Margaret Dale Thomassen

Margaret Thomassen (née Pirie)

October 23, 1935 – June 6, 2026

The death of Margaret Thomassen (née Pirie) occurred in Brandon, MB on June 6, 2026.

Born in Leroy, SK to Gordon Edward and Mary Pirie on October 23, 1935. The eldest of five children, Margaret lived there until she left to attend the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. It was there that she met Orla, the man who would become her husband.

The couple spent the first eighteen years of their marriage in Fort Frances, ON, where Margaret found great joy in raising their three children. She was a devoted hockey and figure skating mom, as well as a Brownie and 4-H leader. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, especially when creating figure skating and Halloween costumes, and handmade toys for the children. The family cabin was a very special place to her, and she spent many happy hours there — both during the Fort Frances years and on cherished trips from Brandon.

Once her children became more independent, Margaret joined the workforce, serving as a teacher for adult education, head of the Fort Frances Library Children's Department, and as a probation officer.

The family moved to Brandon, MB in 1976. Despite already holding a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan, she became a dedicated student again, pursuing studies in a variety of disciplines at Brandon University. She joined her husband in running Orla's Watch & Clock Shop, managing the books and serving as general office manager. A doting grandmother and great-grandmother, she also served as a principal childcare provider for her great-grandchildren. At the age of 50, she learned to swim — going on to exercise her new ability at the Brandon Y and by swimming long distances in Rainy Lake at the cabin. She found much pleasure in teaching ESL, and the friendships that grew from those classes meant a great deal to her. Other favourite activities included Tai Chi, ballroom dancing, playing Bridge and cribbage, and watching baseball, curling, and football (go Bombers!).

A constant and enduring passion was her love of music. From early childhood, Margaret adored opera and classical music in its many forms, though she could also be moved by a rousing piece of old-time country and a bit of jazz. She played piano, sang in choirs, and delighted in attending concerts, operas, musicals and ballets. As anyone who visited her home can tell you, the air was always filled with the sound of classical music.

Margaret will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Cate (Jack Schaub) and Susan Finley (Ron). Sons-in-law, Brian Kayes (Jill) and Meir Serfaty. Grandchildren, Christian (Olga Lozano), Reed (Beth Leding), Jillian (Bryan Jones), and Jess Parsons. Great-grandchildren, Valkyrie, Ronin, Arabella, and Lilah. Brother, William Pirie and sister Catherine Burgess (David), as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Orla, her son Dana, her brothers David and George Pirie, and her grandson Jordan Kayes.

Cremation has taken place, and the family will honour her memory privately at the family cabin.

If you wish to honour Margaret's memory, donations may be made to the Brandon Chamber Players, c/o Lee Martel, School of Music, 270 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6A9 or a charity of your choice.