We Remember
HILLS, Margaret Ruth (née Fryer)
June 4, 1950 — September 18, 2021
Margaret Hills, born June 4, 1950, in Norway House, Manitoba to Johanna and Leonard Fryer, went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2021, with her husband, Percy, and daughter, Shannon, at her side. Margaret is survived by her mother and sisters, Elsie Millerd and Joyce Dreilich.
Most of Margaret’s childhood years were spent in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. She became a Registered Nurse at the Winnipeg General Hospital, where she worked her way up to being the charge nurse of a medical unit, before moving to Smithers, BC in 1983 to marry Percy Hills in 1984. In 1985, Percy (RCMP) was transferred to Kelowna, BC. Her pride and joy, Shannon, was born in 1987.
Margaret introduced her husband to her two favorite passions – scuba diving and travel. Together, they took many trips to the tropics for scuba, international tourist trips. Much of their summers were spent in the backwoods, camping and canoeing. Among her favorite sounds were the call of a loon, the sound of a river running, and the quiet stillness of a remote mountain lake. She also loved dogs, loved training them, and owned small dogs throughout her adult life.
Margaret was a cradle Anglican, her father a priest. She valued living her life helping her extended family, church, and greater community whenever she could.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision.
Margaret’s memorial service will be held on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021, at 2:00 PM PDT at St. George’s Anglican Church, 3690 Brown Road, West Kelowna, BC. Due to limited capacity, at that time a live virtual service will also be available via Zoom.
How to watch online:
Click her for the Zoom link (please make note of the Meeting ID and Passcode)
Meeting ID: 884 1728 0676
Passcode: 812887
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021, at 2:00 PM
Location
St. George's Anglican Church
Share with Others:
World Vision Link: donate.worldvision.ca/collections/donations
Service Information
Service Details
The service for HILLS, Margaret Ruth (née Fryer) is scheduled for TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021, at 2:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
St. George's Anglican Church
3690 Brown Road West Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Elsie, so sorry to learn about the death of your sister. It sounds like she lived a very full life and I think anyone would be lucky to have a sister like you. Condolences to you and your family. Carol Youngson.
Thank you, Carol, for your kind words.
On behalf of the Okanagan Chapter of the WGH/HSC School of Nursing Alumni, we share our sincere condolences with the family. Margaret was an enthusiastic charter member of our group.
The memories I have of Margaret and indeed the whole Fryer family when I was growing up in Lac du Bonnet are among my most cherished. While we lost contact in the 70’s, I reconnected online several years ago. My sincere condolences to Margaret’s family – the lost of a sister, daughter, mother and wife is never easy.
Margaret was my nursing classmate and room mate, at the Winnipeg General Hospital. She was as smart as a whip, as kind and as thoughtful as they come and was full of fun and joy. She taught me how to play cards and I wish I had taken more advantage of that! I am so sorry for this loss for your family.
My thoughts are with you all this week. May Gods presence be with you all. Dorothy REIMER
Margaret was my nursing class mate at Winnipeg General Hospital and also my room mate. She was fun and full of life, had such a sense of humour and taught us how to play cards. She was as kind as anyone could be. I am so sorry for this life lost and missed. Thinking of you all. Dorothy
Sincere sympathy to Percy and Shannon, Mrs. Fryer, Elsie & Joyce & families. I have great memories of times shared during our nurses’ training and get-togethers after.
Thank you, Helen. It is so good to hear from you. Blessings to you.
As Class Rep for the Winnipeg General Hospital Class of 1971, I offer my sincere condolences to Margaret’s family and friends – on this sudden and tragic loss. Margaret was such a beautiful person who will be missed by so many – including all her nursing classmates and colleagues. Our love to you all as you go through this difficult time.
Kathy Hamelin, WGH Class of 1971
I spent many moments throughout my adolescence at the Hills’ house. Back then their house was not surrounded by as many swanky vineyards as today!
Shannon and I were best friends throughout middle and high school so we saw a lot of each other’s family. I remember many sleepovers, pizza parties and movie nights at their house, a clear indication that her parents were welcoming for Shannon’s friends. I was also invited a few times on family trips such as the Nakusp Hot Springs, or to the churches’ annual event at their summer camp. If I slept over on Saturdays I would sometimes attend Sunday mass, something that was quite foreign to me.
Mrs Hills always made me feel at home. It could have been otherwise as Shannon and I were raised with some distinctly different values, religion being one of them. But it was clear that both of our families had taught us that a strong work ethic and respect of others was very important.
Mrs Hills obviously loved Shannon tremendously, and wanted only the best for her. Sometimes what she thought was best and what Shannon thought was best did not quite match, but I guess that happens a lot with parenting 🙂
It looks like Mrs Hills inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps of becoming a nurse, a career that is not easy and revolves around caring for others.
It’s been quite a few years since I lost track of Shannon as our life paths brought us in different directions… and in different cities! But a few years ago I was visiting Kelowna and I heard that Mrs Hills has suffered a stroke (if I remember correctly). I went to visit her at the hospital and felt humbled to help her with her solid water intake (who knew that jelly water existed?). That was the last time I saw Mrs Hills.
I would like to send my most heartfelt condolences to Shannon, Percy and the rest of Mrs. Hill’s family and friends. Sending you all strength during this difficult time.
From Sherbrooke, Quebec,
Jasmine Lanthier-Brun xox
Dear percy, shannon Mrs Fryer Joyce Elsie and your families
I am so sorry for your loss. Margaret and I walked many step when her Dad was ill and each one was a gift i will be forever grateful we had much in common scrabble mirsing and her incredible love for family
My thoughts and prayers ate with you all. Heaven has a new angle
So sorry to hear of Margaret’s sudden passing. I trained with Margaret and remember her very well. Will miss her at our reunions. Sympathy to all her family.
To all Margaret’s family I would say I am so sorry for your loss. My mother and Mrs. Fryer were great friends when Rev. Fryer was the minister at the Anglican Church in Rainy River, and Margaret and I were school and Church friends, being born in the same year. We lost contact when the Fryers moved to Lac du Bonnet, but I met Elsie again at university, and we have maintained contact ever since. Through her letters and the occasional visit I have kept up with news of the Fryer family. I have warm memories of the good times we spent together when we lived in Rainy River. I send the sympathy of the other members of my family who are thinking of you as well.
I remember the three precious little Fryer girls who came to Vacation Bible school way back when Margaret Etter and I came to Rainy River! So saddened to hear of Margaret’s passing. My sincerest condolences to your families. And a big hug for your Mom!
On behalf of the WGH/HSC Nursing Alumni we extend our sincerest condolences to Margaret’s family and friends. Margaret’s classmates shared her quote from the nursing yearbook , “I cannot make the world brighter but at least I can light a candle and keep the darkness from my little corner.. ” and they believe she accomplished that.. Hoping you find comfort in your loving memories.
Thank you for the reminder of Margaret’s quote from the Class f ’71 yearbook. I believe that she did always try to shine light for those around her. That is a good memory to hold. Blessings to you.
My condolences for your loss Percy.