Margaret Kathleen Koster

1925 - 2024

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of our beloved mother.

Predeceased by her husband Pieter in 2013, Margaret was the loving mother of Andrew (Adelaide), Angela Guenther, Margaret Hangartner (John), and Judy Ostling (Tom). She always asked about and loved her grandchildren: Andrea (Paul), Greg (Annick) Trina (Mike), Megan (Danny), Jesse (Ashley), and Adam (Zaira). Mum (NanaNana) was also proud of her great-grandchildren and often asked about the adventures & accomplishments of Alex, Lilah and Cameron, Selena, William and Benjamin, Logan and Lexi. Mum was also happily Nana to Jesse (Michelle), Emily (Matt), Laura (James) Lisa (Dan) and NanaNana to Natalie, Noah, Evelyn, Benjamin, and Sunny. She was predeceased by her brother Eric (Lois), who emigrated to Tasmania, Australia. Nephew Christopher (Sue) and nieces Valerie & Vivienne (both predeceased), great-nephews & nieces Rocio, Megan, Elissse, Sarah, and Robert.

Mum had a challenging yet eventful & fulfilling life. Born in Wood Green, London, England, she excelled in swimming and home economics. She lost her parents at a young age and she & Eric were evacuated to separate homes outside of London during the Blitz. When she returned to London, she joined the Women’s Army Corp at 16. She served in various roles, including coding & decoding, being the contact communication for forts placed in the Thames Estuary, providing input on bombers approaching London, and on several occasions, liaising with one of the world’s first radar stations on the Kent Coast. Sworn to the Secrets Act, she was reluctant to discuss them even decades later. Just after the war, she met her husband Pieter, who was stationed with the Free Dutch Army in England. In 1956, they emigrated to Canada along with their four young children and settled in Hamilton, Ontario.

Margaret was well-known as a customer service representative at Sears in the Greater Hamilton Shopping Centre for many years. She also enjoyed antique hunting and sold at many venues with Pieter. Her specialty was jewellery. The family gradually migrated to BC, eventually residing in Burnaby. There, she again worked for Sears and then Canada Post. In her later years, she moved to New Vista seniors' housing complex. She managed the thrift shop which brought in extra funding for the complex. She also served on the New Vista Board as a resident representative and was appointed by the Minister of Health to the board of the George Derby Long Term Care Society among other volunteer endeavours. She was later honoured for her community work by the BC Legislature. In 2006, Margaret was named a Local Hero by the City of Burnaby and for these honours, she was very proud.

Mum loved to hear stories about her children’s lives and listened intently. She was fiercely independent in meeting life’s challenges. Having cancer at age 71 did not stop her. She continued to be active and was friends with residents and staff alike for the next 31 years. Her hobbies included jigsaw puzzles, watching English mysteries, sewing, watercolour painting and knitting all manner of articles including many dolls which won awards at the PNE, then were dispersed to grandchildren. She also kept up with current affairs, had strong political opinions and was a fierce social and seniors' advocate. Mum so believed in the ideal of seniors gracefully aging in place and with extra help as needed. She proudly worked for this goal. Mum had a whimsical side too, with a particular love of anything "Minions" and had an acute sense of humour.

Margaret died peacefully in the New Vista Long Term Care section on February 8th, where she had resided for her last 18 months. Many thanks to all the dedicated staff who took such good care of her there.

Mum will be missed by all. Her wishes were for cremation. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to or volunteering at a local seniors' centre.

A celebration of life will be on Thursday March 14th, 2024 from 14:00 to 17:00 at Douglas Manor Lounge, New Vista Complex, 7530 Rosewood Street, Burnaby.