Margaret Anderson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, and grandmother, Margaret Anderson (nee MacDonald) who passed away on April 24, 2006.
She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of fifty-six years, Charles; her beloved family, daughter Pamela Docksteader (Brian) of Calgary and sons, Wayne (Arlene) of Philadelphia, Donald (Carolyn) of Cambridge, and Stuart (Jane) of Brampton. She will be lovingly remembered by her 14 grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Donald Lorne McDonald and Mary Netta MacLeod, and stepmother Annie Mabel Lothian; her four brothers Kenneth, Donald, Campbell, and Sidney; as well as an infant stillborn son MacDonald Anderson. She is survived by sisters-in-law Muriel MacDonald of Huntsville, and Dorothy McCrimmon of Vankleek Hill, as well as her brother-in-law Russell (Jean) Anderson of Vankleek Hill.
Margaret was born on Aug. 27, 1924 in Vankleek Hill. She graduated from Ottawa Normal School (Teachers College) in 1944 and taught elementary school until she married Charles on Aug. 20, 1949. After their marriage, Margaret assisted Charles on a farm near St. Eugene for approximately four years, followed by the Imperial Oil business and Ault's Cheesehouse in Winchester. Her husband, children and grandchildren were her constant source of pride and happiness.
She was a devoted homemaker and a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer. She was a canvasser for the CNIB; volunteered at the Maxville Manor; and was involved in various capacities with the United Church throughout her years in Winchester, Alexandria, and Maxville. She welcomed the opportunity to help with annual projects such as rummage sales, soup luncheons, and turkey dinners. In her spare time, Margaret enjoyed playing bridge, doing cross-stitch, and competing in her favorite sport of curling. She loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. Some of her favorite trips included travel to Spain, the United Kingdom, Alaska, Mexico, Florida, and Hawaii. Her health faded in recent years as she underwent triple bypass surgery and battled subsequent complications as well as the effects of a stroke, but her spirit never diminished. She fought back with the same determined spirit that she possessed throughout her life.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of the Ottawa Heart Institute; Ottawa Civic Hospital; Trillium Health Centre (Queensway and Mississauga sites); and the William Osler Health Centre (Brampton Memorial Hospital Campus). They also wish to express appreciation to relatives and friends for their visits, cards, letters, and e-mails that certainly brightened Margaret's days.
A funeral service was held at Maxville United Church on May 1, followed by a committal service at Kirk Hill United Church Cemetery in Kirk Hill, Ont. The service was officiated by Rev. Angus MacDonald, a lifelong friend of Margaret and Charles. Tributes to Margaret were given by her children Pamela and Donald, and her granddaughter Larissa Day. The 23 Psalm was read by her granddaughter Spencer Anderson. Pallbearers included grandsons Ryan and Mark Docksteader, Craig and Brent Anderson and nephews Murray and Lorne MacDonald. Pipers Ewen and Audrey MacDonald participated at both the funeral and committal services.