Margaret Rose Frederick

It is with great sadness we announce that Margaret passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family near and far, on Friday, September 9, 2022, at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. She was 91 years old. 

Margaret was predeceased by her parents Mary and Michael Grendovich, her husband Frank (1999) and older brother, Jim (2015). Left to cherish her memory are her children Fred (Sheryll Golden) of Richmond, Virginia; Ken (Denise) of Regina; and Joanne of Regina. She is also survived by two sister-in-laws: Pat in Vancouver, BC, and Sheila in Saskatoon. Mom is also survived by two dear cousins Mary and Ella in Calgary, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including her lifelong friend, George Thompson, who was like a brother to her.

Mom was born on July 31, 1931 in Bienfait, Saskatchewan, and grew up in a coal mining community nearby owned by the M & S Coal Company. She went to Taylorton School, which was located between M & S and Taylorton, and attended school up to grade 11.

While living at home she met Frank Frederick, originally from Humboldt, who ran the trains that carried coal to nearby communities. They were married on June 20, 1953, and moved to Unity, Saskatchewan, a short time later. They eventually made their way to Regina and built a home, family, and beautiful life together.

She loved being a stay-at-home mom and was entirely content with managing all the details and responsibilities that came with being one. She took great pride in all that she did, whether it was making a delicious meal, hanging clothes outside to dry in the breeze, or planting and tending to the garden, flowers and yard. Mom was always generous with her time, attention, and other resources. So many wonderful memories include the food that Mom cooked, baked and prepared...all generously sprinkled with her special ingredient, Vitamin L (love). Her borscht and Italian meatballs are legendary.

After Dad retired, he and Mom were able to enjoy time in Mesa, Arizona, for many winter months and also travelled throughout Canada and the USA. She continued to enjoy travel with her children for many years after Dad passed away. Some of the destinations included Las Vegas, Virginia, Vancouver, Mexico and Havana, Cuba.

Mom was a purveyor of the simple things in life: routine, predictability, regular phone calls with family and friends, reading the Leader-Post every day and solving the Jumble, laundry on Monday mornings, getting her hair done on Fridays, and only mustard on hotdogs. She loved the Blue Jays, Riders, Montreal Canadiens, carrots, potatoes, raw onions, perogies, geraniums, peonies, her neighbours, her grand-dog, Anne Murray, waltzing with Dad, Benny Hill, Mr. Bean, and a nip of Scotch. Believe it or not, she had the same stove and fridge for over sixty years and both were in mint condition! Most of all, she loved Dad, their three children, and their partners. 

Mom lived in the house that she and Dad built on Minto Street until August 2021, when she moved into Marian Chateau. Although it was tough for her to leave her home of over sixty years, she settled into her lovely suite and started making new friends. Unfortunately, her health continued to decline and Mom needed additional care and support. She resided at Trinity Manor for the last few months before being admitted to Palliative Care at the Pasqua Hospital.

A heartfelt thank you to the following people, places and organizations:

• Mom’s dear friend, Marian, who accompanied her to appointments, called, visited, sent cards and letters, and was so very thoughtful;
• Mom’s neighbours on Minto Street who kept watchfully caring eyes on her for many years, which helped allow her to stay in her home for as long as possible;
• The various Home Care Nurses who cared for Mom;
• Everyone at Marian Chateau;
• The staff at Trinity Manor, who cared for Mom during her worst of times;
• The M.A.I.D. program, for offering an end to her suffering, which was not enacted due to the rapid progression of her decline
• The wonderfully compassionate and skillful Palliative Care Team.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the RCMP Heritage Centre. Interment will happen, on an undetermined day before the celebration of life, with only family attending.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation or a charity of your choice, in honour of Margaret, will be appreciated.