June 7, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved granny, mother, wife, Margaret Butler (nee McGeary) on June 7, 2020.
Margaret was born in Hamilton Scotland in 1944. She was the youngest of five children born to James and Jean McGeary. Her passion for people and love of a good conversation led to her first career at Hamilton City Library, where she worked as a librarian. She found her true calling when she trained as a nurse at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and served as both a nurse and midwife before moving to London, Ontario in 1968. In London she met her husband, Richard, and lived with him in Canada for 25 years, raising their three children, Caroline, Richard and Antonia. She worked in obstetrics at St. Joseph's Hospital and later became a professor of nursing at Fanshawe College in London.
Richard and Margaret returned to Scotland in retirement, where she enjoyed seeing her family and former nursing colleagues. She delighted in summer visits from her Canadian grandchildren, and her winters with her grandchildren in New Zealand. She spent her last few months happily as a new resident of Prince Rupert.
Margaret, Meg or wee Maggie, as she was affectionately known, will be remembered for her generosity and kindness to all (whether she knew them or not), her exceptional putting skills, crossword genius, and tartan for every occasion.
Margaret is predeceased by her parents Jean and James, her brother Gerard, sister Anne, and brothers-in-law Bill Connor and John Quigley. She will be missed by her brother Edward and sister Agnes, and 18 nieces and nephews in Scotland.
She is survived by her husband Richard, with whom she had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, her daughter Caroline (Justin), son Richard (Kristen) and daughter Antonia (Paul). She was adored by her grandchildren Ellie, Graeme, Thomas, Evelyn, Amelia, Maggie and Lachlan, who will remember her for her Scottish songs, bedtime stories and never-ending supply of treats.
Warmest thanks to the wonderful nurses and paramedics at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, Dr. Kloppers, and Father Terry. A service will be held in Scotland in 2021.