We are sad to say goodbye to our mum who passed away peacefully January 2, 2023. She is loved by her four children Richard, Moira, Elizabeth and David, their partners Rossy, Andy, Lee and Michelle, and her grandchildren Harry, Russell and Stella. She is the daughter of Alexander MacLeod Baird and Phyllis (Petty) Baird and is survived by her brother, Ian MacLeod Baird.
Margaret grew up in Oak Bay graduating from Oak Bay High with the class of 1956. She went on to nursing at the University of British Columbia (B.S.N. class of 1961), University of Washington (M.N. class of 1968) and the University of Michigan (M.P.H. class of 1974). She was an Associate Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Windsor 1968-1974. Margaret was a trailblazing woman in public health nursing, providing leadership in the delivery of Perinatal Care in the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Health. Her special interest was in Mother-Babe health initiatives and she was the co-editor of Baby’s Best Chance. Margaret loved her time helping new mums and was never happier than when she had the opportunity to be a Kangaroo for newborns.
Margaret lived in many communities throughout BC, Washington State and Ontario, but returned to Victoria to raise her family. With her kindness and generosity, she made friends around the world that lasted a lifetime. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Julia Meynell
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Faith Thesingh My sincere condolences to the family on Margie’s passing. I am a sorority sister and from the minute I met her, she and I clicked. We kept in touch over the years, and I was all ready to visit her in Victoria when COVID hit, and I was never able to follow through to see her. I will miss her.
She was such a bright spirit and fun, too. The best memory was in the fall of 1960 (?) when the Grey Cup was played in Vancouver. I was from Ottawa and she had a connection to Ottawa, too, so I persuaded her to join me at the game, rooting for Ottawa amidst a lot of Western Canadians who were not!
My parents retired to Victoria so whenever I was up to visit them, I would get in touch with Margie and we would have a great catch-up, often with a couple of other sorority sisters who were in Victoria. We didn’t see each other much in later years but usually there was a Christmas card to catch us up.
My best to all the children and their spouses and children.Faith Wilson Thesingh
Vancouver
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Irene Manderville Irene Manderville
Sincere condolences to Margaret’s family whom she so greatly valued. I did not have the privilege of knowing them. She was the manager when I worked in the Mother – Babe unit at Victoria General Hospital. She had come to us after working several years for the Ministry of Health, I believe. As a leader, she was always very fair and seemed to really enjoy her work even when, during the nursing strike the managers were given some of the most unpleasant tasks. She always did those willingly and with a smile. I believe it was a year or2 after she retired and moved to Toronto. I didn’t realize she had returned to Victoria until I saw the obituary. May she Rest In Peace.
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Dr. M Colleen Stainton Some might like to know that the Nursing Class of 1961 has a Memorial Fund to support students to which anyone can contribute in memory through the UBC Development Office. Margie’s name has been added to the list of our dear classmates we miss so much.
https://nursing-alumni.sites.olt.ubc.ca/in-memoriam/alumni-of-the-class-of-1961/
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Jenny Huston So very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kind regardsJenny
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Nick Stanger To Dave and the larger family,
My thoughts are with you right now and of fond memories of Mrs. Wilson’s generosity of spirit. I have this very specific one of being taught how to fry an egg at her house when I was around 10 years old. I decided that one should fry an egg by cracking it as high above a frying pan as possible. SPLAT! “Nicholas, have you never been taught how to fry an egg?!” She said in a soft twinkly way. “Here, love, let me show you.” That remains one of the best eggs I have eaten.
I still can’t make fried eggs like Mrs. Wilson.
With love,
Nick
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Colleen Stainton BSN Class of 1961 joins many others in feeling the loss of our wonderful classmate. We knew her before that picture of the graduation at VGH in 1961! We were in a 5 year UBC program that included 2 years at VGH to receive degrees in Nursing that were still pretty “unusual” as viewed by the public and older nurses. Margie was always a bright spark, full of fun and a wonderful sense of humour. Our class has had yearly reunions since graduation and Margie attended many of them…with tales of whatever was current in her life. She enjoyed raising her children while increasing both her education and leadership areas in Public Health. Her book, Baby’s Best Chance, lead to much improvement of the care of mother’s and babies nationally and internationally. Until only a few years ago, she would call some of us from wherever she was living and chat, again with humour about the various losses she was experiencing as her health declined. A wonderful classmate, friend since we met in 1957, and always welcoming and deeply caring about us all. We join the family in being proud of her and so grateful for knowing her.
