Margaret Dickson

Margaret Dickson

(nee McAlister)

January 31, 1936 - July 9, 2025

Margaret Dickson passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025 at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre in Selkirk, Manitoba.  

Margaret was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on January 31, 1936 to Edward and Sarah McAlister, of Carrickfergus, N. Ireland.  She was the youngest of seven sisters.  Tragically, Margaret’s mother passed away shortly after her birth.  As a result, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Henrietta and William Hannah, of Belfast.  Growing up, Margaret formed a strong bond with her cousin Ella.  Since Ella lived next door with their grandmother, it was common for Margaret to go back and forth between houses.
 
Margaret loved spending time at the ocean. She and her friends would travel up the coast, going from Belfast to Carrickfergus.  They would collect periwinkles along the rocky coastline.  After cooking them, they would use a pin to pull the tasty morsel out of the shell.

Despite being uncommonly shy, Margaret loved to tell stories of her adventures as a child; racing gliders down city streets, blowing up a tube of toothpaste in the fireplace, and running away from the milk delivery draft horse.

Margaret attended grade school in Belfast.  As a teenager, she became a Christian and dedicated her life to following Jesus.  She took her faith in God very seriously.  After finishing school, she started working as a weaver at Ewart's Linen Mill in Belfast where she met Albert, who was a jacquard loom setter.

Margaret and Albert enjoyed walking and would go on many long strolls together through Belfast.  After dating for a few years, Albert made a decision that would change their lives forever.  He responded to an advertisement for work in Canada.  In 1956, he made the trip by boat, across the Atlantic Ocean, and landed in Montreal, Quebec.  He started work at Caldwell Linen Mills in Iroquois, Ontario.  In the Spring of 1957, Margaret, who was still in Belfast, was invited by Albert to join him in Canada.  She accepted the invitation and made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean to be with him, telling herself that “she would try it for a year to see if she liked it”.  They were married in Morrisburg, Ontario in April 1958.  

Margaret worked at Caldwell Linen Mills for a few years until the children came along, starting in 1962.  In 1967, the family moved to Granby, Quebec where Albert worked for Dominion Textiles and Margaret stayed at home to raise the children.

In 1977, the family relocated to Arborg, Manitoba.  In 1978, Margaret and Albert, along with three other couples, were instrumental in establishing the Arborg Christian Fellowship interdenominational church.  Through the years, wherever she lived, Margaret was very involved in church activities.  She taught Sunday School and led Bible studies.

Margaret worked for Johnson’s Hardware Store in Arborg for approximately 20 years as a bookkeeper.  She also cared for a number of foster children.  She treated them as though they were her own, and kept in touch with many of them long after they had left her care.  All of them referred to her as 'Mom', even as adults.

Margaret had a lot of hobbies which included reading, knitting, cross stitch, crossword puzzles, selling Avon and decorating soap with decoupage.  She also tried her hand at millinery, upholstery and drapery.  She was never afraid to learn something new. She enjoyed the outdoors and camping.  Getting away from the daily routine of everyday life and taking the time to relax was something that she looked forward to every year. Over the years the family ended up going camping from coast to coast.

Christmas was a special time of year for Margaret.  She always prepared a nice  dinner and was dedicated to having elderly friends over so that they wouldn’t spend Christmas by themselves.  Since she had left Northern Ireland to begin a new life with Albert in Canada, and due to homesickness for the “old country”, Margaret had a soft spot in her heart for those who had no family to spend the holidays with.  Not wanting anyone to be alone, she was very generous in her invitations to have people over.  Her spirit of hospitality was evident in the countless number of guests who shared a meal or a cup of tea in her home.  If you came in as a stranger, you definitely left as a friend.
 
Over the last 10 years, Margaret’s health slowly declined, due to dementia, and after a short battle with pneumonia, she passed into eternal life on July 9, 2025.  

Margaret is survived by her children Mark (Debbie), Carol (Brad) Hogg, and Andrew (Nicole).  She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Jennica, Ashleigh, Kayley, Caitlyn (Jared), Nikolas, and Sarah (Jonah). She was predeceased by her husband Albert, on December 31, 2021. She was also predeceased by all of her sisters.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Selkirk Regional Hospital Emergency department who provided exceptional care for her in her last hours, and the Betel Personal Care Home in Selkirk, Manitoba for their excellent care and compassion through the years.

Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba at www.alzheimer.mb.ca

Gilbart Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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