Margaret Jesslyn Preston

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we share that Margaret passed away Thursday July 7, 2022, peacefully at her home in Grace Manor in Brampton, at age 91. She was the loving wife of Roy (pre-deceased 2021), devoted mother of Susan and Linda (Glenn), and cherished grandmother of Eric, Ian, Aidan, and Emily. Aunt Margie/Aunt Marg will be missed by her nephews Peter, Martyn and Allan, and her niece Mary, and their families. Margaret will also be deeply missed by her many friends.

Margaret was born in Toronto, the older sister of Serita, and grew up in the city. Margaret was the first person in her family to complete Grade 13, graduating from Oakwood Collegiate Institute. She attended nursing school at Toronto General Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1953.

Roy was the love of her life. They began dating in 1947, married in 1956, and held hands every day until Roy passed away last year. They lived in Toronto and Aurora, where Margaret worked for several years as a nurse. When they moved to Brampton in 1972, Margaret shifted her focus to volunteer extensively with Girl Guides of Canada, Peel Board of Education, and Christ Church Brampton, along with many other organizations. While very committed to community service, Margaret’s priority was always her family; she was a devoted wife, mom, aunt, and grandma. Margaret had many interests, including gardening, reading, camping, going to the cottage, and especially travelling across Canada and around the world, with both family and Guiding.

Margaret will be missed for her subtle humour, delight in theatre and music, and her fascination with discussing current events. Margaret took great pride in the achievements of each person in her family, and celebrated both big and small special moments with great enthusiasm. Margaret was a formative figure in the lives of hundreds of children and teens, many of whom remembered her on her 90th birthday last year. The world won’t be the same without her.

Thanks to Grace Manor for their kindness and care for Margaret. Margaret has been cremated as she wished, and her family is having a private funeral. We will hold a Celebration of Life for Margaret and Roy together at a later date.

As requested by Margaret and Roy, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Stephen Lewis Foundation or the David Suzuki Foundation.