On July 7, 1905 George and Minnie Wilson welcomed a daughter, Margaret Ann.
In a family that would grow to seven children, Margaret would become known as Tolly, a name that would affectionately follow her through life.
Margaret’s family moved from Owen Sound, Ontario when she was only two, to Macklin, Saskatchewan, where they homesteaded for a few years, finally settling in the Edmonton, Alberta area where she blossomed into a young woman.
As a young woman, Margaret met Alfred Fraser in 1925. They courted for nearly five years and on August 11, 1930 the two married in Edmonton.
Even after they wed, Margaret kept her job at Eaton’s, helping support her budding family.
In a time when married women weren’t permitted to work, Margaret only held onto that job for a short while before settling down with Fred, to raise their five children.
Sadly, however, their second child, Georgie, passed away at a year old in 1933.
After almost 41 years of marriage, in 1971, Fred passed away. Shortly after, she moved to Merritt, B.C. and then on to Williams Lake.
Margaret had many passions. She loved to travel. Some of her fondest times were camping, or going on vacations with her children and grandchildren.
She loved seeing new places, and always had a kind smile for a stranger.
She enjoyed simple afternoon drives, wandering through the country side, spying wildlife and the miracles of nature.
She was also a talented craftswoman. She could sit for hours, crochet hook in hand, stitching presents that would grace family’s homes. She could also be found behind her sewing machine, piecing together blankets, pillows, clothes, or just about anything she set her mind on.
Margaret’s door was always open. Friends (many who referred to her as Granny and family were welcomed with a warm smile and a close hug.
She was always quick to have a good laugh, offer advice, or share stories of her youth. She enjoyed telling funny stories, like her first trip to the “big city,” or how Fred ran through a downpour, but came into the house as dry as a bone, saying he’d run between the raindrops. She revelled in her memories and wanted to share them with others.
Margaret was proud to call herself a Christian. Before she surrendered her car and driver’s license at the age of 93, she could be found at the Church of Latter Day Saints on Sunday mornings.
She enjoyed reading the Bible, and found great comfort in her religion.
She had many dear friends in the church, and many would make at-home visits when she couldn’t make it to services.
Margaret was a fiercely independent woman. She lived on her own until she was 95, in a quaint apartment, filled with mementos, pictures and nick-knacks of her long life.
After a fall, and hospitalization, Margaret had to acclimate herself into a role she was unused to: dependent.
She went to live with her daughter, Marguerite, in Logan Lake for a few years before moving back to Williams Lake, first into Cariboo Lodge, then into Deni House.
On February 23, 2004, Margaret left this world. Surrounded by family and friends, and by the love of those who weren’t there and who’d gone on before her, Margaret found peace.
She was predeceased by her husband, Fred, son Georgie, son-in-law Harvey Eggen, two great-grandsons Tyrone and Keith, and brothers John and Harvey.
She is survived by daughters Edith (Keith) Morris of Seba Beach, Alberta; and Marguerite Eggen of Logan Lake, B.C.; and sons Don (Doreen) Fraser of Merritt, B.C. and Wes (Joyce) Fraser of Williams Lake.
She also leaves to mourn 31 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren; sisters Edna (Sammy) Melville, Mabel Wilson and Ellen Parker, brother Geordie Wilson, sister-in-law Thelma Wilson as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She will be forever loved, eternally missed, and never forgotten.