Obituary
Ellen Margaret Trawin was born February 25, 1924 in Prince Albert, SK, second child of Arthur and Jessie Anna (Robertson) Trawin. Margaret grew up in the Belgrave area and attended Melfort High School.
While working in the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Margaret met the love of her life, Archie Groat. They were married December 4, 1943 and settled on the family farm in the Flett’s Springs district. Archie and Margaret operated the family farm for many years with Margaret as chief cook and harvest truck driver! Margaret was truly a “domestic engineer” as she cared for Archie and their children. School lunches were made for all of us every morning and supper was always on the table at 6:00 pm. Her family was the biggest part of her life.
Margaret loved her garden and there was always an abundance to share. She often said “I feel closest to God when I am in my garden”.
Margaret was a very accomplished seamstress and also sewed many quilts for her children and grandchildren. Other hobbies were crocheting, knitting and cross stitch. Her hands were never idle. Margaret’s cooking and baking skills were well known and she could always be depended upon to donate to bake sales and fall suppers.
Margaret believed in service to her community. She was a founding member of the Pathlow United Church Women (UCW) and later a member of the Ethelton UCW. She served in a number of official positions as an active member of the Order of the Royal Purple (OORP) and Order of the Eastern Star. Her knowledge and skills were passed on with the local 4-H club.
Margaret and Archie loved to square dance and were very active members of the Melfort Square Dance Club for over 40 years. They danced in most provinces, numerous US states and countries in Europe. They spent 17 winters in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying the company of many Canadian and American snow birds. They also enjoyed trips to England (birthplace of her father), Bermuda, Hawaii, France, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Germany as well as a cruise to Alaska.
Margaret was a woman of quiet, strong faith. The United Church has been a big part of their lives where she served as an Elder and contributed much to both Ethelton and Melfort charges. She raised her children with faith and encouraged them to live their lives with faith.
Margaret had many friends of all ages who loved and admired her for her kindness. She was never too busy to lend a listening ear. Her devotion to Archie, her best friend, and her family was selfless as she was worried they would all be okay when she left us.
Margaret was predeceased by her parents, brothers, William and John, and Sister Jean (Cross). She will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, Archie, and her loving family: ANNE (Bill) Robb 1. Marie (Dean) Belanger, Zachary (Cassie) Dotschkat, Benjamin, Joshua, Katelin 2. Shane (Dee), Rhett, 3. Marla, 4. Devon (Janick) Colton, Connor, Autumn, Meirah Bender, 5. Darin (Ashley) Emma Robb, Michael Collicutte JEANNE (Dale) Gress 1. Kent (Lorraine), Brandon (Abby), Austin & Zoey, 2. Kirk & Bryden, 3. Kelly (Chris) Zinger MARLENE (Murray) Just 1. Jaime (Jason) Andrusiak, Ashley, Carley; 2. Jennifer (David) Lowe, Ellis & Smith ALAN (Heather) Groat, 1. Rachael, 2. Sarah, 3. Nathan. Also sister-in-law Mildred Morrison and many nieces and nephews.
We as a family will miss her so much. She was an extraordinary woman. She is now at peace with a life well lived.
Memorial contributions in memory of Margaret may be directed to a Charity of One's Choice.
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