Obituary of Margaret Ann TAYLOR (nee Adams

September 15, 1932 – Verdun, Quebec
September 5, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Margaret Ann Taylor, beloved wife of Harold Taylor, loving mother and grandmother, slipped away quietly from the arms of her family on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the age of 87 years.  Margaret was ten days shy of her eighty-eighth birthday.

Born September 15, 1932 in Verdun, Quebec, Margaret was the daughter of Walter and Beatrice Adams.  She was the second eldest of eight children.  Margaret had an undying love for her mother and enjoyed her childhood years in Verdun with four of her brothers and a sister.  During World War II, Margaret’s father was posted to England and the family relocated to rural Hemmingford, Quebec.  Shortly after the war ended, the family moved to Montreal East.  At the early age of sixteen, Margaret lost her mother; a loss that remained within her heart.  Upon graduating from college, Margaret resided in Montreal working within the insurance industry and enjoyed participating as a rower in the War Canoe Races.

Margaret moved to Calgary in 1960 where she worked for Imperial Oil as a keypunch operator on the IBM 360 computer.  During her career with Imperial Oil, Margaret met the love of her life, Harold, and after a whirlwind romance they were married in 1966.  They resided in Calgary, Alberta where they started their lives together and began a family with three beautiful daughters; Cynthia, Pamela and Chantel.  Margaret’s gentle and generous spirit made her a natural wife and mother.  Margaret thrived as a full-time homemaker.  Caring for her family and their home brought immense joy not only to her but to the endless parade of friends, both adults and children, who were often found mingling within her kitchen.  Margaret was the spirit behind every holiday and every gathering.  She always made everyone feel loved and welcomed.

An active volunteer within her community, Margaret was a Girl Guide leader for the Canyon Meadow’s District, a Sunday school teacher with McDougall United Church and she was a parent chaperon for many school activities.  Margaret was a proud wife, mother and grandmother who enthusiastically cheered for her children and grandchildren as they participated in baseball, soccer, dance and water polo.  Margaret taught through example and whether it was education, sports, travel, music or family; she gracefully encouraged those around her to always do their best and to reach for their dreams.

A love of reading, crossword puzzles and the Discovery Channel; fueled her knowledge for a nightly episode of Jeopardy.  Margaret enjoyed playing cards, family wiener roasts, shopping with her daughters, sewing, baking and watching movies with her grandchildren.  Margaret’s passion for sewing led to the creation of many outfits for herself, her daughter’s and their dolls; all of which, were very well dressed!  One of Margaret’s most enjoyable moments was sharing an order of french fries and gravy with loved ones.

Margaret was an energetic woman who had a passion for activities and the outdoors.  Margaret and Harold were long standing members of the Queens and Jacks Square Dance Club where they created many fond memories.  Margaret enjoyed rowing, curling, gardening, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, golfing and she was always ready for a road trip.  Margaret joined Harold on several hiking trails through the Canadian Rockies, a road trip to California, RV excursions through the USA and across Canada to Quebec, annual summer camping holidays, a family holiday to Hawaii and a couple of trips to Honduras.  In the later years, Margaret and Harold shared hours of exploration through the Alberta foothills.

Margaret was an avid golfer with a love for the game and she would pursue every opportunity to enjoy a round of eighteen holes. Margaret and Harold were members of the Highwood Golf and Country Club for many years, as well; Margaret was a member of the Maple Ridge Ladies Golf Club.  On any given day, Margaret could be found swinging a club with either Harold or her long-time friend, Dorothy.

Margaret was known for her magnetic and loving personality. She was engaging, authentic, strong, compassionate, generous and of course, a bit feisty!  With a smile that could brighten the room; Margaret would greet you with a loving hug, an open door and she would always have a pot of coffee ready with a sweet treat to tantalize your taste buds.  Those who were fortunate enough to have known Margaret will miss her smile, her laughter, her selflessness and her huge heart.

Margaret will be missed beyond measure by her husband of nearly fifty-four years, Harold; daughters, Cynthia (James), Pamela, Chantel (Leon); grandchildren, Kristen, Connor, Margarita and Elizabeth; brother Douglas; sister DeeDee (Jan); mother-in-law Maxine; sister-in-law Betty and numerous nieces and nephews.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Beatrice; sister Beatrice; brothers, Donald, Sonny, Bob, Daniel; and father-in-law Irvine.

Given current restrictions, a Celebration of Margaret’s Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Margaret’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com

We would like to thank the team at AgeCare Midnapore who provided exceptional care and support over the past two years.  The level of dignity, respect, kindness and dedication each of you demonstrated towards Margaret was outstanding.  A special thank you to Dr. Walls and Dr. Tran for their care of Margaret, advice and guidance.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com  or to the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Margaret Taylor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2X 3J3, Telephone:  403-256-9575