Obituary of Margaret (nee Self) Victoria BRIDGES

November 17, 1941 – Illinois, United States of America
February 16, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Margaret Bridges of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the age of 78 years.

Vicki was born on November 27, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. Vicki’s father, George M. Self, was a professor for thirty years at the University of Calgary. 
Vicki was a founding member and organizer of Grande Prairie Action Group. She was also a founding member of Troyanda Society for the Preservation of Ukrainian Culture (member responsible to Multicultural Council).

During her time with Community Music in Grand Prairie she played in the South Peace Concert Band for five years as principal Tuba, sang in the College Choir in the Alto and Tenor section and played Double Bass and Tuba with the College Orchestra.

She was affiliated with Alberta Association of Social Workers, Alberta Teachers Association, Muscular Dystrophy, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Canadian Diabetes Association.

She joined the Catholic Women's League of Canada in 1960 and remained an active member for many years. Vicki became a Layperson with the church and combining that with her Pastoral Care training, she was a regular visitor to the various hospitals in Calgary administering to the sick.

Her teaching career spanned decades from 1960 to 2019. 

Vicki was hard of hearing and legally blind. She was confined to a power wheel chair for years. You could find her most days barreling along on her souped-up chair with one of her faithful service dogs (dachshund) perched on her knee or draped across the back of the chair with one foot resting on her shoulder for balance. 

Vicki always said she wanted to live out her final years in comfort and well looked after. Her wish was fulfilled when she moved into the Providence Care Centre. In beautiful surroundings, the safety and comfort of her own suite Vicki spent her final years in happiness. She made fast friends with the staff, the residents and visitors. The highlight of her day was when there would be a visitor with a dog. Her eyes would glow as she cuddled with the fur-persons (as she called them) fondly remembering her own service dogs.

Vicki is survived by her children, Robert, Peggy, Randy, Chris and Carrie (Brad). She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vicki leaves a myriad of close friends behind, many of who adopted Vicki as part of their family. 

Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church (4903 – 45th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, March 2, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Margaret’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of your choice. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Providence Care Centre and all Vicki’s doctors and nursing staff at South Health Campus for their exceptional care of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In living memory of Margaret Bridges, 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.