Margaret Moncrief (Alcock)
June 26, 1933 – December 23, 2023
Anna (Margaret) Caroline Moncrief passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 23, 2023 in the arms of one of her sons and in the hearts of all of her family. She enjoyed excellent health most of her 90 years until the beginning of 2023, when lung cancer steadily took its toll. Margaret was born the sixth of 10 children to Clifford and Elvira Alcock.
She leaves her dear sister Joyce Mineault to shoulder the responsibility as family touchstone for the very large extended family.
The Alcocks, like many of the rural homesteading families, were a hardy and resourceful bunch that survived on homegrown beef, pork, chickens, eggs and dairy. They grew their own produce – pickling, canning, preserving and storing as required. A full larder and cold room heading into the fall was something to celebrate. She was taught this growing up and carried it through her married life.
Margaret was known for her bread, pies, cinnamon buns, dainties, fruitcake, creamed vegetables and mac-and-cheese. Her collection of favourite recipe books ‘bare’ spills, torn pages, penciled comments in the margins and broken bindings. Her love language was definitely food. Something was always cooking, cooling, bubbling on the stove or baking in the oven to be shared by any and all who entered their home with a thick mug of Edwards all-day coffee and conversational snippets exhibiting her encyclopedic memory for all things and people of Jaffray Melick.
As it is with a farm girl, more than one rejected newborn calf was invited into their home to warm, chicks could be found incubating under the kitchen table, her porch and kitchen were annually turned into the dunking and plucking house for chicken processing. Her practical approach to farm living was evident in her absolute hatred for pests and rodents. She would take on a bear with a broom, but could be known to leap tall furnishings with a single bound if a rodent appeared. We can promise you after many years of research & development that there is no such thing as a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
Simple things were important, simple times treasured. The garden was a happy place. Square dancing, bowling, card playing and dice games were enjoyed with friends. Nothing matched her excitement as the prospect of a quick casino junket. Whether it was with Harold, on a bus tour, with good friends Ali or Linda (and Ross) her answer was always an emphatic ‘yes’! Recently, for her 90th birthday (and thanks to Lynda, Hal and Wendy) she spent a weekend in Warroad MN – no doubt on a coupon offer that couldn’t be ignored.
Mom and Dad were married for 56 years until his passing in 2013. They were a solid couple, but as Harold was building their family business (with her help and support) the responsibility for home and family largely fell to her. She has missed him deeply after he passed and it is no small comfort to think that they may be reunited now.
Margaret was very proud of her six children Marvin (Kathy), Hal (Wendy), Gerry (Lisa), Greg (Donna), Lynda, Alf (Jo-Anne) eighteen grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren (with 4 more on the way!) and one great-great-grandchild.
“Love you more!”
Family members wish to thank everyone who pitched in to ensure mom could stay in her home – as was her wish. She cherished Greg and Donna’s daily visits.
Special thanks to Shirley Johnston, Drs. Wiebe, Ibrahim, Hagerty and for the thoughtful and loving care from the LWDH-Chemotherapy Department, particularly Tina, Deva and Steph. We would also like to thank EMT’s Mackenzie Caul, Alexandra Tansley and OPP officers PC Moakler, PC Maunula.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at 11:00am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre with Cheryl Kinney-Matheson officiating.
Flowers are graciously declined, please consider a donation in Mom’s memory to LWDH – Chemo Dept. or Tamarac House in Thunder Bay.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Moncrief family.