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August 26, 1919 - March 3, 2021
We mourn the death of Sister Margaret Mary Baumann.
Margaret was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 26, 1919, the seventh of nine children. She attended elementary and high schools in Monroe and Birmingham, Michigan.
Margaret joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, and for three years, she served as a nurse's aide and was stationed in Hawaii. After her discharge, she moved to California and pursued a career in hairdressing.
In 1951 she entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
She taught primary grades in several parochial schools throughout California and in 1960, she was assigned to Christie Residential School on Meares Island. There she served as infirmarian, seamstress, beadwork instructor, and child care worker
In 1971, Margaret moved to the new student residence in Tofino where she worked as a seamstress and beadwork instructor. Margaret's students produced many works of art which have been displayed in several museums, one being the travelling Nuu-Cha-Nulth First Nations Exhibit at the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles, California.
After her retirement in 1983, Margaret continued to volunteer at Wickaninnish School in Tofino, teaching beadwork at recess, lunch and after school. In 1993 Margaret volunteered as a full time aide in the Kindergarten until the year 2000.
Sister Margaret served as full-time sacristan at St. Francis of Assisi Church since 1971 and for 29 years worked hard all year on different projects in preparation for the annual church bazaar, which raised money for outreach to the Tofino Community.
Margaret was always available to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She was tireless when it came to service, and never complained about anything nor uttered an unkind word about anyone. It was obvious that Margaret's strength came from her deep prayer life, and her total devotion to God and her love for Mother Mary.
Her love for her family was constant and she took great pride in being a member of the Baumann clan. The Tavera's and the Koreski's also claimed her as a member of their families. Margaret leaves behind a sister, Beth and numerous nephews and nieces whom she loved dearly, as well as her beloved sisters in Community.
Margaret's legacy lives on in the people she so lovingly served, many of whom still produce beautiful beadwork they learned from her.
Being outdoors and walking on the beach or up and down the driveway daily, sitting in the garden, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, playing cards, reading, travelling, picking berries, and attending the Senior socials were some of Margaret's favourite activities.
Margaret spent the last two weeks of her life in Tofino General Hospital being cared for by a caring Doctor Williston and many dedicated nurses who treated her with great respect, gentleness and love.
She commented one day, "I always need the nurses so much and it's never a problem for them. They''re always anxious to help me. I am so grateful." One sunny day as she looked out the window from her hospital bed, at the ocean, mountains and forest, she said, "So nice to have all that beauty coming into my room. I'm enjoying every minute of it!" Sister Margaret went to heaven peacefully on March 3rd surrounded with love and the beauty of creation.
Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Roger Poblete and Bishop Gary Gordon who was able to livestream the Service so her family and friends could attend virtually.
You will be greatly missed, dear Margaret. May you rest in God's loving arms.
Donations in memory of Sister Margaret may be made to the Tofino General Hospital Foundation or St. Francis of Assisi Church Hamper Fund.


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