Margaret Frances Walsh was born August 20, 1928 at Queen Victoria Hospital in Yorkton, SK. She was the only child of Michael and Agatha (nee Hanis) Mroske. Margaret grew up in Hamton, SK and attended Mennofeldt School there. After graduating, she worked full-time at the Hamton General Store. At age 19 Margaret moved to Yorkton and began working at the Hudson Bay Company. She also became an active member of St. Gerard's Church and joined the CYO Youth Group. Years later, she joined the newly formed Catholic Women's League and was a Charter Member. In 1948 she met Philip Walsh and they wed in 1949. The couple moved to the Walsh farm and farmed for many years. They had seven children; six sons and one daughter. Margaret worked very hard on the farm during those years but always took delight in socializing with family and friends. She was known for her hospitality and anyone who drove out to the farm was treated to an abundant, delicious meal. In 1986, Margaret and Philip moved into Yorkton and Margaret took great care of Philip as his health declined. After Philip passed away in 1987, Margaret enjoyed spending time with her family and doing volunteer work at Yorkton Home Care and Yorkton Union Hospital. She also volunteered at hall functions at St. Gerard's and served refreshments for the Catechism program. She made many of the Christmas decorations that still adorn the church during Advent. She also worked briefly at the Party Store. Margaret attended daily Mass over the years and always enjoyed the coffee dates that followed. Margaret did some traveling with friends and relatives and in recent years, enjoyed her winter trips to B.C. to visit family. Margaret remained stoic and positive during her illness until passing away peacefully surrounded by family on March 1, 2013. Margaret is predeceased by her parents Mike and Agatha, her husband Philip (1987), and two infant grandsons (Kevin and Kirk). She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Donn (Grace) of Kamsack, Pat of Black Diamond, AB (Mary) of Saskatoon, Clare (Nola) of Yorkton, Lyle (Brenda) of Yorkton, Blaine (Carol) of Yorkton, Joan (Ray) of Mission, BC, and Kelly of Elkhorn, MB. Her grandchildren: Michael, Carrie, Trent, Sean, Ryan, Craig, Gwen, Colleen, Barbara, Glen, Joanne, Christine, Tom, Lori, Shea and Logan and her 18 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by Gladys Walsh, Maple Ridge, B.C., close cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret will always be remembered for her elegant style, her sharp wit, her loving devotion to others and her life-long, steadfast faith in God. The Prayer Vigil Service was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2013 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK with Father Francis Hengen officiating. The pianist, Lorraine Lysak and other members of St. Gerard's music ministry led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "This Alone", "Psalm 25", "Hail Mary: Gentle Woman" and "Holy God We Praise Thy Name". The Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK with Father Francis Hengen officiating. The pianist, Pam Yaremko and other members of St. Gerard's music ministry led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "This Day God Gives Me", "Psalm 23", "On Eagle's Wings", "Song of the Angels" and "Mighty Lord". The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Michael Walsh, Trent Walsh, Craig Walsh, Glen Walsh, Tom Walsh and Logan Velestuk serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
