Margaret Elizabeth McCarthy

She was always a contributor, a giver. She lived a full 92 years. She was the first born to Geoffrey Bassano and Annie Kathleen Gamble on November 5, 1930 in Duncan B.C. Three siblings followed: David (Del), Arthur (Elfie), and Patricia (Jim).

At a very young age of 17 she married our father, Stanley McCarthy, on July 14, 1948. After a short honeymoon in Kamloops, they moved to the Cariboo to start their new life together. It was a pioneering lifestyle with no electricity, running water or indoor facilities.

Mom adapted and took on the challenges and many moves for the next 30 years. They had 3 children: Lynn, Donald, and Louise.

Her husband died at a very young age of 51. Mom nursed him for his last year daily taking over his care. Never complaining nor showing her grief. This strong woman never married again instead chose her children and siblings to give her love and time to.

With family and friends, she hiked the West Coast Trail and the Rockies with pack on her back. She travelled to Maui, Europe, China, South America, cruised to Alaska and through the Panama Canal.

In Oak Bay where she lived for 30 years she volunteered at Garth Homer and the MS Society preparing lunches and helping with clients. As well as with the annual Oak Bay Tea Party helping in the administration and planning.

Mom was always helping whether it be in the home with gardening, cooking, or cleaning or the community doing what needed to be done. It was done in her quiet demeanour.

She was a part of our lives in every way as much as we were of hers and we adored her. She celebrated every Valentines Day with Don and Kathy, she lived with all three of her children, she travelled with Louise and James England, with Trish to New Zealand, with Lynn and Norm she slept in a two-man tent while hiking in Lake O’Hara. We are family.

There are many grandchildren: Elisha (Trent), Amber-Dawne (Steven), Jonathan (Rachael), Krista (Russell), Marcia (Trevor), Jennifer, Russell, Shannon (Elaine), Geoffrey (Brittany) and great grandchildren: Maddison, Samantha, Cade, Jocelyn, Kathryne, Alexa, Gwyneth, Elleanor, Harriet, Andrew, Thomas, Anthony, Eliana, Sasha, Maiya, Gemma, Jayce, Cian, Ronan, Autumn. She never forgot a birthday sending a card with a small gift of money to each one.

Mom passed away on her 92nd birthday in the evening after spending a wonderful day celebrating with her family even getting her last game in before retiring to bed.

Mom, look at the number of people you have given life to, generations that will carry on in your memory.

Celebration of Life to be held in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Mom’s (or your own) favourite charities. The MS Society or Garth Homer.