Margaret Crabtree

With great sadness, we announce that Margaret died peacefully at the Royal Ascot Care Facility in Vancouver on December 7, 2019. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Norman, to whom she was married for over 50 years. Margaret will be lovingly remembered by her children Tom (Brenda), Jean, Mary Anne (Gene), Sarah (Ivan), and Chris; her grandchildren Andrew (Leah), Katelyn (Owen), Nabil, Sam, Ella, Devi, Gabriel, Patrick, Mahalia, and Thomas; and her great-granddaughter, Ada, as well as her extended family around the world with whom she remained connected.

Margaret was born in England in 1932, and graduated from the University of London with a degree in Zoology in 1954. During her time there, she met and married Norman. They emigrated with two small children in 1958, and raised their 5 children together in Chilliwack. Due to family commitments, Margaret passed up her Cambridge scholarship and pursued teacher training. Throughout her entire life, she tirelessly volunteered within the Chilliwack community, working with refugees, teaching ESL, and serving at the St. Thomas soup kitchen. She was also an active member of the University Women’s Club. Margaret loved her careers as a mother, a FVC teacher, and a secondary school teacher and counsellor. When she took early retirement, she redoubled her service to the community. Her legacy as a truly kind, selfless, and indefatigable worker for any and all who needed her help has deeply impacted her family, and the community of Chilliwack. Margaret was recognized as the Woman of the Year (1991), and as a Paul Harris Fellow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chilliwack Community Services. A funeral service will be held at St. Thomas Anglican Church at 10:30 am on Friday, December 20.