“Dum spiro spero” (“While I breathe, I hope”)

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, after a brief hospital stay and with family by her side, our beautiful Mother gained her butterfly wings. Daughter Patricia (Michael), son David (Michelle), and brother Howard (Pearl), miss her deeply but are grateful that she is now at peace and reunited with her soul mate Bill (2012) and other loved ones.

Margaret was the first-born of four children to Doug and Esther Elliott while they lived in Brantford, Ontario. Sisters Janice (2022) and Donna (1985), and brother Howard followed.

Margaret and Bill met at Saltfleet High School in Stoney Creek, Ontario, which was the start of their beautiful 55 years of marriage, family, and life together. Margaret and Bill’s children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Although Brandon, Ryan, Cassidy, Megan, and Liam miss her greatly, they are comforted knowing that Gramma will always be with them “sitting on your shoulder” or “in your pocket” no matter where they go. She was so very proud of all of them and always enjoyed their visits, phone chats, cards, and letters. Niece Kathy, nephews Eric (Rosie), Greg, and Darren, will also miss her smile, warm hugs, and words of comfort and wisdom.

Margaret’s first job was at Stoney Creek Dairy at the age of 14. Her desire to learn and to build a future with Bill led to her being hired in a bank at the age of 17 where she worked her way up to Head Teller. The main focus of Margaret’s working career was in the medical field for which she had a strong aptitude. Starting as a medical receptionist, she worked with many different types of doctors over the years until she accepted a position as a Medical Transcriptionist at a large hospital. After 14 years of being the Director of Medical Records, Margaret retired from working full-time so that she could spend more time with her family as she and Bill prepared to welcome their first grandchild.

While she was proud of her working career, Margaret always felt that her true accomplishment in life was having raised a loving and supportive family who know how much they are valued and happily express their love for each other.

Margaret valued her relationships with those she cared about above everything else and always made time to listen and be present when someone was sharing what was on their mind or heart. She had a gift for listening to what you were saying, and for reading between the lines about what you were not saying. Her welcoming nature always made friends feel like family and let you know that she cared and was truly interested in what you were going through. She believed that how you made someone feel was your legacy; words could harm or heal; everyone had some good in them, and that every challenge had a silver lining. She would always end a conversation or visit by making sure you knew how much she cared about you in case she “didn’t get another chance to tell you.” She lived her life in kindness and generosity with an open heart and a brilliant and curious mind… a beautiful role model.

Margaret was always highly committed to supporting her family in whatever way she could and did so on many different levels… whether it was attending an event, helping with projects and assignments, research and editing, or just listening she was always keen to help in whatever way she could. Her grandsons can recall many times that “Grammar Gramma” would aid with schoolwork. While not a golfer herself, she became a wonderful Golf Support Partner to Bill, learning about the game along the way and enjoying his recounting of his adventures from the golf course.

An avid lover of music, old and new, singing and dancing were among her favourite activities, usually with dance partner Bill, but sometimes with one of her grandsons. Many would agree that one of the things Margaret enjoyed most was giving truly incredible hugs. She always said “hugs are the best because you can give and receive one at the same time.” Her family will forever feel the void of her physical absence but will hold dear her glow, carrying her love with them always, remembering her gentle heart and her beautiful smile.

We love you Mom, to infinities and beyond, all the way there and all the way back… always… “Bless This House”

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Margaret in the Summer of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made to the Salvation Army.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, Whitby, Ontario.

MOUNT LAWN FUNERAL HOME

Condolences from family and friends:

POSTED BY Kelly-Ann DeSilva-DiBiase | 28-Mar-2025
Patricia,
My sincerest and deepest apologies to you and your family. May she RIP.
May the good lord keep her as one of your guardian angels, and may he bring you some solace during this difficult time. Sending my love xoxoxo’s

POSTED BY Stacy Seguin | 27-Mar-2025
Margaret hugged like you were family. My dear friend Patti is a credit to her, and along with her family, her great legacy.