Obituary of Margaret Olive Fellers nee Moore

By Roy Forbes. Here we are, gathered, to pay tribute and to celebrate the long life of our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and good friend, Margaret Fellers, born Margaret Olive Moore, known for some years as Margaret Forbes. I'd like to begin by sharing a message from Lydia's brother, Richard Dixon, sent to one of my sisters a few days ago. Richard writes, "It's the end of February, and, with your mother's passing, the end of an era. I feel a sadness about her leaving us, as she was one of the elders who helped shape our generation. I remember her as a resilient, outspoken woman with great strength of character and a sharp sense of humour who lived life on her own terms. I know she had her struggles, but it seems to me she always persevered in seeking a dignified way forward, no matter what adversity she faced. She was quite a gal, and she brought a great group of children into this world. I hope you're able to find some much-deserved solace as you go through this difficult time. Endings are beginnings, and beginnings always offer hope". Thank you, Richard. You nailed it! Now folks, if you look around you today, you'll see a few beautiful intricate quilts here and there. Mom was not a quilter but her love of handwork and her gift of love in her handwork has been passed on to her girls, big-time - especially Rhoda, Margy, Betty and Brenda. When Suzannah was little and sometimes felt a bit blue, Lydia would snuggle her up in a stack of Mom's afghans and tell her that she was wrapped in Gramma's love. When Mom died last week, I'm sure that many of her grandkids dug out their own goosy Gramma afghans to help catch a few tears. Mom loved music. Radio CJDC was a constant companion at our house and there was always a record player and piles of records kicking around. Mom sang constantly, whether she was punching down the bread dough or making one of her fabulous moose stews. She no doubt had a lot to do with her kids' love of music - especially Lillian, Judi and I. And, speaking of bread-dough and moose stews, food was a serious thing at our house. Mom may well have been the best salt-and-pepper cook that ever lived! Stews, stovetop roasts of moose or deer, beans and pork-hocks, poultaglub and lefsa. Canned pickles and jams. Fresh baked bread, buns, cinnamon rolls, crumb cakes, spice cakes with peanut butter icing. And, how about those fried dough-gods, dripping with butter and jam? From her early days in Rolla and all through her years in Dawson Creek, Mom cooked up a storm. A few years ago, Rhoda put together a cook-book tribute to Mom, full of yummy family recipes - a book that we all treasure. Mom never minded digging around in the dirt and always had a big garden in the backyard, tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouse and a deck full of beautiful flowers. She loved hunting season and would often go 'up Puggins' with Dave in the early fall to get a moose. The house would be turned upside down for a few days as Mom, with the help of a few beers, 'muscled out' a hind quarter or two of moose or deer using just her sharp little butcher knife and those dainty but strong little hands, filling up the freezer with wild meat for another long winter. Mom was totally at home in her cap and one of those bright red hunting mackinaws, sitting, rougher than ready, around a smoky campfire, having a beer, telling stories and grinding out her cigarette in the dirt with the heel of her shoe, like one of her brothers might have done. On the other hand, she could be quite the fashion queen when she wanted to. (She'd call it 'being well groomed'). Stories abound of Margaret and Dorothy, the legendary 'Moore Twins from Gundy'; turning heads with their vivacious beauty at the country dances, back in the late thirties. In fact, Mom stole my dad Roy's heart away at one of those dances, in Clayhurst. Margaret married Roy Forbes in 1940. They settled in Rolla where they had five children - Lillian, Rhoda, Margy, Judi and I. I grew up hearing countless stories about those Forbes girls being the cutest little gals in Rolla, with their long blonde ringlets and, no doubt, matching outfits. Tragedy struck in 1955 when Roy passed away suddenly. Left alone to raise five children, Mom, after a period of deep grief, pulled herself together and gathered her kids around her, ready to face whatever the future had to bring. In 1959, Mom married Dave Fellers who brought Betty, Dorothy and Bill to our blended family. In 1963, we were blessed with our little sister, Brenda. Mom LOVED her grandkids and I know they loved her just as much, each in their own way. She'd sit in that chair of hers (usually with one of her beloved little dogs underneath, growling at whoever dared approach) dispensing Fisherman's Friends, a Kleenex or two, maybe a nail file and always lots of advice, Gramma-style, on life, love or whatever else she might have on her mind. And, of course, we can't forget Gramma's cure for all ails - MENTHOLATEM! And, hey you grandkids, Gramma always told me how proud she was of every one of you and how happy she was when you'd call from wherever you might be or drop by the house for one of those famous Instant coffees, warmed slightly in the 'mic'. 