MARGARET HELEN MILLER

With great sadness, but deep appreciation for its longevity and loving impact on so many people, the family of Margaret Helen Miller announce that her life journey ended in its 99th year, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Ravines Retirement Residence in Ottawa, with members of her family by her side. Margaret (Mom) was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon (1999), much too soon. Notwithstanding the loss of the love of her life and very best friend, she carried on intrepidly for 24 years with courage, despite missing Gordon, and a firm independence that all who knew her can affirm. Mom (Nana, Gigi) was a loving mother to sons Bruce (Sue), Rob (Cathy) and John (Gerry); grandmother to six grandchildren: Sean, Todd, Drew, Geordie, Kate, and Greg; and so proudly, eleven great-grandchildren that are the reward for such a long life.

Mom was predeceased by her parents: William McGie and Gladys (Wilson) Little; as well as her stepfather, Fred Little. She was also predeceased by her sister Kay, who passed in her 99th year as well. The sisters certainly had enduring, strong genes. She lost her father William to Tuberculosis, an aftermath of gas poisoning while fighting in World War I, when she was just five years old. Her mother was remarried to Fred Little who was a wonderful, caring stepfather to Mom and Kay before he also passed at an early age after the second war. Our grandmother, Gladys, having suffered the heartbreak of losing two husbands, carried on her life until 1976, setting a strong example of independence and personal fortitude that Mom would later emulate in her own life.

Margaret was born in Windsor, Ontario on March 15, 1925. At that time, her father returned from war and was working as an engineer for the Ford Motor Company. When her father passed away, having been chronically ill since her birth, and after her mother’s re-marriage, Margaret and her family moved frequently around Southern Ontario (Goderich, Brantford, Hamilton) and Montreal following her stepfather Fred’s work transfers with the then Bank of Commerce. Eventually, during the second war, the family moved to Jamaica where Margaret finished school and briefly worked as a receptionist for Pan Am Airlines, starting at age 18. Her stories, memories and photographs of her happy life in Jamaica as a teenager filled the lives of her sons as they grew up; as did contrasting stories of her earlier life in Canada growing up in the Depression with a single parent to rely on for most of that time.

All of these experiences forged a generous spirit in Mom, which she carried through her life. She had many volunteer experiences over her long years, particularly those involving the support of the less fortunate. At an advanced age, she was still a regular worker at the Out of the Cold programme for the homeless operated by St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines. In April of 1944, at age 19, consistent with her strong independent streak, she traveled alone from Jamaica to Toronto to enlist in the WRENS in support of the war effort. She was posted to St. John’s, Newfoundland as a “signalwoman”. She spent her service in this position until September of 1945, operating signals in aid of the search for enemy German U-boats threatening the harbour. On her discharge her superiors commented, quite perceptively, that she was a “poised, mature and intelligent” soldier who had performed “an excellent job in the service” and “particularly likes dealing with people”. These were qualities that were recognized by all she met in her many days of life.

In May of 1946, Margaret married Gordon after he had returned from war in Europe where he was wounded. She supported them by working in an office while he completed law school at Osgoode Hall in Toronto. They moved to Montreal after he obtained a position in the law department of the Canadian Pacific Railway; and their family life began with the birth of their sons in 1949, 1952 and 1957.

During these years and beyond, the family moved to Toronto and back to Montreal with Gordon’s transfers and promotions. Mom held down the fort as a dedicated homemaker and loving parent throughout. After Gordon’s retirement, the couple moved to Niagara on the Lake in the mid 1980’s where they enjoyed their time with family, voluntary involvement with the Niagara Historical Society and the Shaw Festival, making new friends and traveling to Florida to stay in the winter months. It was particularly special that after many years living away from Niagara where Gordon had grown up that they were able to see on a regular basis, his brother Fred and wife Bunty, who lived in St. Catharines. During the years leading up to Gordon’s death in 1999, he and Mom had moved to Hillcrest Avenue in St. Catharines where they greatly enjoyed their association with all of their neighbours on that street. Before and even after Gordon passed, Margaret was well known in the neighbourhood for her cheery demeanour as she peddled her bicycle along the street. She made many new friends. Later on, after residing in a townhouse at Winston Glen and at the Anchor Pointe Retirement Home in St. Catharines, she moved to Ottawa in 2011 to be close to her son Bruce and daughter in law Sue, their large family, her sister Kay, who was then already in her 90’s; and her son John.

Even as Mom herself turned 90, living in Ottawa at two retirement residences, she continued to drive a car and was, predictably, unhappy when she was no longer able to do that. She remained mentally sharp to an amazing degree for someone her age. Consistent with her fierce sense of independence, she stayed in her senior’s apartment despite failing physical health, and only reluctantly as she approached 100 did she agree to move to assisted care level areas of her home at Ravines. She was appreciated and admired for her enduring spirit by the residents and staff there.

After years of struggling with considerable physical pain and almost total loss of mobility, but still alert and conversant almost to the end, Mom passed away peacefully and walked away with God on May 23rd. Her long journey in life ended with her family present and with opportunities for most of them to say goodbye in person or by telephone. It should be noted as a sign of respect that the staff of Ravines had for Margaret, this classy lady who treated them well, that many of them insisted on speaking to her personally with messages of love as she approached the end of her life.

The family wishes to express special thanks to the staff at Ravines for their kind and dedicated care of Mom, particularly as her remarkable life waned. They particularly want to express extreme gratitude to Kate McKenzie of Bayshore Health Services, Mom’s primary palliative nurse, for her so appreciated compassionate and attentive care of her to the end - together with her great talents in comforting and informing the family as the reality of Mom’s leaving us became clear.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Alzheimer Society of Niagara or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by Margaret’s family. Funeral Services for Margaret will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at St. George’s Anglican Church, 83 Church St. in St. Catharines at 11 a.m. The family will be in attendance at 10 a.m. to greet all those wishing to attend the service or just wishing to convey messages in honour of Margaret’s passing. All of her family and friends will be welcome to attend a reception at St. George’s following the service. Margaret’s ashes will be joined with those of her husband Gordon and his parents in a private family ceremony at Victoria Lawn Cemetery following the reception. Online condolences and tributes may be left for the family at www.hulseandenglish.com.