Margaret McBean

Margaret Mary (Reta) McBean

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Margaret (Reta) McBean on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the age of 97, in Pembroke, Ont. Reta was born in Mimico, Ont. March 23, 1929, the 6th of nine children. Reta completed high school in Mimico, after which she entered St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing to earn her registered nursing diploma. Reta then devoted her professional life to Public Health nursing, a career that took her to many towns in Ontario. It was in Pembroke, as Director of Nursing for Renfrew County Health, that she met Floyd McBean. They were married in 1970 and enjoyed many happy years together. Floyd brought to the marriage a lovely stepdaughter, Lee, and a grandson, Ryan. Reta and Ryan were great skiing buddies.

Reta was always active in the Pembroke community. She was on the board of directors of the hospital, as well as the public library. In addition to skiing, Reta also enjoyed skating, and was a member of the curling club. Reta sang in the church choir, as well as the community choir. She was an avid reader and enjoyed travel.

Reta’s great joy was her cottage on Georgian Bay, where she hosted many family gatherings with music, good food, and lots of fun. Each summer, in ceremony, Reta conferred The Order of the Big Rock on many new little swimmers. Her many nieces and nephews (and some of their children, as well!) remember their cottage time with Aunt Reta very fondly.

Reta was predeceased by Floyd in 1985, as well as her brothers Kevin and Malachi, and sisters Patricia, Mary, Dympna, Therese. Left to mourn are her sisters Norah Henehan and Angela Kanik, stepdaughter Lee (McBean) Blais, grandson Ryan McBean and wife Cathleen, their children Athena and Kairo, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Reta’s family would like to thank all of the personal support workers who attended her at home, the Pembroke Hospital Palliative Care staff, and Deacon Adrien Chapult. We especially wish to acknowledge the friendship and kindness of Jeanette Sohy, whose caring presence was integral during Reta’s final days.

The funeral mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Columbkille Cathedral on Wednesday, October 7, at 11:00am, Interment St. Columba’s Cemetery with a reception to follow in the church hall.