MILNE Margaret

Passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, November 30, 2012 MARGARET HAZEL MILNE (nee Chalmers) beloved wife of the late Malcolm Stuart Milne.

Hazel was born April 28, 1921 in Drummondville, Quebec. She was from a family of nurses having graduated from the Montreal General Hospital Nursing program in 1943. She married Stuart in 1947 in St. Lambert, Quebec where they lived until moving to Lethbridge in 1982. They were happily married for 46 years providing our family with rock solid role models. Hazel had told Don when he was 10 “Heaven is what you make, Hell is marrying the wrong person”. She gave him other words of wisdom “You’ll know how to cook, clean and take care of yourself – so you marry for love not just another mother”. She added at one point “Always make sure your wife has her own money so she can buy you a gift without you knowing or leave you if you miss behave”. While those words of wisdom were not remembered by Mom in her later years – they did burn true in Don’s memory and something he is always mindful of.  Hazel is survived by her two daughters Sandra (Zac Tynes) of Mineville, Nova Scotia, Joan (Derek Lovlin) of Okotoks, Alberta and one son Donald (Janet Roger) of Medicine Hat, Alberta; step-grandchildren Julia Tynes and Josh Tynes and Josh’s 3 children; grandchildren Tahrana (Kevin Chang-Kue); great-grandson Calvin; Tighe Lovlin; Tathlina (Jeff Sutherland), great-grandsons Colton and Declan; grandchildren Scott and Ryan Milne; also Australian nephews Ken and John Baldwin and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Kenneth and Ethel (Saunders) Chalmers, her husband Stuart Milne, her sister Anna Baldwin and husband Donald Baldwin of Townsville, Australia, as well as her sister Betty Chalmers of Montreal. Our Mom was always there for family as they were truly her priority. She was quick to hop on a plane in 1982 to help out with a family health crisis in Calgary – that lead to a special relationship between Tighe and his Gran. Fortunately Dad was a great read of her and had the house up for sale when she got back to Montreal – “I’m moving west with or without you as they need me” is the way we heard. Happy wife, Happy life – Dad knew he was moving too. While Mom may have lived a quiet life in her later years – devoting her time to her flowers, raspberries and feathered friends, she did give freely of her time and self as a registered RN. She knew the heart ache of losing a friend/patient. She recently developed a special bond with the caregivers at St. Therese Villa where she spent her last days. They would find her doing rounds and checking the quality of care – once a nurse always a nurse.  She was always ready to put on a spread for family and friends and seemed to have an endless supply of apple and pumpkin pies for those impromptu meals. Cookies were often an issue though as what she thought she had hidden in the freezer would be found and devoured by the kids – “Oops sorry Mom we thought the cookies were for us!” It is really difficult to say goodbye but very easy to say thank you for all you have done for us, the values you have left us with and liberal minds you have encouraged. We love you Mom!!! Many thanks to the staff on 1 west dementia of St. Therese Villa, Lethbridge, to Alissa Nagtegaal and to the nursing staff and palliative care team of Chinook Regional Hospital. Memorial donations may be made to the 1 west dementia staff fund at St. Therese Villa, 253 Southgate Boulevard S, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 2S1. Family service to be held at internment in Huntingdon Quebec. Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com. Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd. 610 – 4 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3  Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623 Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901 www.mbfunerals.com