I used to joke with Margaret that she was a tough nut to crack.

We first met in 2011 when I started working at the Kerby News part-time. But it wasn’t until I returned as editor in 2017 that I was fortunate to get to know her a little better.

In truth, Margaret was instrumental at the Kerby News: she was my editor. In a high-pressure, time-sensitive work environment, mistakes would get missed. Whether they were spelling, grammatical, fact-checking, or anything in between, Margaret would always catch them; her attention to detail and dedication were exceptional. But she would hear no such praise.

As humble as she was sharp and committed, Margaret shied away from praise. During the days she was in the newsroom copyediting, we found time to discuss topics ranging from gardening, family, current events, to those of historical import, often times picking up conversations right where we’d left off a month earlier. She was a fountain of information, sometimes you just had to pry it out of her.

Margaret’s presence was always refreshing, and her diligence was inspiring.

Dylan Reardon

My friend Margaret was my role model for retirement. She made me realize that it can be the start of a new adventure in life. Margaret’s can-do attitude carried her through her later years, and I often wondered if her strength and feistiness was the product of her living through that terrible time in London during the war.

She’s inspired me to keep active, keep interested and try new things. She generously volunteered her time and talents to worthy places. She was so proud of her loving family, and she and Frank were the best of partners in life.

I feel blessed that I got to know Margaret at art and tai-chi, a small part of her very active life!

Rosemary, my heart goes out to you and all your loved ones, during this time. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that your Mum quietly made a difference for so many.

Nancy Allen

I had the privilege to work alongside Margaret when I was editor of Kerby News. i wanted to write about her many times, but she would have none of it. Even when she was put forward for a long service volunteer award, she refused, she was always modest and humble.

We had our children’s names in common, both of us naming them after plants and flowers. I will miss our wonderful debates about grammar, especially the Oxford comma. Margaret would be very happy to know that I have seen the light, mended my ways, and have adopted Oxford comma in my writing. We enjoyed talking about books and stories, and her insight and advice was always welcome.

I am so pleased that I had the pleasure of meeting Margaret, she was a lovely lady and when I think of her I will remember the grace with which she moved through this world.

My condolences Rosemary.

Kind regards,

Sheila Addiscott