Margaret "Peggy" McCullough

Born in Ponteix, Saskatchewan, to Madge and Ed McCullough, she was the eldest of three children and spent her childhood on the family farm in a beautiful stone house. Her childhood was filled with farm life, horses, cousins, and the adventures of growing up on the prairie she loved.

She attended a girls’ boarding school in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she formed lifelong friendships, later continuing her education through Teachers College and social work studies.

Mom raised her children in Kamloops, British Columbia; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Lumsden, Saskatchewan. She was blessed with five children—Randy (Christine), Stacey, D’Arcy (Rick), Rebecca (Brad), and Maggie (Mikhail)—nine grandchildren—Michael, Courtney, Meaghan, Conner (Thea), Levi (Svetlana), Tess, Max, Mara, and Matty—and eight great-grandchildren—Libby, Malakai, Eva, Bronson, Maia, Sullivan, Raleigh, and Felix—who were the pride and joy of her life.

For many years, she worked as a teacher’s aide, a substitute teacher, and a care aide. She later worked at Recovery Acres and Heritage Home, bringing compassion and dignity to those she served. As a Continuing Care Assistant, she had a special gift for working with palliative clients, giving comfort, gentleness, and respect during life’s more difficult moments.

A grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 50 years, Mom touched countless lives through her support, wisdom, and example. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she found a cherished church family and a deep spiritual home. Her relationship with Jesus was central to who she was and sustained her throughout her life.

Mom had a lifelong passion for politics. Raised in a proud CCF household, with her father serving in Parliament, she developed a deep commitment to public service and social justice. She volunteered through many election campaigns for the NDP and was exceptionally knowledgeable about political issues. She loved a spirited debate.

From a young age, Mom always loved animals. Dogs, cats, and especially horses were a big part of her life. She had a wonderful sense of style, a keen eye for fashion, and never passed up a good shopping trip, a meal out with loved ones, or the evening news. She also loved spending time with her friends. She was quick-witted, funny, and always enjoyed a good laugh.

Her door was always open, her table always welcoming, and her heart always available to those who needed encouragement, support, or simply a place to belong. She looked out for people who needed a hand up and quietly tried to make the world better wherever she went.

She was also our family’s historian. Through countless photographs and videos, she preserved precious memories that will continue to connect generations. We are forever grateful for the stories she recorded and the legacy she leaves behind.

Above all, she taught us how to live with gratitude, forgiveness, courage, and love. She taught us that mistakes are a part of life, that sometimes we teeter on the edge, and that we can always find our way back. She showed us the importance of family, community, faith, and standing up for what matters.

In her final years, she lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Nanaimo, British Columbia, a gift that brought comfort, joy, and precious time together for everyone. Always intuitive, on June 2, she quietly told her daughters that she would be leaving in six days. True to her word, she passed peacefully on June 9, surrounded by love.

She leaves behind her five children, her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and dear friends. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that she lived a life of purpose, compassion, faith, and love.

We love and miss you, Mom.