Obituary of Mary Margaret McGown

MARY MCGOWN: Mary was born on May 16, 1925 as Mary Margaret Cragg to Vernon and Myra Cragg; she was the baby sister to brothers John, Vernon & Adam. Mary's father was a teacher and taught Mary how to play the piano, she also taught herself how to play the violin, guitar and mandolin, she had an ear for music but also taught herself how to play by notes. The family lived in Vancouver and they then later moved to Arvilla, Alberta where they farmed. Bill and Mary married in 1946 and moved to North Battleford. Bill worked for Herman Forry in the carpentry industry, and through Herman they bought 60 acres of land by Belbutte, SK. They survived like many pioneers by picking wild berries, growing a large garden, and milking cows thus earning a cream cheque. Bill and Mary also earned money by playing for dances. Mary volunteered her time by playing for church services, funerals and weddings. Bill and Mary had four children Marilyn, Brian, Larry and Kenny. Kenny passed away at the age of 20 years. Mary worked hard shoveling grain, driving the tractor, truck, she did whatever had to be done. Mary raised chickens, ducks and geese, her one treasure was a white horse named Jimmy. Mary sewed many outfits with only needle and thread before having a sewing machine. She carded wool from the sheep, knitting siwash sweaters, socks, and many comforters. Mary also thought she should become a hunter and tried to shoot a bear, but luckily for the bear he was only wounded. Mary had a pet skunk who drank out of the cat's dish on there porch. Mary loved nature, mountains, trees, flowers, horses, cats and all wildlife. Mary enjoyed her many visits from all her grandchildren, she was an avid gardener, she joined the horticulture club in Spiritwood, thus getting awards for her garden. Mary was a member of the Belbutte Ladies Club which is still active today. Mary went on trips to Vancouver, Disney Land, Branson, the Maritimes and the Portland Rose Festival in Portland Oregon. Mary purchased several new vehicles which gave her the freedom to travel on her own after her husband passed away in 1991. Mary later moved to the Rose Gill Lodge at Rabbit Lake, she made many new friends and entertained the residents by playing the piano and violin. Mary then moved to the Spiritwood Health Complex, she participated in all activities including playing music for many church services. Mary passed her passion of music to her family which hopefully will keep going for years to come. Mary had so very little, but what she had she treasured. Mary was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, August 31st, 2009 ~ 2 p.m. from the Belbutte Full Gospel Church, Belbutte, SK with Pastor Leigh Sinclair as officiant, the eulogy was read by Yvette McGown, the music was directed by Carolyn Voss and the Soloist was Phil Marion, the honorary pallbearers were Members of the Belbutte Ladies Club, the pallbearers were Gordon Turnbull, Raymond Gatzke, Bert Friesen, Merle Berg, Lloyd Johnson, Don Voss, Evelyn Turnbull and Alma Latus. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her children Marilyn McGown of Battleford, SK, Brian (Yvette) McGown of Spiritwood, SK, Larry (Joanne) McGown of Regina, SK, her grandchildren Mary-Lynn (Blair) Cross of Spiritwood, SK, Becky (Barry) Bossaer of North Battleford, SK, Alvin Loewen of North Battleford, SK, Gary McGown of Saskatoon, SK, Lori (Kent) Wolowski of Carrot River, SK, Russell (Crystal) Paul of Edmonton, AB, Janaya (Wayne) Stevenson of Warman, SK, Gavin (Brandi) McGown of Rouleau, SK, numerous great grandchildren, her brothers Vernon Cragg of Quesnel, BC, Adam Cragg of Surrey, BC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband William McGown in 1991, her son Kenny McGown, her parents Vernon and Myra Cragg, her brother John (Mary) Cragg, her sister's in-law Nesta Cragg and Betty Cragg. Mary was laid to rest in the Bapaume Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Idylwild Lodge Activities. Beau"Lac" Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. E-mailed condolences may be sent to www.beaulacfuneralhome.com