Margaret Ruth Mannix

Margaret Ruth Mannix, nee Farquhar, died peacefully on February 3, 2016 at Saanich Penninsula Hospital ECU surrounded by the family she loved. Ruth celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends on January 26th. George Mannix, her beloved husband of 68 years, died January, 2015. She was born in Victoria and lived in Saanich all her life. Ruth was predeceased by her brothers Bill (William), Gordy (Gordon) and parents Betty and Will Farquhar. She is survived by her sister, Helen and brother-in-law Stan Penner of Calgary, sister-in-law Kathy (Mannix) Parry of Winnipeg, and sister-in-law, Barbara Farquhar of Pitt Meadows. Mum is also survived by her children Julie (Larry) Kirzinger, Len (Glenda) Mannix, Matt (Lorraine) Mannix, and Elizabeth Mannix. Also surviving Ruth are her grandchildren, Sarah (Michael), Emily (Chris), Nolan, Megan (Brandon), Roland (Kari), Spencer (Jessie), Jordan, Kevin, Lauren, great grandchildren, Audrinna and Theodore (Teddy). Auntie Ruth is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Ruth met her husband, George Mannix when she was a young teacher and he was home in Victoria on leave from WW2. They began a lifelong journey together, marrying in August, 1946. Mum was always busy doing things with Dad, volunteering, learning new things, saving old things, gardening, preserving, needle arts, Sunday dinners and marking all special times with a gathering. She celebrated Fall with leaf parties, Good Friday with a hike, beach picnics, and everyone's birthday with cake and candles. In their retirement Ruth and George enjoyed extensive traveling, visiting cousins, old friends and making new ones. Mum saw just about every place in the world on her bucket list. Ruth showed an early aptitude for academics graduating from Mt. View High School at 16. She attended Victoria College and Provincial Normal School from 1942-44 at Craigdarroch Castle. She taught at several Victoria schools in the 1940s and 1960s. Ruth always enjoyed attending and organizing school reunions. Ruth was the historian for Mt. View for many years, honorary lifetime member of the Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society, The Victoria Highland Games Association and the North and South Saanich Agricultural Association. Mum's last year was brightened by the caring staff, residents, families and the accessible garden at SPH. Funeral Services and reception will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 2 pm at First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saanich Peninsula Hospital Extended Care Unit or Center for Brain Health, Vancouver, B.C.