Margaret "Maggie" Ann Barrett

Maggie’s family sadly announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the age of 90 at the Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, Ontario. Forever together with her beloved husband and treasured soulmate Tom Barrett (2013), her dear son Jay (2010), and loved and missed daughter-in-law Amy Barrett (2022).

Born in Montreal, Maggie spent the first 12 years of her life in Cowdenbeath, Scotland. For two of those years, she lived with extended family in Blackpool, England during the WWII air raids. The only child of Charles and Margaret Pagan, the family settled in Hamilton, Ontario. Upon completion of school, Maggie began her working career at the DMV. Mom met her beloved husband-to-be, Tom, at the weekly bowling league where she was intrigued by “the guy with the great smile.” Mom and Dad married in 1956 at St. Patrick’s Church, first living with her parents on Bowman Street in Hamilton. Two children followed – son Jay and daughter Susan. The dream of having their own home constructed was realized in 1969 on Beeforth Road in East Flamborough where they resided for 16 years. Mom and Dad created a “happy hobby farm” with chickens, turkeys and rabbits. It kept them busy with their pretend farm.

Maggie retired from an administration job of seven years with the Waterdown OPP. Upon Dad’s retirement, our parents lived their ultimate dream – Mom loved her ten years in Florida as a Canadian snowbird, her trailer park days in Woodstock swimming, and just enjoying retirement life with Dad.

In the latter part of their lives, Mom and Dad lived with their daughter Susan, her husband Mark Brown, and her “source of pride” grandchildren Sasha Lee, Danielle Francis, and Lisa Mary Margaret Brown. They thrived at being involved with the grandchildren while watching them grow into adults. It was a special time for all of us. Mom was fortunate to see her first great-grandchild join our family.

Mom had many loves – her family, her passion for reading (she would complete a novel per day!), our shared family cat, the colour purple, and of course her cherished life-long friends Peter (2024) and Lucy Tessaro as well as George (2012) and Diane McManus. These people meant a great deal to Mom with their lifelong love and friendship.

She blessed our hearts with her life, laughter and love. She will be eternally missed.

As were Maggie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the incredible VON nurses, the Carpenter Hospice, or the local SPCA. Arrangements entrusted to Marlatt Funeral Home, Swackhamer Chapel.

Goodbye my family, my life is past

I loved you all to the very last,

Weep not for me, but courage take,

Love each other for my sake.

For those you love don’t go away,

They walk beside you every day.