Margaret Claire Ray

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Margaret, on August 16, 2023 at the age of 93. She is survived by her son, Jeff (Colleen), daughter, Jacqueline (Karen), grandchildren, James (Robin), Adrienne (Austin), Jack (Novah), great grandsons, Parker and baby Joey, sister, Frances, and many adoring nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son, David (1950-1954), her husband and love of her life, Joe, and her brothers, George and Ted. Margaret was born to Claire and Frank Christian on February 10th and was the first girl born at St. Luke’s hospital in Powell River in 1930. She grew up on River Road in Ladner where she fondly recalled attending many dances at the community hall. Her first job was at the CIBC in New Westminster and, before marrying Joe, she worked at the Income Tax office where she made lifelong friends. She dedicated her life to raising her children in West Vancouver, and her many volunteer pursuits, which included 25 years as a docent at the Vancouver Art Gallery, 11 years at the Harmony Arts Festival, and many years at St. David’s United Church. Mom was a dedicated volunteer at Lions Gate Hospital for 53 years and she was recognized as one of the longest-serving volunteers in North America. After Joe passed in 2003, she spent the next 20 years travelling. On her birthday she would take a plane to Arizona for two months where she made many friends and memories. In the fall, she would fly solo to New York and board the Queen Mary for London and Paris, and return to New York for a week and stay at the same hotel where everyone knew her name. She loved having family join her in New York for Broadway plays and art gallery tours, and Arizona for fine dining and fun in the sun. Mom was the life of the party -- the first to arrive and the last to leave. She loved to dance, laugh, and tell jokes. She made every event memorable, and when you were with her you felt like the most important person in the room. Our lives have been forever changed and the world is less glamorous without her in it. She will be missed beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, at lghfoundation.com in her name. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.