Margaret Jean Bernardin

Margaret Jean Bernardin (nee Petryk)

April 15th 1941 – January 1st 2020.

Formerly of Elie, Mb.

Margaret, or "Muggie" as she was affectionately known, was born in Flin Flon Mb to Anne and Fred Petryk.  She was the second of their five children.  Margaret was raised and spent most of her life in Cranberry Portage Mb where her Dad owned and operated a sawmill.  She attended school there and later she went on to attend Business school in Winnipeg.  She returned to live in The Pas and got a job as a receptionist/ admitting clerk at the hospital.  When it came time for her younger brothers to attend high school, they lived with her and she became the "House Mother" watching over them and caring for them.

Margaret loved to be in the kitchen cooking and baking and was well known for the delicious treats and meals that she lovingly prepared, a skill she inherited from her Mom.  Whether it was a traditional Ukrainian dish or a delectable dessert, Margaret excelled.  No one ever left her home hungry.  Carrying on traditions and customs of her Ukrainian heritage was important to her and she passed these to her children and grandchildren as well.

Her love of cooking led her to a career in that field.  She cooked for different companies over the years, but her most treasured memories were of her time spent as Head Cook at the FCI school cafeteria.  As it was a residential school, she got to know so many of the young people that came and took each of them under her wing and treated them as her own, many of whom she remained in contact with through the years.   Her kind, generous and loving nature was felt by all who met her. She touched the lives of so many.

Margaret also ran her own small catering business and catered many Weddings in the area.  She eventually started taking over for her Mom in doing beautifully decorated one of a kind cakes for special occasions.  Her grandchildren recall getting to "order" whatever they wanted for their Birthday cakes, and Grandma always made it.

Margaret moved to Elie, Mb after marrying the love of her life Marcel.  There she ran a small café at Toromont where she met and made many friends.  Again she became known for her delicious baking, and had regular requests for pies, cakes and cheesecakes, even after her retirement.

Margaret loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She doted on them and she created magical memories with each of them.  She was so very proud of them all.

The last year of her life, she moved to Swift Current so that she could be closer to her children.  Her son Bradley was her primary caregiver until it became time for her to be moved into The Meadows in November 2019. 

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Bradley, Brenna (Claude) of Swift Current, Wade (Wanda) of Calgary.  Her grandchildren, Hayley, Melissa (Shawn), Selina (Dalton), Jacob (Kirsten), Stephen and Jamie.  Her Great Grandchildren Aisha, Kieran and Maci.  Her sister Pauline Shpiruk of Winnipeg, and brother Michael (Lorraine) Petryk of The Pas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Her Sisters in Law, Pat Petryk and Idola Burns, and her dear friends who were like her family, Shelly McKay, Monique Vann and Linda Desilets.

She was predeceased by her parents, Anne and Fred, husband Marcel, brothers Allen and Rick, and Brothers in law Frank Shpiruk and Bob Burns.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret's memory can be made to The Meadows, Swift Current, Sk.

A very special Thank you to the staff at House 22 The Meadows, who made Mom's last months as comfortable as possible.  Your kindness, caring and compassion will never be forgotten. She called you her "angels without wings", and you are.

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