Tribute

Daisy Selma Megli passed away in Abbotsford, BC, on December 24, 2021, at age 91. Daisy was born on a farm in McMahon, Saskatchewan; the third of six children born to Peter and Helena Martens. She trained as a teacher, eventually acquiring a Ph.D. (SFU, 1980). She taught school in Linden, Alberta, and Abbotsford, BC, as well as overseas at the LCC International University in Lithuania, where she made many friends and found her second home. She also worked as a missionary for several years in the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), for which she became fluent in the French language, studying in both Quebec and Belgium. In retirement, she loved traveling the world, and when at home, sewing. She was an active participant in a local book club and coffee group. Her mind was sharp to the very end. Daisy’s faith was very important to her. Reflecting on her life, she left these words: “I am constantly aware of the abundant Grace of God which saved me from a life of total selfishness to one in which I wished to honour Him with whatever gifts and abilities He granted me.” Daisy leaves behind her children Brian Megli, Katharina Megli (John Wills) and Luci Richard; son-in-law Edward Gallagher (Michelle); grandchildren Laura Burden (Graham), Leona Megli, Richard Gallagher, Charles Gallagher (Genesee Bohn), and Teresa Richard; sisters Helen Lofton (Don) and Erna Martens; brother Peter Martins (Irene); nieces Bev Martens, Sharon Lofton, Valerie Morgan (Dennis), Brenda Thompson, and Deborah Hrychiw (Peter); nephews Gerald Martins and Del Lofton (Kristy); two great-granddaughters; and many beloved great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also mourned by her dear friend and companion Dr. Sigute Mazonyte, who was constantly at Daisy’s side during her final illness. She was predeceased by her husband Samuel Megli (2004), daughter Teresa Megli (1994), son Jeffrey Megli (1991) and daughter-in-law Betty Megli (2014), as well as her parents, Peter and Helena Martens, sister Nora Martens (2004), brother Calvin Martens (1985), nephew Bruce Linn (2012) and great-nephew Paul Martins (1994). The family wishes to thank the medical, nursing, and other staff at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, the Mission Memorial Hospital, and the Holmberg House Hospice, for their care of Daisy. Cremation has already taken place, arranged by Wiebe and Jeske Burial & Cremation Providers, with interment to follow at a later date in Linden, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Daisy’s memory may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee British Columbia for their relief work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or to the Union Gospel Mission