Margaret Shirley (Chalmers) McBurney April 10, 1934 – May 25, 2024
With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Margaret Shirley (Chalmers) McBurney. Margaret was born in Brandon General Hospital 90 years ago. She had just celebrated her 90th Birthday party at the Bayside Room in Killarney. She passed from this life, May 25, 2024, with her family by her side.
She was the oldest child of Herbert and Daisy Chalmers and older sister to Bill. She received her early schooling and started piano lessons, in the Harrow School District. By Grade 9, she attended Earl Haige School where she took more advanced piano and voice lessons from Aleta Grant, a well known musician in Brandon at that time. Through Aleta Grant, Margaret also was inducted into the “Schubert Choir” instructed by Dr. Schultz of B.M.H.C. They sang and dramatized the Gilbert & Sullivan operas like “H.M.S. Pinafore”, “The Pirates of Penzance”, “The Mikado”, “The Yoemen of the Guard” to name a few. She was also involved in musical performances in the Collegiate Choir in grade 12.
Margaret graduated High School and went into nurses training in September of 1952. She & her class of 12 earned their caps at a “Capping Ceremony” for these new Registered Nurses, at the Anglican Church at the corner of 1st and Louise. They were very proud of those “caps” which enabled them to start working as full-fledged nurses for $7.00 a month, $8.00 the second year, and $9.00 the third year.
She met Bill McBurney and they were united in marriage, June 14, 1956, and from that union were born 5 children: Shirley, Leona, Spencer, Garnet and Barbara.
She was also involved with the Women’s Institute, in the Westhall District, where the farm was located. She continued her nursing career, working in Souris and at Hartney.
Margaret kept up her musical career, being asked to sing at many weddings. She also became the church organist at the Elgin Baptist Church, the Evangelical Free Church at Deloraine and played for services at Bayside and Cartwright PCH facilities.
Her husband Bill passed away July 30, 2000 and one son, Spencer, in 2019. She was retired from nursing and lived alone on the farm for a few years until moving to Killarney in 2005 where she was closer to some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, all who were so very dear to her, whether they lived near or farther away.
She was very deep in her faith, attending Calvary Baptist Church regularly. There were always family gatherings and outings with her kids’ families, and her crosswords, books and kryptograms to keep her busy. Among them all, was her Bible. She studied regularly and learned and memorized many Psalms and bible verses, which brought such comfort to her in her final years.
Margaret is survived by her brother William, Adult children: Shirley, Leona (Grant Gillies), Garnet and Barbara (Karl Cameron), grandchildren Brad (Laura Gillies), Kevin Gillies (Grace Boyd), Braeden (Julie), Madison (Shawn Ahmad) Benjamin and Brooklyn Cameron and two great grandchildren: Regan and Karra Gillies; also one Sister-in-law Moyra McBurney. She was predeceased by her parents, husband William and son Spencer.
Funeral service was held at the Calvary Baptist Church, Killarney on Monday, June 3, 2024. Private interment in the Elgin Cemetery.
Her deep faith in Christ is what she hopes to pass on to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As Matthew 25: 23 states: “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
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I had Margaret as a nurse many years ago and she stood out as being very gentle and kind. She was not rushed and took her time looking after me. I never forgot her kindness.
I did housecleaning for her for a few years—- it was more about visiting than cleaning. She was such a great friend— I will miss my visits. Rest in peace my friend
We are so sorry to hear this news. We will also always remember your mother as being a kind compassionate nurse. Please accept our condolences.
Deepest condolences to you all
My sincere sympathy in the loss of Margaret. Such a lovely lady , a wonderful nurse. She will be missed by her family and friends. Always enjoyed my visits with her and was so glad I got to nurse with her in Souris.
Although we never met Margaret we know she will be missed by her loving family. Our thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow.
Such a nice lady with a warm smile, I always felt welcomed in her presence. My deepest sympathy.
Cathy Phair
Our sympathy to you all. Such a wonderful lady. Always a smile for everyone! And an amazing nurse!
So sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a kind lady and a good neighbour on the farm. Sincere sympathy to the family.
Your mom was such a kind and thoughtful
lady. She was an excellent nurse, always calm and capable. So happy to have seen her in Killarney not very long ago. She still had that same smile and though the visit was short, I was glad to have seen her again. My condolences to all Margaret’s family. I’m sure you all have wonderful memories.
Sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was a wonderful, compassionate nurse. I loved going to your place growing up!! We had many adventures, and you mom welcomed everyone with open arms!! She is an angel now, looking after her family! Thinking of you all, Cyril and Kate Druwe
My sincere condolences to the McBurney Family. I had the pleasure of boarding with Margaret’s in-laws when I moved to Souris in 1961. Some fond memories of my time with the McBurney family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I remember her in church, always a big smile. It is very comforting knowing she believed, she is safe and made new with Our Lord. The world needs more kind and gentle nurses what a lovely legacy to leave behind along with many memories for you all. A beautiful long life to celebrate.
Garnet and Barb, your mother was a joy at school festivities. She had great kids.
When my son,Steven, was born, your mother was the nurse who walked him out to the car. She had a big smile on her face. She was so warm and friendly.
My thoughts are with you
Jerry Araujo.
Dear Shirley, Leona, Garnet and Barbie,
With sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mum. She was such a lovely lady and good neighbour to Mum and Dad. Thinking of you as you navigate this difficult journey.
Our sympathy and prayers go out to you at this time, Shirley, Leona, Garnet and Barbie. Judy and I remember your mom as a very kind, gentle and compassionate nurse. Your parents were both so interested, supportive and involved in Elgin and Souris school activities. Hugs to each of you and your families as you journey this path of grief.
I got to know Margaret attending the Calvary Baptist Church in Killarney and she was always very friendly and kind and always had time to visit
Margaret Fehr
Marg’s family. Sending you all my sympathy at this sad time, Marg was a most accomplished lady and I am sure she was a great nurse. I looked forward to our visits when she would come for her dos, you will have wonderful memories to look back on and cherish, much love to you all. Betty Hicks.
I, too, had her as a nurse at the time my children were born. Words about your mom that come to mind: warm, loving, caring, and compassionate! What a wonderful legacy to leave behind!
I had Margaret when I had my first baby . She was a wonderful nurse. I was glad I had her! Condolences to the family