Margaret "Margie" Ruth (Williams) Graaten

Margie had a way of brightening a room. Her ready smile, easy laugh, and genuine interest in people made others feel at home with her. Above all, she loved her family fiercely and wholeheartedly.

Born in Vancouver on December 26, 1953, Margie grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Nanoose Bay, dearly loved by her parents, Lois and Gordon, alongside her brother Isaac and, later, her little brother John. It was a happy childhood shaped by family, farm life and the outdoors.

Her creativity and independent spirit showed early. In high school, when girls weren’t permitted to wear pants, Margie designed and sewed herself an elegant, fully lined pantsuit—and wore it to school. It landed her in the school’s “black book” and became a favourite family story.

High school also brought Andy, her sweetheart and the love of her life. They shared 54 years of marriage and raised their children, Krista, Keir and Sven, in Coombs. Their early years began simply, in a little cabin they built beside French Creek. In 1986, they settled on the acreage they would call home for 40 years, with its gardens, creek and sweeping mountain view that Margie dearly loved.

Being a mother was at the heart of Margie’s life. There was thought in everything she did for the people she loved. She baked bread, canned peaches and made family calendars by hand. She sewed and knit, leaving behind one-of-a-kind pillowcases and sweaters that are still loved and passed down today. She loved playing the piano, taught nursery school when her children were young, and worked alongside Andy as they built their family businesses together.

Margie delighted in being Mor-Mor and Far-Mor to Anika, Soren, Piper and Fia. She treasured her lifelong friends and loved gardening, walking, skiing, dancing and laughter. The ocean was especially dear to her, and in later years she and Andy found great happiness at the little beach cabin they restored together. And there were always potato chips.

Through five years of uncertain health, eventually diagnosed as MSA, Margie never stopped hoping. She had always imagined herself dancing at 90. She died peacefully on September 15, 2026, surrounded by family.

Margie leaves Andy; their children, Krista (Chris), Keir (Lara) and Sven (Mischa); grandchildren Anika, Soren, Piper and Fia; her brother Isaac (Amanda); and many extended family and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, and her brother John.

We will miss Mom’s smile and laughter, her thoughtful ways, and the way she kept those she loved close. Most of all, we will miss simply having her here with us. She was a bright light in our lives, and we will carry her with us always.

A celebration of Margie’s life will be held at the family home in Coombs on Sunday, October 4, from 2–4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oceanside Hospice, whose nurses cared for Margie with great kindness in her final days.