Obituary of Margaret Emily Lee Bourne

On April 23rd, 2014, a wonderful life ended peacefully and comfortably. Margaret Bourne was two months shy of her 103rd birthday. She was a sixth generation United Empire Loyalist, born into the Fairweather family on June 22, 1911. She was raised by her parents Percy and Christine in Rothesay, New Brunswick. Margaret delivered the valedictorian address at her Netherwood graduation, at age 17. She then earned her B.A. with distinction at Kings College, in Halifax. Returning to Netherwood, she taught Latin, Algebra, and Geometry. Searching for her calling, Mum travelled to Montreal to become a nurse. She rose to the level of Head Nurse at the Montreal General Hospital at the age of 28. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Mum was appointed Lieutenant Nursing Sister in the 14th Canadian General Hospital Overseas Unit, and survived three years of bombing in London. She returned to Canada with her new husband Munroe. Together they presided over 604 Victoria Ave in Westmount, Qc, with love and elegance. They raised three children: Robert (Denise), Richard (Donna), and Mary (John Colford). She was "Gran" to 9 grandchildren and "Old Gran" to 8 great grandchildren. In Montreal, she served as president of the "In His Name" Society and the Reddy Memorial Auxiliary. At Trinity Memorial Church, she was a choir mother, a member of the auxiliary, and a strong supporter of the cubs and scouts. Margaret and Munroe retired to New Brunswick in 1983. Mum continued her volunteer work at St. Paul’s Church, loved a game of bridge, and was a member of the Eclectic Club. She was an avid member of the Rothesay Garden Club, and was proud of her English garden at Firshade, which presented some of the finest peonies, including some that were at Firshade when she was born. Many thanks to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and her wonderful care-givers: Cathy, Marjorie, June, Rose, Pat, Donna, and Bill. With their help, she was able to enjoy her last years and final days in her beloved Firshade. We will all miss her absolute integrity, her strength, her room-brightening smile, her determination, and her unconditional love. Jokingly, we would all ask her, "Am I your favourite?" Her response: "My favourite is the one who needs me most." A service to salute this exceptional life will be held on June 21, 2014, at 3:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Rothesay. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). For those who wish, remembrances made to St. Paul's Anglican Church would be appreciated by the family.