Margaret Purdy

Margaret Purdy passed away in Coaldale, AB on April 19, 2021 at the age of 104 years. She was born in Winnipeg on July 23, 1916. She was the youngest of 6 children born to James Purdy and Wilhelmina Mikulecky.

She is survived by her daughter, Lee Noel, and grandchildren: Carla (Stuart) Parker, Michael (Karren) Noel, Lizanne Fernhout, and Deborah Noel.  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Dylan, Maya, and Hayley Parker; Kennedy (Victor) Arevalo, Madeline, Jacqueline, Camille, Andy, Gabrielle, and Thomas Noel; and Nicholas (Ella) and Jake Fernhout; as well as great-great grandson Asher Arevalo.

As a centenarian, Margaret was fond of saying that she was “a bit of an antique” and outlived many family and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Zaruk, son-in-law Gordon Noel, and siblings James Purdy, Wilhelmina Patterson, Clarence Purdy, Pearl Nancollas, and Harold Purdy. 

Margaret lived in several cities across Canada including Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Lethbridge but always returned to Winnipeg which to her was home.  Of most importance to Margaret, were her family members, not only her children and grandchildren but also her siblings and their families. Many of these relatives were recipients of her entertaining typewritten letters. Her life’s work was genealogy research and she compiled a treasure trove of historical documents from these efforts. Margaret was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a special gift of reaching out to others, especially the less fortunate. She brought joy to many people and will be dearly missed by family members and friends across Canada and the United States. 

A special thank you to the exceptional caregiving staff at Golden Acres Lodge and Coaldale Health Centre. 

A Graveside service will be held at Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

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