Marguerite Guinevere Duff
Posted Jan 11, 2023 | 7:35 AM
February 20, 1930 – December 29, 2022
Marg Duff passed away peacefully at the Merritt Hospital on December 29, 2022 at the age of 92 years. Marg is lovingly remembered by her sons Craig Duff of Kelowna, Kirk (Myra) Duff of Grand Forks and daughter Iris (Eck) Trask of Golden, grandchildren Jauna (Bruce) Taylor, Michael Duff, Kyle (Lisa) Duff, Kristine Duff, Marin Trask, Levi Trask, Kailyn (Jake) Deeble, Jazz Trask, great-grandchildren Alex, Halayna, Ryan, Emma, Bella, Rosie, Hunter, Ivy, Ryker, Laurelyn and Grayson, and sister Pan Colbourne (103 yrs) of Winnipeg, nieces and nephews as well as friends and relatives. Marg was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Rev. Don Duff, sisters Marge (Marvin) Ahlbaum and Iris (Ken) Vincent.
Marg was born February 20, 1930 in Winnipeg, youngest of four sisters. She lived through the depression, WW2 and an incredible amount of technological advances throughout her life. Marg married her highschool sweetheart, Don, in June 1949, and had their first son in 1951. Being adventurous, Marg and Don packed up and made the big move to Vancouver, BC in the mid-fifties. 1959 and 1960 brought two more children Kirk and Iris. Marg was busy at home raising the children while Don went back to school at UBC to become a United Church Minister. Their first church posting was in northern Manitoba – Thompson. What a change from coastal Vancouver to -40 in northern Manitoba! Marg adapted well to her new community, singing in choirs, participating in women’s groups and working at the bank part-time. She once volunteered to lead a children’s choir at the local elementary school, and was more successful than she ever imagined when over 70 children showed up for the first practice!
In 1974, Marg, Don, and family moved to North Bay, Ontario for two years before moving back to BC (Kimberley). Life in Kimberley was busy for Marg with many choirs, Home Support, and community life. After 8 years, Don and Marg moved to 100 Mile House BC, then to their final home in Merritt. After losing her husband in 1991, Marg lived independently for another 30 years, embracing all that life had to offer. Marg had many challenges over the years, but one major one was being awakened at 2:30 am by the fire department evacuating her due to the flood in Merritt. Losing her home, Marg then lived with her son Kirk in Castlegar for five weeks and daughter Iris in Golden for six weeks, before making her final home in Nicola Meadows Assisted Living in Merritt. Marg loved interacting with the residents and workers and they thoroughly enjoyed her lively banter.
In Marg’s youth, she was dedicated to her violin, and played for nine years before gifting her violin to a beloved uncle so he could continue playing. Besides her incredible love for music, playing, singing and conducting, Marg was a crossword whiz, a dedicated aquafit attendee (well into her 80’s), and she loved to tell stories. Marg was known for her lively sense of humour, quick wit, feisty personality, and kind heart; she was a spunky ball of energy, and a true delight to be around.
The family of Marg Duff would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Little, the nurses at the Merritt Hospital, IH Support Workers and all of the wonderful staff at Nicola Meadows for being a part of Marg’s extended family and taking such good care of her over the years.
The family invites you to share your special memories of Marg at Merritt Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Marg’s name to the BC Lung Association.
- Date : 2022-12-29
- Location : Merritt