Obituary of Margaret Helen Steel

November 11, 1936 - Windsor, Ontario
December 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

With her loving husband of 63 years by her side, Margaret Steel (nee Bridge) passed away peacefully on December 26, 2023, after a life well-lived.

Born in Windsor, ON, Margaret grew up on the Detroit River. She loved swimming, sailing and enjoying the riverside as a kid with her siblings, Mary, Bob and Ed. Summers on Georgian Bay, especially Camp Kitchikewana, were a special memory from her childhood.

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1958, Margaret got her first taste of the west by working for a summer at the Chateau Lake Louise. That experience started a life-long love of the mountains.

In 1960, Margaret married the love of her life, Jim Steel. Together they started their six-decade adventure that took them to London, England, Montreal and ultimately Calgary in 1966.

As Jamie, Kathy and Rob came along, her life became focused on raising the kids and getting involved in the community.

Her many volunteer endeavors included the Glenbow Museum, Kids on the Block, St. Gerard’s Parish Council, the Leighton Arts Centre and the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Being very talented in the fibre arts, weaving was a passion. She loved being involved in many capacities over the years with the Heritage Weavers and Spinners Guild of Calgary. Margaret loved to read, and her various book clubs brought her much joy and fellowship.

In all her activities, Margaret most loved the people she met. She was outgoing and chatty, and cherished the multitude of friends she made over the years. She kept very active until this last year, especially enjoying swimming with her pals at the Glenmore Pool.

Margaret was loved and will be dearly missed by her husband Jim; children, Jamie (Lynne) Steel, Kathy (Mike) Gibbons and Rob (Carmelle) Steel; Grandchildren James, Erica, Duncan (Jade), Matthew (Megan), Willie, Andy (Hannah), Evan and Adam. Great grandchildren Gordie, Tessa and Bronwen.

At Mom’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Margaret's family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Wilderness Association, 455 – 12th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Y9 Telephone: (403) 283-2025.  www.albertawilderness.ca or the Nature Conservancy of Canada,  365 Bloor Street East, Suite 1501, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4 telephone:  1 (877) 231-3552 https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/.

In living memory of Margaret Steel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.