Cemetery.  Memorial donations in Margaret’s memory may be directed to Simpson Rink (C/O Robert Oakes, Box 441, Watrous, SK, S0G 4T0).