Margaret Ann Newton (nee MCGARVA)

Margaret Ann “Marg” Newton was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, piper, community organizer, and nationally respected leader whose life embodied her motto: “Happily Scottish, Proudly Canadian.”

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Marg grew up on Maryland Street as the eldest of five children. Summers spent helping on the family farm near Bangor, Saskatchewan, gave her an early appreciation for hard work, family, and prairie life.

Marg attended Gordon Bell High School, where she was an excellent student and eagerly participated in sports and extracurricular activities. Independent and determined from a young age, she refused to accept the suggestion that driving was something a girl did not need to learn. The young man who helped teach her was Christopher “Bud” Newton, whom she married on October 1, 1955.

Marg and Bud built a loving family together and raised their children, Sandy, David, and Jamie. She took enormous pride in her seven grandchildren and her great-grandson, and family remained at the centre of her life.

Marg was deeply engaged in civic life. She worked on numerous municipal, provincial, and federal elections and served several times as Returning Officer for the Rossmere constituency. Her skill and professionalism were so highly regarded that Elections Manitoba asked her to help train future returning officers.

Scottish heritage brought Marg some of her greatest joy. As Pipe Sergeant of the Heather-Belle Ladies’ Pipe Band, she performed in parades and competitions and travelled with the band to Scotland. Her friendships, performances, and anniversary celebrations with the Heather-Belles remained among her most cherished memories.

Marg’s involvement with the Sons of Scotland was extensive. Through Robert Burns Camp, she organized teas, dance competitions, children’s Christmas parties, and the annual Robert Burns Dinner. She represented Manitoba at Grand Camp gatherings across Canada and eventually rose to become Grand Chief of the Sons of Scotland, one of the organization’s highest national leadership roles.

Marg also shared her music, leadership, and cultural pride through the Pavilion of Scotland and the wider Scottish community. Whether piping, organizing, fundraising, or encouraging younger participants, she helped ensure that Scottish traditions remained vibrant and welcoming.

Her community life also included Immanuel United Church, Good Neighbours Active Living Centre, Girl Guides, Scouts, curling, badminton, bowling, and many seasons cheering for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Summers spent with Bud, family, and friends at their cottages were especially treasured.

Marg passed away on October 6, 2020, just sixteen days before her 87th birthday.