MARGUERITE LEMIRE

MARGUERITE LEMIRE 1930 – 2025
Our beloved Matriarch, Marguerite Germaine Agnes Lemire (nee. Arnal) affectionately known as “Gran” or Auntie Marge, passed away peacefully at Riverview Age Care in Medicine Hat, AB on February 12, 2025, surrounded by love. She blessed her family with more than 94 amazing years!
Born on November 10, 1930, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan to Clement & Olive Arnal, Marguerite was sister to 3 brothers, Clarence, Raymond and Clifford. Marge married Bob Lemire, Sr. on July 19, 1952, in Eastend Saskatchewan.
Marge’s first years were spent growing up on the farm north of Ravenscrag. She helped her dad with his custom combining operations, travelling to Kansas. She later worked in Regina for T. Eaton Co. and as a study supervisor at North Bench school before marrying Bob Sr. in 1952. Together they raised 9 children in the communities of Orkney, Claydon, Val Marie, Manyberries, and Ravenscrag, before the family settled in Claydon, SK again in 1973.
Marge was postmistress in Claydon for many years which she ran concurrently with “Marge’s Grocery”. In 1995 after Bob passed away, she retired from Canada Post and moved to Medicine Hat where she worked along side her daughter-in-law Mary at their clothing and craft consignment store.
Marge was a very accomplished knitter. What started as a necessity to clothe her large family soon became a creative outlet. Every child and grandchild, as well as many others, has been the recipient of beautiful sweaters of all kinds and colors (with their favorite animal on the front and back, sweaters with beautiful designs, pull over sweaters, zipped sweaters, shawls and even capes). She has also knit numerous baby blankets & sweater sets (including bonnets and booties) mitts, hats, scarves, slippers, socks and dishcloths and large afghans. She spun and dyed her own wool and taught beginner to advanced knitting classes. If it could be knit, she could do it.
Sewing was always a great love of Marge’s. Her children continue to brag that as youngsters most of their clothing was hand made by Mom. She was a very accomplished seamstress who made at least 5 grad dresses, 4 wedding dresses and numerous bridesmaids and flower girl dresses. She was also the go to for clothing repairs and alterations for many friends and neighbors.
Marge has always loved to entertain and cook and bake. She has even compiled 4 family cookbooks! Bread, cinnamon buns,100s of donuts for school fund raisers and her chiffon cakes were the BEST!
While living in Val Marie, Marge noticed that there was no fellowship opportunities for women in the church. She worked with the priest and other interested women to bring the CWL to the Catholic church in Val Marie, becoming their first President.
As the only girl in her family, she formed a very special bond with her Lemire sisters-in-law.
Family was her strength; unconditional love and kindness her superpowers! No friend, family, or stranger ever left her house hungry, thirsty or lacking love, creating a lasting Lemire Connection legacy.
Marge’s life’s work was her family. She leaves to mourn: Bob Lemire Jr. (Mary), Bernie Lemire (Karen), Roberta Wheeler (Roy), Corrinne Hassett (Ken), Marc Lemire (Jackie), Jeff Hyam (widower of Cathy), Bernice Lemire (widow of Denis), Yolande Kuystermans (the late Arnold), Rochelle Christie (Charlie), her baby brother, Clifford Arnal (Brenda), her in-laws, Margaret Arnal, Lionel Lemire (Alice), Maurice Lemire (Pat), Alice Hammond (Maurille), as well as 26 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended and “adopted” family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Louis Joseph Lemire Sr.; her daughter, Cathy Hyam; her son, Denis Lemire; her son-in-law, Arnold Kuystermans; her brothers, Clarence and Raymond Arnal; her granddaughter, Lynn Hassett; her grandson, Tyler Wheeler; and her great granddaughter, Reese Hassett.
Funeral mass for Marge Lemire will be on Feb 28 @ 2:00 at St Pat’s in Medicine Hat. Mass will be followed by a time to honour and pay tribute to her life and of course, lunch!
Interment will take place at a later date in Ravenscrag, Saskatchewan.
Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Grace Memorial Affordable
Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440