Pinyon, Margaret Alvina

Pinyon, Margaret Alvina

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January 3, 1934 – March 31, 2024
at the age of 90 years:     

      Celebration of Life at 1pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Carlin Hall (4051 Myers’s Frontage Rd, Tappen, BC)

Margaret passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 31 surrounded by her family at the age of 90 years.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Stan, her parents, William and Meranda Bodenham; her siblings, Ken, Grace and Violet and in-laws, Jean and Norman.

Margaret is remembered by her loving family. Her daughters, Alvina Gooch (Jamie), Vi Smith (Ken), Lorraine Snoek (Nick), Dolores Gooch (Ron) and son Gene Pinyon; her brothers and sisters Joe (Lois), Bob (Lorraine), George (Jenny), John, Bill, Greg, Irene and Lill (Wayne). 

Grandchildren Brendan (April), Russell (Laura), Corrine (Kevin), Kimberly (Clayton), Vanessa (Jeryn), Justin (Jamie-Lee), Allise (Ryan), Daniel, Courtney (Richard) and Stan.

Great-grandchildren Liam, Jacob, Erin, Mark, John, Anna, Megan, Grayson, Logan, Shayla, Tristan, Mya, Jax, Amelia, Rueben, Alexander and Rhys, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and life long friends.

Margaret was born at home in Winfield, Alberta on January 3, 1934. She was the third of 12 children and grew up on her family homestead until she moved out at the age of 16 years old. She worked at various jobs until she met Stan Pinyon in 1951 and they were married August 29, 1952. They lived and worked on the Pinyon family farm and their first 3 daughters were born during this time.

Then in 1957 they packed up everything they owned into their old truck and drove the treacherous Big Ben Highway out to the Cariboo area in BC. For the first couple of years they lived in multiple logging camps where Margaret had to revert back to life with no conveniences; living out of boxes and using the old scrub board to wash all their clothes. 

In 1959, they moved to Lone Butte, so their children could attend school and their fourth daughter was born the following year. In 1961 they settled in 100 Mile House, where they bought their first home, their first brand new car, and their first boat! It was here that Margaret was able to plant her first garden, where she always said ‘the rocks grew as quick as the plants’. For several years they enjoyed camping and boating on Green Lake. In 1968 they welcomed their 5th child, finally…a son!

After many holidays on the Shuswap Lake, they decided to pull up roots and move to the beautiful Tappen Valley. They bought a small hobby farm. Here Margaret was able to do what she loved; grow a huge garden, put up preserves, cook and care for her family and become part of a community. She occasionally worked at Gentry Farms and babysat many of the neighbourhood children. Through their close neighbours she found her church family.

When her children married, they all remained in the area and started their own families. Margaret had 10 grandchildren who she loved spending time with, teaching them how to garden, bake and play her favourite card game; Spite and Malice. 

Many family get-togethers were hosted by Gramma and Grampa. There was always fresh homemade buns and strawberry jam, Gramma’s delicious fried chicken, and the cookie jar was never empty. She enjoyed many outdoor activities; Sunday drives, rock hounding, wiener roasts, camping, hot springs and anything that got her out and about with her family. The many family reunions that she attended over the years have always held a special place in her heart.

In the later years, she gained 17 great-grandchildren who loved doing puzzles with her and eating any snacks she had on hand. Even with the challenges of life after having a stroke, Margaret never lost her sense of humour, sharp wit and her endearing smile.

She was always the heart and soul of our family and she will be dearly missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 1pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Carlin Hall (4051 Myers’s Frontage Rd, Tappen).

Margaret’s family would like to extend their appreciation to all the caring staff and friends at Hillside Village, Pioneer Lodge and Mt. Ida Mews where she had resided for the last 10 years. As well as Dr. Skubiak and staff at the Mt. Ida Medical Clinic and Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their care of our Mom over the years.

Memorial donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Hillside Village Care Home or the COPD Foundation (www.copdfoundation.org) or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca)

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