Margaret "Olive" Struck

October 25, 1922 - August 25, 2014

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Olive. She leaves behind her son John of Southern Pines NC, his partner Kathleen Waddell and stepsons Christopher and Alexander, daughter Lesley of Cambridge, Ontario. The great joys of her life were her granddaughter Jenny and her husband Kevin Watson and her great grandson Andrew Delmar Watson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Josephine Struck of Cambridge and her nephews and nieces Paul Struck(Jo Ann), Pat Struck (Linda), Sandra Kinzel, Richard Kinzel, Bill Kinzel, Ken Gingrich, Jerry Gingrich, Mike Gingrich, Paul Gingrich, David Russell, Brenda Russell, Richard Russell and Robert Russell. Also dear friend and former daughter-in-law Margaret Struck and her partner Lorne. Olive was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Isabella Russell of Edinburgh, Scotland. She was predeceased by her husband Delmar, brother George and his wife Lee, brother Billy and her Struck family brothers and sisters-in-law who welcomed her with open arms to Canada in 1948; George Struck (Fran), Doris Dubeck (Joe), Miriam Kinzel/Babb (Len), Bill (survived by Josephine), Alice Pelic (Henry), nephew Eddie and Del's mother Idella Mae. Mom was blessed with many dear friends. Thank you to the Thomas Family Terry, Dianne, Samantha, Libby and Robert who kept a watchful eye. Her longtime friends of over 60 plus years Jeanette Chippindale and Jean Brett who visited her monthly at St. Andrew's Terrace, Irene Gray, Carol Mertens and Loretta Alonzo. Mom was a very proud War Bride. She loved Canada and even learned to appreciate baseball and hockey. She really had no choice in our house. She brought her love of guiding to Canada and was the Girl Guide Captain at St. Giles Presbyterian Church for many years. It was a given that each year she would teach all the Scottish Country Dances to the attendees of the Regimental Ball for the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada at the Galt Armoury. The regiment was a big part of Mom and Dad's life and she cherished all the friends she made there. She loved a good cause and took action. She was not content to sit by. She called her local MP and MPP, wrote letters and etc. to the "powers that be" when she felt there was an injustice. She was a very successful Avon Rep and then Manager, being named one of the top ten Managers in Canada. She took pen to hand and wrote the Russell family history. We are so lucky to have this especially as all would have been lost with the onset of Alzheimer's. The last few years have been difficult as Alzheimer's disease stole her away bit by bit. But she had already given us the best gifts through the legacy of how she lived her life with unconditional love, kindness, honesty, positivity, joy and always remembering to help and give to others less fortunate. We have been so lucky to have this most special woman in our lives. There are not enough words to express our gratitude to the caregivers of St. Andrew's Terrace. Thank you to all for your care and support over the last 7 years but especially those very special caregivers of Elm Trail. Cremation has taken place as per her wishes. Interment will take place in New Dundee Cemetery where the Scottish War Bride will again be reunited with her Canadian Soldier. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date and will be announced in the Record and Cambridge Times. If so desired, donations in her memory would be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Society or the Life Enrichment Department at St. Andrew's Terrace or a charity of your choice.