Margaret Jessie Cameron

Margaret was born on 11 January 1930 in Leeds, England, to Frank and Edith Hardwick. During World War 2 more than a million children were evacuated from cities throughout Britain to families in the country to avoid the risks of aerial bombing, and Margaret and her brother Derrick were among those evacuated from Leeds. Margaret accepted this separation from her family with equanimity, and a gentle optimism that would be characteristic of her throughout her life. She finished school aged 14 and became a secretary, and enjoyed dancing in her free time.

Margaret had the urge to travel, and at age 21 she boarded a ship bound for Halifax, and from there travelled by train to Edmonton where she stayed with her cousins. Margaret then moved to Victoria where she found work as a secretary at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, and in her free time went dancing. Margaret married Gordon Cameron (deceased) in 1954.

Margaret and Gordon raised their family of five children in Campbell River, Kamloops and Victoria. Margaret had a good-humored, nurturing nature, and she loved the company of her children and grandchildren.

Margaret enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary's Anglican church both in her earlier days on the alter guild and later selling used books on weekends while also occasionally baking muffins for the local church. She was also quietly capable and did what needed to be done without drawing attention to herself, both at home and at work.

Margaret died peacefully at home with family on May 9th, 2023. Margaret is survived by her five children: Roderick (Catherine, and children Matthew and Anna), Christopher (Andrea, children Daniel, Gavin, Benjamin, Sarah), Derrick (Shirley, children Thomas and Eric), and Jacqueline, and David Cameron. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

Many thanks to Vancouver Island Health Authority and the caring attention from the palliative home care team during Margaret's last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Road, Victoria on Sunday, July 16 from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm.