It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret Robertson (née Cotton) announces her passing on June 10, 2022, in her 99th year.
Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband John (Jack) Robertson in 2014, her son Doug in 2017, and her three older brothers. She is survived by son Don, daughter Janice (Steve) and daughter Karen (Zsolt); four grandchildren and four great-children whom she adored, as well as four nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.
Margaret was born on March 15, 1924, at the family farm on the 8th line of Flos Township just west of Elmvale. The farm had no electrical service at the time. She often recalled how many people, farm hands and cousins and other visitors, were at the house, with much activity and music. She also recalled how much she enjoyed drives to Wasaga Beach on Sundays and summer evenings.
Margaret attended Knox Presbyterian Church in Crossland; and attended school in a one-room school house with one teacher and about 30 other students. During her last year at the school, she travelled there on horseback. After she finished school, she stayed home to help her mother. Cooking, laundry and even butter churning were part of her chores – all, of course, without modern conveniences. It shaped her strong work ethic which she demonstrated for the rest of her life.
In 1940, Margaret met a young man from Copper Cliff who was visiting relatives in the area and enjoying a holiday before shipping overseas for WWII. They corresponded for five years until he returned. Married in 1946, they enjoyed 68 happy years together in Barrie, 62 of which were on Napier Street where they enjoyed the friendship of wonderful neighbours. They were also long-time devoted members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Margaret worked at a number of jobs in Barrie, and kept in touch with many of her former co-workers. She was happiest when surrounded by friends and family, either entertaining at a large and noisy gathering or just a small group visiting, buzzing about to make sure they were well-fed and taken care of, always with a cup of tea.
She was a warm, kind and loving person who will be sadly missed by all.
The family thanks the staff at the Barrieview Retirement Residence for providing such excellent care since the Fall of 2019, and Royal Victoria Hospital.
Donations may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.