It is with great sadness the Harney family announces the passing of their mother and Nana, Margaret
Francis Harney (September 13, 1929). “Maggie” as relatives fondly called her was born and raised in
Meehanbee Country Roscommon, Ireland. As one of eleven siblings, Maggie knew the importance of a
home cooked meal and the homely organization it required to make it happen. Maggie met Denis
Harney, the boy down the road in their small Irish village, and decided their future was in Canada
together. In 1952, at age 23, Maggie embarked on the trip of a lifetime as she followed her fiancé’s
breadcrumbs on a solo trip on, a ship from London, England to Montreal, Canada. Upon arrival in
Montreal, she found Denis had left further instructions: take the train to Vancouver where; he assured
her they would meet. So, Maggie took the Canadian Pacific train across the country. She was particularly
enamoured by the majestic terrain of the Rocky Mountains but she felt right at home once landing in
Vancouver. Maggie and Denis were reunited and married July 8, 1953, in West Vancouver.
Shortly afterwards, the new family welcomed two sons, first Patrick, then Denis, before moving to
Brunswick Beach in 1957. As a logging community, and some of the first residents, Maggie felt it a
struggle to raise a family in a remote area. So in 1962, the Harney’s, now five with the birth of Margaret,
moved to Squamish. It was here in Squamish she truly found her community. Maggie embraced her
Catholic faith and will be remembered as a Pioneer of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and the soft
spoken but witty clerk at St. Joseph’s Thrift Shop. She celebrated 550 active years with the CWL.
Employing the same administrative oversight that got eleven siblings and four children in order, Maggie
coordinated St. Joseph’s Christmas Bazaar’s kitchen refreshments until 2019. She always made a
sandwich spread, but it was her infamous shortbread and gingerbread cookies that will be profoundly
missed. Though she has generously shared her recipes throughout the years, her family and friends
know there was always an extra special touch when she made them. Family was important to Maggie
and she took many trips back to Ireland and England over the years, accompanied by her family.
Maggie, our Mom and Nana, will be deeply missed by her family and friends