Margaret Saunders (nee Maggie Derin) was born Jan. 12 1924 on the family farm in the Ketchen District of Saskatchewan to parents John and Annie Derin. She helped on the farm with the usual chores of milking cows, tending chickens and pigs, picking stones in the fields, helping with haying and harvest etc. at a time when horses provided the horsepower of the day.

Margaret was the 2nd oldest in the family of 9 children. She eventually followed her older sister Helen to Flin Flon, arriving by train in 1944 where both were initially employed in the crusher department of HBM&S mine mainly due to there being a shortage of men to work at the mine as many were away at war. After the war ended and the men started coming back to work in the mine she worked at Allans Dry Cleaners until such time she left becoming, as was common then, a full time stay at home mom.

Margaret met Ken Saunders, a recently discharged RCAF pilot who originated from Basswood Manitoba, at a dance in Flin Flon and subsequently they married on May 22 1948 in Preeceville SK. Margaret and Ken participated in some curling bonspiels, league bowling, off shore fishing and both were avid readers utilizing books from the library. Margaret enjoyed attending local bingos, solving the Jumbo puzzle daily in the Wpg. Free Press, and putting jigsaw puzzles together. She also challenged herself and learned to use a computer and the internet. After living in their own home on Milton Street in the wonderful Birchview neighbourhood for almost 50 years they moved into the Legion Jubilee Residence. After Ken’s passing in 2004 Margaret remained at the Jubilee Residence until mid October of 2017 when she moved to the Northern Lights Manor where she passed away at age 94 on Wednesday April 4 2018.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband Ken: parents John and Annie (Yayechnick) Derin: sisters Helen, Nellie, Rose, Hazel: brother Edward: sister-in-law Shirley: brothers-in-law Elmer Booth, Lorne Chartier, Edward Nimchuk: nephew Robbie Derin. She is survived by her children Don (Emily) of Lakeland FL, Ray of Flin Flon, Linda of South Surrey BC: brothers Victor and Frank: sister Pauline (Gerald) Petznick: brother-in-law Paul Obetkoff: sister-in-law Rosella Derin: daughter-in-law Linda Wilson: grandchildren Nancy, Jimmy (Mandy), Lisa (Travis): great grandchildren Taris, Dylan, Monroe: as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

As per Margaret’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will occur at a later date.

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