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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom, Margaret Theresa Owen of Brooks, Alberta, formerly of Patricia, Alberta on Monday, May 5th, 2025 in Brooks. Margaret was born on November 7th, 1934 in Horna Lehota, Slovakia to Joseph and Maria Vrbicky. The family immigrated to Canada in 1936, moving throughout Ontario and British Columbia, until finally settling in Patricia, Alberta. Margaret met Donald Owen in Patricia and they were married in Brooks on June 22nd, 1957. She was a devoted mother, a hard-working farm wife and a loyal friend to many. Margaret and Donald lived on their cattle ranch until November 2023, when she moved into Brooks. She was known for her gentle spirit, always putting her family and community first. Family was the centre of her world, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. They always brought a smile to Margaret's face and a sparkle to her eye, especially her grandchildren and great grand children. Margaret enjoyed gardening, curling, playing cards and cooking. She never cooked the same meal twice, as her recipe was rarely written down, forever changing and never measured, making recipe sharing nearly impossible, but the results were always delicious. Margaret had a great sense of humour, always clipping jokes from papers and passing them around to friends and family. She was always heavily involved in any community activity, whether it was the rodeo, 4-H Club, Friendship Club or wedding showers, where she was often the poem/jingle writer. Margaret enjoyed many winters travelling with Don and their many friends to Yuma and throughout the United States, their favourite trips were to Alaska, Panama and Europe. She always faced her many hardships and health battles with fierce determination, a brave face and a smile. Margaret was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Maria Vrbicky, brother-in-law Gene Pearman (Mary), daughter-in-law Linda Owen (Neil) and grandson Garrett Owen (Neil and Linda). She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Donald Owen; children, Lenore Fikowski (Russ), Zane Owen, Kim Hill (Jim), Ross Owen (Brenda) and Neil Owen (Sarah); grandchildren, Heather Fikowski (Seth Leon), Logan Owen, Brent Fikowski (Claire), Reilley Gould (Brendon), Reid Hill, Murray Hill (Chelsea Olde), Scott Hill, Bennett Owen, Kyra Owen, Dallis Goudy (Brandon) and Erin Olivier (Joe) and two great grandchildren, Evelyn Fikowski and Georgia Gould, who brought her the greatest happiness and largest smiles these last few years. Also missing her will be her brother Johnny Verbicky (Edie) and sisters Mary Pearman and Betty Paisley (Wayne). Her smile and zest for life, along with her unwavering love for her family will always be remembered. Thanks go to the many family and friends that took the time to visit Mom and brighten her days. Also, special thanks to family friends Sheryl Davidson and Carol Henry for their daily visits and care of Mom. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 21st at 2:00 PM from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Brooks. Rev. Eligio Canete Celebrant. A gathering in honour of Margaret will be held after the service at the Patricia Hall at 3:30 PM and all are welcome. In memory of Margaret, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Brooks and District Health Foundation to support Long Term Care, Bag 300 Brooks, Alberta    T1R1B3 or brooks.foundation@ahs.ca .

Cremation entrusted to and conducted at

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks