Margaret Emma Hunrichs

Margaret (McAllister) Hunrichs passed away on October 15, 2021 at age 90. She was a loved and involved member of the Bonners Ferry community for over 25 years.

Born in Fisher Home, Alberta, Canada, Margaret was the oldest of 9 siblings. She left the family farm at age 15 and was the first in her family to attend high school. She then went on to Prairie Bible College.

She moved to the United States in 1954 to be a missionary and start her family. She had 3 children, Esther (Jim) Phillips of Arizona, David Hunrichs of Bonners Ferry, and Julie (James) Vinton of Bonners Ferry. Five grandchildren: Christie Phillips, Kaytie Phillips, Joshua (Lexi) Phillips, C.J. Vinton, and Kassandrea (Jake) Markut and five great grandchildren: Hannah, Lexie, Johnathan, Dante, and Domanic.

Margaret’s dream of becoming a registered nurse was fulfilled at the age of 50. She worked in a hospital in Tucson, Arizona. She then moved the Navajo Indian Reservation to be a school nurse for 10 years. She loved the time working with little kids and keeping them healthy.

Margaret retired in 1996, moving to Bonners Ferry to be with family and surrounded by the nature and trees that she loved. Retirement was not the end of Margaret’s service to others. She was a hospice volunteer for a few years. She was a founding member of the Bonners Ferry Woman’s Cancer Education and Support Group, and a strong advocate for cancer support services in Bonners Ferry. She was a 33-year breast cancer survivor!

Margaret independently lived in her own home until her health required her to move to Sunset Home where she received care, love, companionship, and blessings in her final months. Her daughters will never be able to thank the staff of Sunset Home enough for the love they shared with our mom.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Those wishing to honor her life can make a donation in her name to the Bonners Ferry Woman’s Cancer Education and Support Group (208-267-2711 Virginia Sanborn Treasurer).