'Honey, want an Instant?' Our little Mom, as we called her in her later years, may have been, as she might have said, 'a little slip of a thing', but she was far from little in mettle, spark and personality. You know those old country songs about feeble little grey haired mothers in the West, rocking alone in an old rocking chair? That was NOT our Mom. She laughed, cried, swore like a sailor and took no guff. Our 'little spitfire' had a fierce love for her family and an indomitable spirit that burned brightly until she took her last breath, a few days ago. Although life may have occasionally bent that spirit, Mom's spirit never broke. The courage she showed, especially in the last few months of her life, should be an example to us all, a lesson for us all to live by. I want to take a moment to publicly thank my sisters for all they did for our mother in the last years of her life. The tender loving care they provided made it easier for Mom to stay in her house as long as she did, and, when she finally said it was time to go to the hospital, they remained steadfast and true, taking turns to be by her side, morning, noon and, until she'd shoo them home at night. To the nurses and staff at the Dawson Creek hospital, along with Dr. Clarke, Dr. Hargreaves, Dr. Ashwell and Home Care Nurse Marilyn Alexander, it's hard to find words to say how much we all appreciate the kind and selfless care you gave to our Mom. She loved you all and sang your praises every day. Because of me living so far away, Mom and I spent a lot of time on the phone. She'd get me caught up on what everyone was up to in 'the good old North country' and at the end of the call I'd always say.' I love you Mom'. She'd say, 'I love you too, dear' and we'd hang up. And, that's what Margaret Olive Fellers leaves behind for all of us; her undying and unconditional love for each of us, a love that will live forever, in all of our hearts. We love you too, Mom. Written by and delivered at Margaret's service by her son, Roy Forbes. Margaret and her identical twin, Dorothy, were born in Redlyn, Sask on Oct 18, 1920. The Moores (Agnes and Dinty) and their family eventually settled in Gundy in 1930, on land that is still in the Moore family today. It was the depression and times were hard. When Margaret and Dorothy were sixteen, they left school and went to work, to help support the growing Moore family. Their work took them to the Rolla area where Margaret married Roy Forbes in 1940. After losing Roy in 1955, Margaret married Dave Fellers in 1959. Margaret is survived by her sisters, Dorothy and Blanche, and her brother, Ed; her children; Lillian, Rhoda, Margaret Ann, Judi (Larry), Roy (Lydia), Betty (Rick), Brenda (Andy), 11 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, Numerous Nieces & Nephews Margaret was predeceased by her Husbands; Roy Forbes & Dave Fellers, Parents; Dinty & Agnes Moore, Brothers and Sisters; Rhoda Ireland, Dudley Moore, Donnie Moore, Kenney Moore and Betty Henderson. Step-Daughter. Dorothy, and Step-Son. Bill. Margaret passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2011 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 90 years. A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pauline Haycock officiated; interment will be at a later date. The family wishes to thank Richard, Sandy and the staff at Reyners Funeral Home, as well as Pauline Haycock, for taking such good care of us. And, thanks to Tammy McGowan for her fine work on the Power Point tribute to Margaret. Thanks also to the Potluck Singers for coming out to sing 'a tune or two'. IF I WERE A RAVEN Yes, if I were a raven I'd fly To be by your side I would try I'd follow the river; I'd ride on the breeze Through the misty old mountains, high over the trees And, in the sunlight of morning you'd hear Through your window, a voice ringing clear I'd send you a tune or two, down from the sky Yes, if I were a raven I'd fly ROY FORBES. HUMAN CONDITION MUSIC. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.