MARGARET H. LONG (published on January 09, 2010)
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| MARGARET H. LONG (nee ROBERTON) The snow horses, ride far tonight One of the Clan's gone out. They ride the utmost horizon's rim Where the trail's light, is the stars dim One of the Clan's gone out. Her reading chair stands waiting tonight One of the Clan's gone out. The pencil swift by the paper white Her mirth, her grief, her praise to write One of the Clan's gone out. They say she is with the Dead tonight One of the Clan's gone out But her daughters wait her living song We'll miss her, though the road winds long One of the Clan's gone out. Adapted for our Mother, Margaret Hinchelwood Long (Roberton) 1920 - 2009 This poem originally appeared as a tribute for her father T.B. Roberton, associate editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, after his death. Born in Winnipeg, Margaret was the last of seven children. Her early family life was happy, filled with art, literature and music. She attended Kelvin High School where she received her grade twelve, but like all of her brothers and sisters and so many others growing up during the depression, there was no hope of going on to University. A short career in the notions department of the T. Eaton Company facilitated meeting our Dad, Edward Emsley Long and they were soon married. Our Mother was an exceptionally talented and intelligent woman. The expression of these gifts was lavished on her family. She was a devoted Mother and a keen crafts woman, designing her own rugs and quilted blankets. She wrote beautiful children's poetry and as the tawny owl for her close friend Betty Laidlaws' brownie troop, authored several plays for the girls. Her projects were based on the love of creating for her family and friends. Her later years were happy, filled with birding, winters on Hornby Island B.C. and trips to the old country with our Dad. She lived a long and happy life, and we will miss her hugely, but also in so many small ways which are already unfolding. Our Mothers give us our greatest gift. Margaret is predeceased by her dear husband of sixty-six years, Edward Emsley Long, but their separation was short. Her surviving family includes daughters Katherine Long (Ross Rankin) and Stephanie Manchulenko (Kenneth), grandchildren, Carolyn, Ian, Jimmy, Lauren and Andrew and step granddaughters, Zoe and Sunni, as well as many great-grand children. We would like to thank the staff at Sterling House who helped so much to make our Mum's final years warm and happy. There will be no service at her request. |
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