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Jan and Michael Stanger David and Michelle, Richard, Elizabeth and Moira.
We are sad to hear of your Mum’s passing. We always remember her strong and positive attitude to life.
She was interested in everyone and always very encouraging.
Our sincere condolences.
Is there any charity or cause that we can support in her honour?
Jan and Michael Stanger
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Jane Fairhurst So sorry to hear of the sad passing of this wonderful woman. She always knew how to throw a good party! Our thoughts are with those left behind. Nick joins me in sending his condolences to you all.
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Ron Greene I knew Margaret from when we were in Grade 6 together, then through to Grade 12. Saw her occasionally when she came to the Oak Bay dinners, an on-going committee that didn’t want to end the dinners spent together.
Always enjoyed speaking with her on those occasions because she was so positive and very bright. Please accept my condolences on her passing.Ron Greene
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Sandra Bartlett I am so sorry for the passing of your dear Margaret. Cousin Margie was a beloved member of our extended family, and we visited each other often over the years. She was always so positive about life and genuinely interested in the lives of others. She spoke with love and pride about all of her family and went out of her way to be as supportive as she was able, despite her declining health. She was a wonderful person and will be truly missed. Sandra Bartlett (Smith), Dave, Sarah, and Alex
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Linda Coates (nee Brandson) Sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Margaret. I haven’t had any contact for many years, but we grew up together on Oliver Street.
Margaret was just a few years older than I, and when we were just girls she taught me simple sewing to make doll clothes. I admired her as a”big sister”. When the Bairds went on holidays, it was my task to come and feed the family cat. There was almost always a batch of new kittens born when I was on duty. (hope this ‘aside’ brings a smile to your faces)
In later years, I knew Margaret as a loving mother to Richard, Elizabeth, Moira and David, as several of the children attended Goosey Gander Kindergarten where I worked as an ECE. Margaret did a wonderful job raising her family while furthering her excellent career. She had boundless energy and skills.
I have lots of memories of the extended Baird family. You are in my thoughts at this sad time. Margaret is remembered well.
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Veronica Lord Thinking of you all today with much love I know you will miss Margaret tremendously
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Veronica Lord I know you will miss Margaret tremendously.
She truly was a kind loving thoughtful lady.
My thoughts are with you all.
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Wendy Littlefield & Don Feinberg Dear Moira, It was so lovely to spend time with your mom in Victoria in recent years. We will always remember her kindness and her love for you. The example Margaret set as a scholar, administrator, nurse and mom is inspiring. We send our heartfelt condolences at this sad time to you, Andy, Harry and your siblings. May her memory bring you comfort and strength. Love, Wendy & Don
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elizabeth hulbert I had the privilege of having been taught Public Health Nursing at the University of Windsor from 1968-70 by your Mother. She was an inspiring teacher and a very compassionate woman. I was sure through her influence I was destined to go into Public Health but life doesn’t always follow what you think is ahead of you and in the end I chose academia.
I am truly sorry her life on earth is finished . It is a great loss. Margaret was so well loved and respected. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.Elizabeth Hulbert RN, BScN, MSc.A.
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Claudia Butler My heartfelt condolences go to Margaret’s wonderful children. May their loss be healed in time by many happy memories of their loving mum.
Margaret will always be remembered for her sincere caring and generosity for her friends and family, as well as for the many mums and babes she diligently prospered.
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Jacqueline Bunt Liz, so very sorry for your loss. Your mum was so well educated and a trailblazer. I see where your gutsy comes from. Sending warm hugs to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. With love.
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Maureen & Yuri Our deepest condolences to your family on the loss of your mother.
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Jean Brace Dear Liz, and family we are so very sorry for the loss of your mum. She certainly was a trail blazer in her profession. It was an absolute pleasure having met your mom. Continued prayers during this difficult time.. love Jean and David Brace
Margaret was my neighbour in Toronto, We enjoyed many outings together and I still think of her as a very “special” lady.