Cridland, Margaret Esther Cowell (1911-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Dec 21 p. 22

Birth date: 1911 Dec 9

text of obituary:

MARGARET ESTHER CRIDLAND

Margaret Esther Cridland of Kelowna, B.C. passed away June 19. She was born Dec. 9, 1911 to Wesley and Jane Ann Cowell near Meeting Lake, Sask. She worked on the family farm and as hired help at various locations, including the McLeod's Store in Mullingar, Sask. She married John Bryan (Jack) Cridland Mar. 2, 1935 at Rabbit Lake, Sask. They moved to Dewdney, B.C. in 1944, lived in Terrace and Agassiz, B.C., and eventually settled in Kelowna in 1956. She made a commitment to the Lord in her teen years and reaffirmed it in 1951. She was baptized in 1954, joining Harrison Gospel Chapel, Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. For many years, she and Jack served faithfully in Faith Gospel Church, Kelowna. During the last years, they attended Willow Park MB Church, joining in May 1998. Her gift was quiet hospitality. Her greatest joy was serving meals for family and visitors. She showed concern for children's ministries and camp work. As well as raising her own children, she welcomed 37 foster children into her home. She worked at the Hospital Auxiliary thrift shop in Rutland, B.C. for 31 years. She also knitted hundreds of pairs of slippers for family, school children, MCC and others. As health declined, she and Jack moved into the assisted living section of a retirement village. She is mourned by Jack; daughters Gladys Janzen of Burton, B.C. and Hazel Boettcher of Delta, B.C.; son Eric of Kelowna; 3 grandsons; 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. A memorial service was held June 30 in Willow Park MB Church, with Arnie Peters ministering.