Marguerite Agnes HOUZE
Remembering Marguerite….
October 6, 1925 – June 18, 2023
It is with great sadness that our family announces her passing at 97 years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ted Pokorski (1971) and grandson Colby John Schols (1986).
Marguerite was immensely proud of her three daughters, Lisa Howes, Susan Lanciano, and Kathy Holub of Edmonton. She was a loving “NANA” to her 5 grandchildren, Ellie, Moosh, Blake, Chelsea, and Ben, as well as 7 great grandchildren.
Marguerite was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; the youngest of four siblings. She grew up on a large successful ranch in Southern Saskatchewan outside the town of Meyronne. The Houze ranch was the largest Hereford cattle breeder and wild horse holdings in the province. Her father’s thriving veterinary practice influenced Marguerite’s lifelong love for animals.
Known as the “forever” nurse, Marguerite pursued a nursing career under the watchful eyes of the Regina Grey Nuns. Graduating in 1950, she became Matron of the Kincaid Hospital in Saskatchewan. She moved to Edmonton to further her career as a “burns specialist” private nurse. She met her husband Ted and married in 1952. Marguerite continued her nursing career for 16 years.
Marguerite and Ted became successful owners of the Donalda Hotel in rural Alberta. Her nursing license offered triage care for the community where long waits for ambulances and no rural doctors existed in the sixties. She honed cooking skills to keep the hotel cafe running.
The family moved back to Edmonton in the late sixties where Marguerite fulfilled another career dream in Alberta Social Services. As a casework supervisor, she was very proud to lead the first Unmarried Mothers Unit. Marguerite was awarded for 21 years of loyal and dedicated service, retiring in 1987.
Then she started her retirement career, “Maggie’s Delights”, a local catering company for bistro clients. She became an award-winning caterer. She never disclosed her recipes for 5 years, even to family!
Marguerite will be remembered for her hard work, devotion to her girls, a fun-loving spirit and a wonderful smile. She was a “fashionista” and had a lady – like graceful manner. Sunday dinners at “Nana’s” were happy memories.
She fostered incredible relationships. Her final 7 years at Kiwanis Place Lodge developed special friends in her nineties. Weekly Saturday night scrabble games, with companion Bill Dean, were a favourite of hers.
Marguerite was an original long Covid survivor who struggled with declining mind and body health in the last two years. We would like to thank Dr. Moshurchak for her support and recognize the incredible efforts of the CBI home care aides at Kiwanis Place Lodge over the past three years. Thank you to the Misericordia Family Medicine doctors and staff- especially, Dr. Kroeker for her compassion. Special thanks for the exceptional and dignified care of St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital Palliative Care Team during Marguerite’s last journey….
As per Marguerite’s wishes, a simple cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marguerite Houze may be made to:
The Covenant Foundation for St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital Hospice.
My deepest sympathies to you, Susan, your sisters Lisa and Kathy and your entire family.
I had the pleasure and honour to have met your mom over the years.
She was a gem of a lady, extraordinarily classy, beautiful, and an amazing hostess and cook.
Your mom adored you three daughters and your families.
The loss of a mother is a very deep void in a persons life.
Always know your mom memory will be in your hearts and souls.
Thinking of all of you, sending hugs, kisses and blessings.
Love ,
Sharon Molnar
Marguerite was a class act! Always looking good with a cheerful smile! Bill (my father) enjoyed their time together immensely. My condolences to her loving daughters and all others.
What lovely memories to hold in your hearts! Brian and Maureen Bent
My deepest condolences to the Family. We will you in Kiwanis Place. Especially when you are doing laundry in the penthouse and talking with you before my shift ends.
I worked alongside Marguerite in the unmarried mothers unit and in child welfare at Centennial mall. She was a good supervisor and we had some very difficult cases to manage. I will remember Marguerite with fondness and deep respect.
As a young Social Worker at the old NERO office Marguerite had a profoundly positive impact on me concerning pregnant women and mothers caring for families. She had a great presence, a warm heart and a strong work ethic. A great role model!
I first worked with Marguerite at the Beaver Building in the late 1960’s; and again at SWEDO in the 1980’s. Even shared a few social occasions with her. Always a pleasure to be working, socializing with her. Such a gracious, kind, gentle woman; so pleased she lived a good long active life and had the support and love of family and friends.
I worked with Marquerite when I started with the department in 1971 at the Beaver Building. She was so kind and taught me all the important things a new worker needs to know. What a wonderful legacy she has left her family.
FANTASTIC, SPARKLING, AMAZINGLY STRONG BEAUTY; TRULY LOVED.