Obituary of Margret Helene Anna Cheeseman

June 1, 1942 – Duisburg-Hamborn, Germany

June 27, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Margret Helene Anna Cheeseman (nee Hartmann) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Born in Duisburg-Hamborn, Germany, to parents Bernhard Hartmann and Margaret Hartmann McDonald (née Roemer). Margret's early life was marked by profound hardship. She was born during World War II, entering the world in a bomb shelter, during a devastating bombing raid. For the first five days of her life, Margret and her mother remained sheltered from the violence and chaos raging outside. These early adversities shaped Margret's resilient spirit and instilled in her a deep empathy for others facing hardship.

Margret's light and love shone brightly throughout her life. Despite the challenges she faced, she carried a profound sense of compassion and warmth, always ready to offer support and kindness to those around her. Her optimistic outlook and genuine concern for others touched the lives of everyone she met. Margret's home was a sanctuary of love and acceptance, where friends and family were always welcomed with open arms and a warm smile.

In addition to her caregiving roles, Margret had a passion for public service and volunteerism. Margret was a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary at CFB Shilo, MB, and was active in the Boy Scouts of Canada. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, ensuring that the sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces members were honoured and remembered. Also, Margret was a founding member of the 4H Club in Linden, AB. Margret's involvement in various community endeavours and fundraisers touched many lives and provided a positive impact on her community.

Margret loved spending summers boating, fishing, and camping with her family. Her grandchildren enjoyed the daily outings to the ice cream truck with Omi and Grandpa. The family camping trips were looked forward to every year.

During the hockey season, you would find Margret and Dene down at the Dome cheering on the Hitmen. We are sure you could hear Margret’s cheers across the city. She never missed the Teddy bear toss; she would proudly attend with her entire family beside her. Margret valued honesty, integrity, and fairness in all aspects of her life. She instilled these values in her children and grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. Her life experiences fueled her commitment to supporting causes that promoted social justice and equality.

Margret was predeceased by her parents, Bernhard Hartmann and Margaret Hartmann McDonald (nee Roemer); her beloved husband, Sgt. James Alexander Cheeseman, CD, in 2005, sister Wilja Wilkinson (Jerry), and second husband WO. Douglas Morrison, CD.

Margret is survived by her life partner, Alfred Dene Noble, children, Chris Cheeseman, John Cheeseman (Khethwen), and Joan Ellwood (James); her sister Rita Jud (Hans), as well as numerous "adopted" children and grandchildren. She was a cherished Omi/Oma to Alex, Isabelle, Owen, Thomas, and Hope. She was the beloved aunt to Bellinda (Travis), great-aunt to Mackenzie and Cole; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Margret’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion (Centennial Calgary Branch #285, 9202 Horton Road, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and honour her legacy of compassion, service, and resilience.

In lieu of flowers, please consider performing a random act of kindness or take the time to reconnect with a loved one.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Margret’s family here.

In living memory of Margret Cheeseman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.