Tribute

Margaret Anne (“Peggy”) Reid (nee McGuffie) passed away peacefully on Monday, January 10, 2011 at Village by the Station, Penticton BC after a brief illness at the age of 90 years.

Anne is lovingly remembered by her sons John, of Ottawa, and Patrick (Penelope), of Oliver BC, and by extended family in the South Okanagan. She was a much-loved “Nana” to grand-daughters Gillian and Megan, of Ottawa. She was predeceased by her dear husband of 50 years, Clarence Reid (d. 1992).

Anne was born to Herbert and Annie McGuffie of Keremeos in 1920. As a young woman, she was very athletic, enjoying basketball, volleyball, skiing, tennis, golf, and horseback riding. During WWII, Anne served in the Canadian Women”s Army Corps.

Anne found her vocation as an elementary school teacher, beginning her career in Olalla and Sea Island, then serving at the elementary schools in Keremeos and Okanagan Falls teaching grades 1 and 2, until her retirement in 1984.

In 1941, Anne married Clarence Reid, who, after WWII, became a high school teacher and librarian in Keremeos. Together, they were known affectionately by their students as “Mystery and Misery” (Mr Reid and Mrs Reid), endearing but totally unsuitable nicknames, given their personalities. One of her proud moments was protesting for female teachers” right to wear slacks so she could more easily get down on her knees with her pupils. She adored her students, and even into her late 80s her students remembered and visited her.

Anne loved to travel. A favourite memory was going to the movies one night with “Clary” and together ending up in Mexico. In their early camping days, they slept on the ground under the Model T. Her sons remember many happy summers camping in the Rockies, Western Canada and a cross-Canada tour for Expo ”67. In retirement, she was an adventurous traveller with an itinerary including Australia, Europe, Russia, the British Isles, and many cruising destinations, and making many friends around the world. She was one of the first Western tourists allowed into communist China, travelling by military cargo plane.

Anne was an avid photographer. One of her unusual hobbies was photo studies of foreign water closets.

Among her Penticton community associations were the Business and Professional Women”s Club, the Retired Teachers” Association, and the Canadian Club.

Up to her last day, Anne was unfailingly cheerful and positive, and loved getting others to talk about themselves. She was surprised and pleased to be named “Valentine”s Sweetheart” at Village by the Station in 2010.

A memorial service will be held on Monday January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Saviour”s Anglican Church, 150 Orchard Street, Penticton, with the Ven. Peter O”Flynn officiating. After the service there will be a reception in the parish hall, followed by a public interment at Penticton Lakeview Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Burgoyne, for his many years of care and attention, the staff of Village by the Station, and Dr Foster and the staff of the Penticton Regional Hospital.

Donations in Anne”s memory would be gratefully accepted for Village by the Station, 270 Hastings Avenue, Penticton, BC V2A 2V6.

Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service and Crematorium, Oliver and Osoyoos, 250-498-0167.