KLEIN, Margaret Ann, (nee Pulford)
Margaret Ann Klein passed away peacefully at her Calgary nursing home on July 15, 2015 after struggling with progressive complications from Parkinson’s. She is predeceased by Peter, her beloved husband of 56 years. Margaret was born on January 15, 1934 in Barrie, Ontario as the only child to Robert and Edith Pulford. Margaret grew up in Barrie and was always very active with school, church, brownies, guides, dancing, swimming, skiing, and crafting. She was well-known for the twinkle in her eye, quick smile, sense of humor, compassion and ability to make people feel at home. In 1958, she met a newly immigrated German fellow named Peter Klein at a church dance where, despite his very limited English, and careful footwork she proceeded to teach him how to square dance. Romance blossomed from their first encounter and in 1959 they were married and soon after started their family with the birth of their son, Robert and daughter Ann. Together, they began what would be a long term partnership of collaboration and shared entrepreneurial spirit with their first business venture - a garage and repair shop. Their many business ventures included the establishment of Barrie’s first Mercedes-Benz dealership, the Windy Brae riding stables in Oro Township, an antiques dealership in Cochrane, and lastly a property management company in Calgary. In 1975 when they started developing the riding stables in Oro, Margaret quickly became known for her famous butter tarts, apple pastries, banana muffins, short bread cookies and lemon pies. As testament to her hospitality, the farm house kitchen was always full of friends, family, and frequent visitors. Anyone who dropped in looked forward with hopeful anticipation to sampling her homemade sweets and a hot tea from the woodstove. Margaret was immensely proud of her family, especially her three grandchildren. In 1989, Margaret and Peter left their hometown for Calgary to be closer to her first grandchild Tyler. Calgary permanently became home with the addition of their second grandchild Ryley, and this active grandma’s time was quickly taken up by spoiling her two young boys with homemade cookies, presents, and daily trips to the pool. Their third grandchild Margaux was born some fifteen years later and also spent as much quality time with grandma during her frequent visits from her home in Toronto and New York. Margaret is lovingly remembered by her family: son Bob and daughter-in-law Natalie; daughter Ann; and three grandchildren Tyler, Ryley and Margaux; brother-in law Richard and his wife Gisela and their families, who live in Germany. Family and friends will be received at the STECKLEY-GOODERHAM FUNERAL HOME, (705)-721-9921, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie, Ontario, for a Memorial Gathering on Saturday, August 22, 2015, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.steckleygooderham.com