Margaret Embleton passed on December 9, 2021 at the age of 87. All of her children and many of her grandchildren were able to be with her in those last days, surrounding her with chatter, music, and laughter.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Harry Embleton, in 2000 and is survived by her children, Pat Newman (Dan), Larry Embleton, Ellen McMillan (Garth) and Maureen Embleton (Vince). She also leaves behind her grandchildren Laura Embleton, Sara Hlushak (Sean), Nathan Newman, Dave Embleton, Meaghan Harrison (Justin), Emma Matusiak (Nick), Quinn McMillan, Madelaine McMillan, Isaac McMillan, Alexandra Kluke, Kathleen Kluke and Maggie Kluke. Margaret was also extremely proud of her five great-grandchildren, Ayva, Hana, Jaxon, Alison and Charlotte. She was predeceased by her sister and best friend, Maureen, earlier this year and leaves behind many additional nieces and nephews who have loved her dearly.
Having been born and raised in Kamloops, Margaret was always proud of her family heritage in the area. Her father was a CP Rail fireman and engineer, so she began her travels early, riding with her family to the Kootenays, and even as far as Ontario. She began her teaching career in 1952 after attending Normal School in Victoria, BC, where she learned both her love of teaching and her hatred of spiders. From one and two-room schools in various parts of BC, she eventually ended up back in Kamloops at Norkam Elementary. When her future husband (who was working on an addition to the school at the time) burst into her classroom claiming to need to sharpen his pencil, Margaret was aghast. But, that was the start of romance, and the couple were married at Sacred Heart in 1958. The next few years were busy, moving as Harry's work needed, and raising children. By 1963, they were back in Kamloops and settled there for the rest of their lives. With four children, Margaret still managed to teach full time in the Kamloops District at John Tod, Beattie, Marion Schilling, and Pineridge, amongst others. Margaret was known as the loving, but "take no prisoners" type of teacher. She taught all of her students so much more than the curriculum. We can all remember the long nights of helping Margaret prepare various art projects and gestetner handouts, or finding gloves and coats for her kids that didn"t have them.
All this time Margaret continued to raise her four children (and many of their friends) without a whole lot of money, but lots of love. There was always room at the table for at least one more. Margaret also believed in helping her kids follow their dreams, whether it was competitive swimming, music, university, and more.
In Margaret's later years, she took up another passion, sewing, creating beautiful clothes for her many grandchildren, and eventually donating much of her work to various charities. She also continued her love of travel with trips to Britain, Haida Gwaii, Mexico and more. Her best times, though, were spent with family, visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to read with them, and practice writing with them (always the teacher!)
Her's last years were spent living at Overlander Extended Care Facility. Unfortunately, with Covid restrictions, Margaret did not get to see her family as much as we all would have wanted, but she remained the feisty, kind and loving lady she has always been. These past few months of being able to visit again have brought much joy.
