With her family close by her side, Margaret Bethel Miller, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 24, 2006 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Bethel was born March 15, 1917 in Hawarden, Sask. to Herb and Margaret Jerry.
Mom’s working career was varied. She worked at local restaurants, Arc Industries, and retired from La Verendrye Hospital 24 years ago.
Bethel lived life to the fullest. Most important to her was her family; she took pride in her eight children, 24 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Ever the adventurer, Bethel loved to travel with her family and always was excited to find a new relative to add to her family tree. She quite often could be found walking her dog, “Trixie,” kicking up her heels at dances, or at Sister Kennedy Centre playing cards and helping out Friday mornings.
She will be remembered for accepting people for who they were, and for opening her heart and her home to others.
She is survived by her children, Henry Miller (Joan), Janice Miller, Bob Miller (Denise), and Josie Miller (Randy Ryan), all of Fort Frances, Ont., Tom Miller (Orla) of Nakusp, B.C., Marg Miner (Mel) of Dryden, Ont., Jim Miller (Sophie Pierre) of Cranbrook, B.C., and Betty Miller of Ottawa, Ont.
Also surviving are her sister, Josephine Beaton of Chilliwack, B.C.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Bud Jerry; sister, Anna Jerry; and granddaughter, Betsy Miner.
Visitation took place Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers were her grandsons, Willie Miller, Kip Miller, Dan Miner, Barry Miner, J.P. Miller, and Nathan Miller.
Honourary pallbearers were all of her grandchildren and friends.
In memoriam donations may be made to “Just Imagine” C.T. Scan campaign or the Community Chest, c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
“You can Cherish Her Memory and
Let It Live On”
You can shed tears that she is gone, or
you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that
she’ll come back, or you can open
your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you
can’t see her, or you can be full of the
love you shared!
You can turn your back on tomorrow
and live yesterday, or you can be
happy for tomorrow because
of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she’s
gone, or you can cherish her memory
and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind
be empty
and turn your back, or you can do
what she’d want: smile, open your
eyes, love and go on.