Margaret Scott (d.1931, aged 76).

Margaret Scott was one of the pioneers of social work in Winnipeg in the early years of the twentieth century. She founded the All People’s Mission which later became known as Margaret Scott Nursing Mission.

Mrs. Scott has been called “The Angel of Poverty Row” and “St. Margaret of Winnipeg”, for her work among the poorest of the poor in Winnipeg. She arrived in Winnipeg in 1886 from Colborne, Ontario.  She had been recently widowed and wanted to start a new life. She worked in the Dominion Land Office, but gave up paid employment to work among the sick.  She devoted her whole life to caring for the needy. Her work was supported by private donations, and the parishioners of St. John’s presented her with a pony and trap so that she could make her rounds.  In 1904, she established the Margaret Scott Nursing Mission, which, in addition to caring for the sick, became a centre for training and support of district nurses, and by 1906, it was necessary to increase the staff. Funding was provided by the City of Winnipeg, and the Mission gained a national reputation. Margaret Scott was wont to say: “If in trying to serve God I have been privileged to cheer and comfort others, my highest aim has been obtained.” Her gravestone records the esteem in which she was held in her adopted city.