Obituary of Margaret Belbin

Margaret Belbin 1925 - 2016 Our spirited and life loving Matriarch is gone! It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Belbin, who died on Thursday, January 7, 2016. She passed away peacefully at home, just the way she wanted, and has joined her adored husband, Jack, who passed away in 2001. Margaret is survived by her children Heather Schaan (George Busser), John Belbin,and Cynthia Mate (Tony); and grandchildren: Coreena (Spero),Cecilia (Chris), Jay,Charlie, Mallory and Louis: great-grand children: Skylar, Izzy, Zachary, Alyssa, Kasi, and Sidney. Mom had some very special friends Agnes, Dorothy, Anna, Rita, Madeleine, Del and the Dillons. Margaret was born in Portage la Prairie, MB February 5, 1925. During the hardship of the Great Depression, the family moved back to Scotland but found it was not much better there and returned to Portage la Prairie. In 1947, she married Jack. The family experienced life in various parts of North America following Jack’s mining career. Margaret made the most of the moves, developing cherished friends and memories: Churchbridge, SK; Saskatoon,SK; Black Lake, QC, Fairdale, West Virginia; Sussex, NB; and then retired back in Saskatoon to be closer to family. She was always an avid sports fan especially football, baseball and curling. They traveled a bit, returning to West Virginia, New Brunswick, Scotland as well as a Caribbean cruise and Alaskan cruise. Mom enjoyed her house and yard. She always did handwork: crocheting, knitting, sewing and counted cross-stitch , which she was still able to do after her stroke. She signed those projects “one handed”. Her final years were spent at Villa Royale, where she was very happy and enjoyed the staff and friends made there. No matter the circumstance, Margaret always had a quick smile, a great wit and the ability to see the goodness in the world around her. A particularly strong attribute was an aspiring ability to derive joy from the simple things in life. She set a great example in being content with what life hands you. She will be sorely missed.