Obituary of Margaret Nola Vaupel

Margaret Vaupel passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, with her devoted husband by her side. She lived a fulfilling life as a cherished wife, nurse, aunt, and friend.

Margaret's loving spirit is carried on by her husband of 47 years, John; her brother Allan (Janice) Horner and their children Cory Horner and Robyn Ferguson; and her sister Brenda (Blaine) Matuga and their children Lindsey Matuga and Colton Matuga. She was predeceased by her parents, Audrey and Ralph Horner.

Born and raised in Kamloops, B.C., Margaret was the eldest child of Audrey and Ralph Horner. She completed her schooling in Kamloops and graduated from high school in 1971. Following in her mother's footsteps, Margaret enrolled in the Royal Inland Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in September 1974. Her first nursing position was in Quesnel, B.C., where she intended to gain experience before moving to the United Church Hospital in Hazelton. However, fate had other plans, and she met her beloved John, marrying him on March 12, 1977.

Margaret worked on the surgical ward for five years before transitioning to the newly created role of Day Care Surgery nurse, later adding chemotherapy to her responsibilities, which she found deeply rewarding. Her nursing career was cut short in 1988 due to the loss of most of her sight, forcing her to retire from her beloved profession.

Margaret never let adversity slow her down. She kept herself busy tending to her flowers, garden, and collecting white rocks for her rock garden. After John's retirement in 2008, they embarked on numerous travels around the world, visiting Kenya, Tanzania, New Zealand, Australia, India, Cook Islands, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Mexico, and Iceland, among other destinations. Margaret also enjoyed camping with friends, quadding, and continuing her quest for white rocks, often enlisting the help of friends to fill her large bucket.

The family of Margaret Vaupel extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses on the 3rd floor of G.R. Baker Hospital and Hospice for their compassionate care during her transition to Hospice Their dedication and professionalism were truly inspiring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Quesnel and District Palliative Care in Margaret's name.

A Celebration of Life for Margaret will be held on May 9 at 1:00 pm at Clayton's Funeral Home, followed by a tea.

Grow Old With Me

By Wendy Silva

Let’s walk the road of life together

holding hands as we grow old.

I promise to love you in sickness

and to warm you when you are cold.

Taking each day as it comes weathering

the rain or basking in the sun.

Let us fill our hearts with memories

of laughter, love and fun.

As our age begins to show and

the wrinkles begin to appear.

We will both be at peace knowing

that the other is always near.

When our earthly time is over and if

for a short time one gets left behind.

We can look to the memories of the

past and be thankful for the peace we find.