It is with a lot of sadness (but with joy at a loving life well lived) that we (Margaret Anne, Geri and Kevin McHugh) announce the passing of our mother, Margaret McHugh. She died peacefully, holding daughter Geri’s hand, at the Trillium Health Centre (Mississauga), just after midnight on May 5th.
She was born in Glasgow, Scotland and immigrated to Canada, with her husband and toddler daughter in 1955. She lived across Canada, following our father James McHugh (deceased since 2000) in his many moves while working for Sears Canada. They initially lived in Ottawa followed by Kingston, and Burlington On. then Rothesay (Saint John), NB. Mississauga, On. Saskatoon, Sask. Burnaby (Vancouver) BC Oshawa On. with Mississauga being her home since 1984.
She was 90, but her death, although peaceful, was sudden and unexpected. She maintained her dignity and independence living on her own until the very end. She may have been getting a little frail, but the word most commonly used to describe her was “feisty”. At one time she read two papers a day until macular degeneration stole all of the detail from her site making reading impossible. Despite this challenge her resilience and adaptation was nothing less than remarkable. This was a woman for whom complaining was an anathema. She was loved by many beyond her family, including the staff at the hospital, and her friends at the Amica Seniors residence where she lived for the last year.
Our Mum loved reality TV shows like Survivor and Big Brother but also watched a lot of news and had an insightful analysis of the world. With her intelligence, wit and good humour (even under adversity) she was the “Belle of the ball” wherever she went with people drawn to her wonderful Glasgow bur. People could not help but notice and want to talk to her. She was both amusing and wise and loved to share a laugh at the world’s absurdities. Our mother was never a complainer. Totally a stoic Scot, when it came to herself, but generous with both money and spirit for her family and friends. She lived with kindness as her bedrock, and good cheer (no matter what was happening) as her command.
She leaves behind her three children, Kevin (m. Francine Small), Geri, and Margaret Anne (M. Kevin Russell); 3 grandchildren, Alexander, Ethan and Liam (M. Jessica Bate), 2 great grand children Josh and Aven, (and a third expected next month) an assortment of nieces and nephews, in Canada and Scotland, and her brother William Flatley. She was predeceased by her husband James (2000) and her siblings Jackie Flately, Tom Flatley and Mary Prout.
Service will be held at St Mary’s Star of the Sea, 11 Peter St S, Port Credit (Mississauga) at 11:00 am on Monday May 8th. Info on Reception, after service, to follow. Private cremation and internment at a later date.