Margaret McLean

McLEAN, Margaret November 8, 1914 - November 27, 2010 On November 27, 2010 our beloved grandmother and matriarch Margaret McLean passed away peacefully in her sleep at 96 years of age. She was a remarkable woman - tenacious, outspoken and fiercely independent. Born in 1914 in Tomahawk, Alberta to Syrian and German immigrants, Margaret's happy childhood was shattered with the sudden death of her father at age five. She and her five siblings moved with their mother to Edmonton, where several years later, she was introduced to her future husband, Jim McLean at a local dance hall. He was a lousy dancer, but possessed many other charms that impressed Margaret and she married him in 1933 at the tender age of 19. Together, they settled in Seba Beach, a small town nestled on the western shores of Lake Wabamun. Margaret loved country life and busied herself gardening, tending to animals and running after her two boys - Stanley, born in 1935 and James (Bud) the following year. Margaret loved to play cards and played often with friends and neighbours. Later in life, she and her husband Jim opened Pineridge Golf Course in 1972, where she did everything from baking to bookwork. Margaret was always on the move traveling frequently to Hawaii, Las Vegas and even traipsed around Europe on a trip abroad at the age of 86. When she lost her driver's license at 90, she refused to go away quietly and surprised the local instructor by signing up for lessons. Soon after, she re-tested and was given her license back at 91 years of age. She leaves behind her son, James (Bud), grandchildren, Heather (Michel), Leslie (Alan), Wade (Maureen), Melody (Rob) and James (Jennifer), 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild born on the day she passed. Margaret is predeceased by her son Stanley, husband Jim and siblings Hommed, Mona, Selma, Salema and Buster. Thanks to the staff at Devonshire Village who cared for Margaret this past year. To honour Margaret's wishes a private memorial service and scattering of her ashes will be held at a later date.