Margaret MCLAREN Obituary

Dear Kirsten
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother and want you to know I am sharing in your sadness.
While I didn't know your Mum and Dad, together, they loved you and gave you a life like no other. Hold onto and treasure these memories forever.
With distance between us I have you in my thoughts Kirsten, at this most difficult time.
Look after You and May You find Peace and Laughter where and when you can

With prayers and affection
Pip

It was with great sadness that we learned of Margaret's passing. Margaret was a delightful person in all respects with keen intelligence, good humour and lovely warmth. We hosted Ian & Margaret and children when they stayed with us a couple of times in British Columbia when we lived in Canada. They were a wonderful couple in all respects. Our hearts go out to David and his family and to Kirsten on their sad loss. Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathy at this sad time. Barry & Barbara Hill, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Ian and Margaret McLaren were wardens at Weir House,a University Hall of Residence in Wellington, in the early 1960's. They are remembered for their kindness and generosity to the young men who were residents there at the time. Reading of her passing brings back memories from a far off phase in my life in which she played an important part.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of my dearest cousin. We always kept in touch although because of distance I was unable to see her as much as I would have liked to. Margaret was always there for me with her warmth and kindness. I shall miss her enormously.

During the second half of 1956, Margaret was appointed as a temporary English lecturer to the newly-established Palmerston North Teachers' College. Ian, her fiancé, was already there as the lecturer in history. Margaret and Ian, along with the other lecturers from 1956, became close friends with that close-knit group of students, who are still in touch after 65 years. We have lovely memories of Margaret's cheerful disposition and her warm friendship will be missed by all of us.
Audrey Ansell

I came to know Professor Margaret McLaren through my long-term friendship with her husband, Professor Ian McLaren. (Ian was my mentor and teaching colleague at The University of Waikato.) Margaret impressed me from the moment I met her, in 1990. She was elegant, outgoing, witty, highly intelligent, and always welcoming of me into her (and Ian's) family home. Ian and Margaret came to be two very special people in my life. Margaret was always generous with her time, and I looked to her (and to Ian) for advice regularly throughout my academic career--at Waikato and beyond. Margaret was unselfish--as her many students would attest--and she had the capacity and willingness to care deeply about people. I will miss her enormously. Margaret's smile was infectious, and her warmth was deep and sincere. I am enormously grateful to have had the pleasure of coming to know Margaret (and Ian). I feel privileged. Professor Gregory Lee, Christchurch, New Zealand.

We have memories of Margaret as a gentle parishioner of All Hallows.She and Ian were clever and Kind
God bless you all.