On the early morning of September 12th, Margarida Krause had already finished her usual daily sudoku, crossword and other miscellaneous puzzles and was all packed for her morning swim. However, on her way to the door, she suddenly passed from a massive aneurism. This would have been the start of a typical day in her spirited, adventurous and brilliant life that continued unabated for the entire span of her amazing 93 years.
Maria Margarida Moutinho Ferreira de Oiveira was born in Lisbon Portugal on January 13, 1931, graduated from the University of Lisbon and then set out as a single young woman for the United States and the University of Wisconsin, where she found her husband Helmut, obtained her Phd and had 3 sons (Henry, George and Edward), all in just four years.
Margarida had a brilliant career, the majority as a research professor at the University of New Brunswick. There she discovered the power and wonders of RNA, decades before the rest of the world would catch on to what she found and predicted. Decades later, we are just now learning about coronaviruses, RNA vaccines and RNA-directed gene therapy.
Even after retiring, Guida continued to make major scholarly contributions. Most recently, we suggested she should share her vast knowledge of current and past local and world issues, which she had always followed diligently with great concern and wisdom. She took our advice by writing letters to the editors of prestigious newspapers, which were then published so frequently that she should have been paid as a staff writer. In fact, her comments were almost always far more insightful, wise and useful than the regular fare. The world would be an amazing place if she had been in charge.
Margarida was a great athlete. She beat all of the boys and men in her age group in running, swimming and rowing, and was fearless at taking up new sports later in life, including winter sports such as skiing and skating.
She was the nucleus and matriarch of our family, the inspiration and instigator for travels and get-togethers, with as many as possible near her beloved ocean. She was always cheerful and positive with numerous words of inspiration, motivation and wisdom for everyone around her. Her life has impacted thousands. She was, of course, also an amazing cook, with a fancy lunch planned for family and friends later that day. While living in Guelph she had numerous hobbies, including the choir that she lended her powerful soprano voice to, and for which she was already practicing for the upcoming Christmas performances. Always curious, she would have numerous fiction and non-fiction books beside her bed or favourite chair. She made a large dent in humanity and has provided strong shoulders to stand on.
Selfless and modest to the end, she asked only for a simple cremation and small ceremony with nearby family in one of her favourite places, next to her husband Helmut, with whom she shared 61 years of blissful marriage. We will do our best to channel the additional thoughts of extended friends and family.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).