Margaret Millie (Nicoll) Kinniburgh
January 13th, 2017
KINNIBURGH, Margaret
After a series of complex health conditions, Margaret Millie (Nicoll) Kinniburgh succumbed (her word) to death on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge.
Born a twin, November 24, 1922, she was very shortly predeceased by her sister, Catherine Frances. Her parents, Phoebe & Bob Nicoll homesteaded near Bindloss, and their little family was completed when Robert Francis joined them in 1925. Margaret’s premature birth, along with farming during the depression, gave her a strong will to survive and the ability to make something from almost nothing. This creativity (frugality) was expressed in knitting, sewing, cooking, gardening, calligraphy, building friendships, and believing in the possible. Her life-long friendship with two of her early teachers speaks of how greatly they inspired her; reading being that which would transport her when isolation and disabilities limited her life. For many years Margaret enjoyed a strong sisterhood through UCW and was always glad to participate in church choirs, social and community activities where she was often the driver for some of the “Older” ladies in the group. Margaret and David Kinniburgh were married August 18, 1954 and had four girls and nearly 54 years together. Another premature death came when their youngest, Heather Evelyn, died July 31, 1974, exactly 10 years after her Grandpa Carmen Kinniburgh. While Calgary, North Battleford, Airdrie, Delia, Irricana, Drumheller and Lethbridge were all places Margaret made her home, the prairie (as she referred to the Bindloss area) was where she was forever from, and gladly visited family there as long as she was able. Family ties to Ontario were also strong. Margaret took her first airplane trip to Toronto in 1950 in order to visit aunts, uncles and cousins in Stratford and Sarnia, and was sad that she’d never met her Nicoll grandparents prior to their deaths.
Margaret & Dave made trips coast to coast to coast in Canada, and for many years traveled the triangle from Killam to Fort McMurray to Grande Prairie to visit the girls and their families – Catherine & Dale Sazwan (John & Courtney; Adam & Shawna); Janet & Bob Richardson (Dawn & Ryan; Doug); and Wendy & Les Hilliard (Tyler & Michelle; Sarah & Trudy; Jeff & Ashley). The girls are now living in Grande Prairie, Stettler, and Monarch, respectively; and the grandchildren are spread from Alberta to Newfoundland. Along with the immediate family, she is survived by brother and sister-in-law Jim & Kris Kinniburgh; and sisters-in-law Leona (Ling) Nicoll; Reenee Kinniburgh; and Eileen Kinniburgh; cousins, nephews, nieces, dear friends, peers and caregivers. Predeceased by her sister, daughter and husband, many others have gone before Margaret: her parents Bob & Phoebe (McDonald) Nicoll; in-laws Carmen & Edith (Hawkey) Kinniburgh; brother Francis Nicoll, and nephews Glen & Paul Nicoll; brother & sister-in-law Percy & Marj Kinniburgh.
Margaret’s life and faith will be celebrated at Airdrie United Church, 216 - 1st Ave, Airdrie, AB on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm.
As Margaret was devoted to mission and service, memorial donations to Red Cross, UCW and other church and community service groups, programs or projects would be gratefully appreciated.
Messages:
Sorry we couldn't attend your Mom's celebration......you'll have lots of wonderful memories to cherish in your hearts.
Jan My sincere condolence to you and your family in the loss of your mother.
Your mother was a wonderful woman and she will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will be with you in spirit on Wednesday.
We were happy to know your Mom when we were in Airdrie. We sang in the choir together but I shall always remember how she came with some of her home baked bread when we needed help. It let us know we had "family" beyond our own. A precious gift.
Jan & Bob,.Thoughts & Prayers are with you & your family.
On behalf of the staff at Edith Cavell I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. It was a pleasure for care for Margaret. She was a very kind and gentle lady.
Bob and Jan ,family Sending our blessings to you and special thoughts. Mothers always hold special memories and moments.
Wendy and Les. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. It's never easy losing a loved one. I'm sure that your mother appreciated all the long devotion and caring you gave her. The many hours, visits and concern proved to her what a thoughtful family you are. May the happy memories of time spent with your mother help you thru this difficult time. John and Pauline Martin
A life well lived!. You are in our thoughts, Jan. Terry Lee
Dear Jan & Bob, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the sad loss of your mother. From the first time we met your parents when they came to the United Church in Delia we have enjoyed their company. Your Mom was a wonderful support to your Dad's ministry and a very special and lovely lady. It is sad that her declining health necessitated her being in a care center but you family can all be proud of the care and love you gave to her. Sincerely, Keith & Gloria
My husband, Doug, and I met your Mom and Dad at Central United Church in Calgary through Traptow's and other of their friends. Our "Adult Fellowship Group" travelled to have a picnic in the church yard where your Dad was serving south of Calgary. I forget the name of the town. it was a happy time. They were such a gentle, caring, happy pair - always interested in the lives of the people they met. You have missed your Dad over these years and now will miss the caring arms of your Mother. May memories sustain you in your grief. with sincere sympathy Pat Blair
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Your Mom sounded like a wonderful lady. Be comforted by the memories and take care.
Thinking of you, Cate, at this time. Sounds like she had a long and very full life. Condolences to you and your family. Hugs to you! Ruth Estlin
Sure thinking of you Jan.... blessings Mary-Lou
Love from us in Drumheller
We are sorry to hear of Margaret's death. The United Church benefited greatly from David's ministry and Margaret's enthusiastic participation in church life. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.