June 27, 1926 - June 25, 2020
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret Zak, on June 25, 2020. Margaret died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family.
Margaret was born June 27, 1926 in Ghost Pine Creek, Alberta. Before she was 16 years old, she lost her sister and father, and had to drop out of school to run the family farm. In those days, this was unheard of, for a young woman to manage and operate a farm singlehandedly.
However, her passion for the land and her determination enabled her to succeed. She continued that passion until she met and married Carl in 1952, and moved west to B.C., where they settled in Grand Forks. From then on, they were a team - working together side by side, building and renovating commercial and residential properties, operating Zaks Body Shop, travelling, and raising their family.
Margaret was a remarkable woman. She was incredibly strong, determined and direct, and she had a good sense of humour. She never stopped working and learning throughout her life. She put her entire being into her marriage, raising her family, and growing her garden. She was a long standing member of the Catholic Women's League and volunteered for over 25 years for the Hospital Auxillary. She taught us the importance of family, hard work, kindness, generosity, and love. She was a caring, nurturing person, who always had the coffee on for visits with friends and family. She lived by her own terms, right up until her passing. Our loss is inexpressible - a wound that will never quite heal.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Carl Zak, in 2017; her mother, Mary Magercak in 1964, her sister, Annie in 1944, her father, Andrew Magercak in 1942. She is survived by her three children, Joseph (Helen) Zak, Jodi (Larry) Anschell, Catherine (Greg) Larson; grandchildren Lisa (Mike) Broadway, Kelly (Pat) Curley, Logan and Lauren Anschell, Olivia Larson; great grandchildren Emily and Parker Broadway and Brooklyn and Weston Curley.
A small family mass and burial was held on July 2, 2020 at Sacred Heart Parish, Grand Forks, B.C. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Baker family of Grand Forks Funeral Home.
The Zak family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional support Margaret received from Dr. Robert Lewis and staff, Dr. Gwen Campbell and all the amazing Home Health support team, in particular, Sandra, Kathleen, Andrea and Molly.