Margaret Alice Isaak

MARGARET ALICE ISAAK Margaret Isaak died on the morning of Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the age of 92. We will remember her wholehearted Christian faith, her love of family, her work and her home life. She would pray for each of her children. She would have stories to share about each grandchild. Seeing her great grandchildren just brightened up her day. Margaret was born in 1930 in Crossfield, AB and grew up on the family farm. She was the daughter of David and Susanna Goerzen and had four sisters and five brothers. On the farm Margaret got her turn at doing all the jobs as she graduated into them, except jobs like haying because of her asthma. These included milking, tending chickens, gardening and canning. She had smaller hands so got to stand at the sink and clean jars. Marg also helped with the stooking, carrying water for household and garden use, herding cattle along the roads, helping her Dad make rope, fixing ailing harnesses and “helping” Dad in his workshop. Much of her working life was devoted to nursing. After graduating from Rosthern Junior College in Saskatchewan in 1949 she trained at Calgary General Hospital. Her first jobs were in Bassano, Alberta and Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. She worked at a Mennonite Central Committee unit in The Pas, Manitoba in 1954 where she met Peter Isaak. They were married in Alberta one year later. She studied for two years at the Canadian Mennonite Bible College. When they moved to Neepawa, Margaret was at home with children. She did a couple of years of casual nursing at the Neepawa Hospital during the time when the children were young. She then did part time nursing from 1969-1974, and increased to full time from 1974-1991. She alternated day shifts and night shifts, so that evenings could be at home with kids. Mom liked crafts. She had a church group in Neepawa who met for Bible study and made wreaths, dried flower arrangements, tree decorations and decorated silk scarves. She took courses in stained glass and wheat weaving and did some nice work. She loved gardening and giving gardening advice. Between an early understanding of recycling, collecting craft supplies and being ready for some indoor gardening we tried not to push too hard against the large number of milk cartons, Kleenex boxes and pine cones that she did not want to part with. Above all, she showed devotion to God. She was a loving wife to Peter for 50 years. They were affiliated with the Mennonite Brethern Church at first and later with the Baptist Church in Neepawa. Their association with the Gideons also served to advance and promote knowledge of God by giving more people access to the Bible. Trips for church meetings would often be combined with visiting relatives and sightseeing. These trips could involve some nights camping in a tent trailer, and other nights appreciating family hospitality and accommodation. In later years Mom sometimes attended the First Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg. Margaret was predeceased by husband Peter; sisters Susie and Mary; brothers David, Henry and Martin; and great grandson Matthew. She is survived by sisters Katherine and Elsie; and brothers Leonhard and Ernest; her children Earl (Kristin), Bruce (Calla), Amanda, Karl (Lissette), Karen; and grandchildren, Jordan (Clare), Daniel (Gabrielle), Elizabeth (Brandin), Graham (Sophie), Carly (Andrew), Reid (Deanna), Cory (Robin), Donalda and Tyson. She adored her great grandchildren Matthew (d.), Austin, Bryn, Kaden, Aspen and Leighton. Her children and the rest of the family sincerely thank all of you who support us in so many ways. This summer we especially appreciated the continuing care of Dr. B. Sharkey, the staff at Seven Oaks and Victoria Hospitals, and the staff at St. Norbert and Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Homes. Her body will be buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Neepawa. A graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 4th at 11:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at a later date.

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed for a Manitoba winter.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: - Proverbs 31 

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