Margaret Fredeen

Margaret Fredeen (née Stephens Newsham)

 June 2, 1924 - Dec. 30, 2024

 We say farewell to Margaret, a remarkable woman: mother, wife, nurse, activist, progressive thinker, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100 in Saskatoon. She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years F.J. Hartley Fredeen in 2003, and her parents Hannah Stephens Newsham (S. Wales) and George Arthur Newsham (Ontario). 

 Margaret was born on the kitchen table of her parents' homestead farm at Great Deer, SK. She attended nearby Merry Home School, and later Bedford Road Collegiate when the family moved to Saskatoon. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc in Nursing (Great Distinction) in 1947, nursed at Saskatoon City Hospital, and then in 1948 moved to Montreal to attend McGill University where she earned a postgraduate diploma in Nursing. According to plan, she returned to Saskatoon in 1949, and in 1950 married Hartley. In the years to come they raised a family of six. Returning to nursing in the 1970s, she enjoyed her work at the U of S Student Health Centre until her retirement in 1989.

 Margaret's life was one of nourishing and caring for people, always encouraging them to do their best. She relished talking to others, so often finding out that they were connected through relatives or common friends. Unpretentious to the core, she manifested her strong values through a myriad of social and political actions such as supporting the CCF/NDP, fighting for social goods such as medicare, co-operatives and unions, community building through volunteering at the children's schools and at Grosvenor Park United Church, welcoming new neighbours, tirelessly serving meals to family and friends, and always having fresh baking and a hot bowl of homemade soup on hand, ready for visitors and community events. She was also an avid reader and a life-long knitter, donating her mittens to family, friends and those in need.

 While she was not nostalgic, Margaret's early years on the farm were foundational. Her closeness to her mother, her father, and to each of her siblings remained with her to the end.

 Margaret is survived by her children: Shirley, Edward (Judy), Alan (Linda), Kenneth (Katherine), Arthur (Sabine), and Lawrence (Andrea). Also survived by grandchildren Robin, Owain (Andrea), Myfanwy, Tristan, Keisha, Caitlin (Elias), Garrett (Randi), Cara (Addison), Jonathan (Sarah), Trevor (Maddy), Connor, Patrick, Ana, Molly (Alex), and Ethan. Also by great grandchildren: Henry, Evelyn, Susanna, Marlowe, Ilya, Aubrey, Amara, Everly, Charlie, Iden, Madelyn, and Callan. Survived by her sister-in-law Joan Fredeen. Predeceased by all her siblings and their spouses Lloyd (Lois), Kathleen (Reece), Gwendolyn, David (Pearl), and Ivor (June). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children. She was close to all of her many family members, as well as to a large and diverse number of friends, staying in touch through visits, phone calls, and regular letters.

 Her family warmly thanks Dr. C. Schick and the staff of the Community Health Clinic and the caring staff of Luther Special Care Home, and the Luther Home Help service. Special thanks to Julie and Owain Van Vliet and Ross Bowden who stood out among the many visitors that made Margaret’s final years so bright and warm.

 To honour Margaret's life, please consider a donation to the NDP, the University of Saskatchewan (Fredeen Scholarship, Centre for the Study of Cooperatives), the Saskatoon Community Clinic Foundation, or a charity of your choice. 

 Margaret and Hartley were guided by J.S. Woodworth's words: "What we desire for ourselves we wish for all." A celebration of Margaret's life will be held at Grosvenor Park United Church, in Saskatoon, at 2 pm, August 9, 2025.

Cherished Memories is honoured to have been entrusted with Margaret's care.