1939-2020 ~ In Loving Memory of Margaret Reiss ~ Margaret passed away Nov. 4, 2020 after a brief illness.
Graduating from the University of Saskatchewan (B. Ed), Margaret taught in Moose Jaw, Kamsak and Regina, Sask before moving to Cranbrook, BC, where she taught from 1965 to 1997 at Mount Baker Secondary. So many students learned typing, accounting and the lost art of shorthand.
Retiring to Vancouver, Margaret loved living in the West End - Best Neighbourhood Ever!! Predeceased by beloved daughter, Sonya Reiss in 2019, brothers Bernie Hughes in 2010 and Jack Hughes in 2011.
Margaret leaves to celebrate her life, daughter Colette Rustad (Reiss), son-in-law Bruce Rustad, granddaughters Kaitlyn Rustad and Arielle Rustad, ex-husband and somehow still best friend, Knut Reiss, all of Vancouver, sister Edie Purich in Saskatoon, brother Dennis Hughes in Regina and other close relatives in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Germany.
A special thank you to the compassionate teams at St. Paul's and Vancouver General Hospitals, the BC Cancer Agency, Three-Bridges, Dying with Dignity and Drs. Maginn, Coetsee, Meyers, Ingledew. Your support for Margaret made her last weeks a gift.
Margaret had an incredible sense of humour and passion for music that included her love for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO)! Always a champion for education, social justice and women's and students rights, she provided a voice to those in need, as a member of the BC Teachers' Federation, and its status of women committee.
A life-long learner, she led tech changes in her profession (typewriter, computer, mobile devices) and obtained a Master of Education, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University. She had the fortune of good genes and brilliantly brunette hair at 81 years. Oft quoted to her granddaughters, "A song for everything" ".......and No, I do not dye my hair", both always brought smiles.
We celebrate your life, love and gift that was Margaret "Gram", and know your spirit remains with all who you touched, as your journey continues with Sonya and others who have gone before. Our echoes roll from soul to soul and grow forever and forever. (Tennyson)
Those wishing to celebrate Margaret's life can share a story http://www.dignitymemorial.com/ website and/or make a donation in her memory to the VSO, the BC Cancer Agency or Dying with Dignity.
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