Margaret Sophia McGrath

October 21,1937 – February 28, 2026

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Margaret (Margie) McGrath of Sambro NS, surrounded by her family at the Victoria General Hospital, on February 28, 2026 at the age of 88. She was born in the fishing community of West Pennant, Halifax Co., to loving parents, Lillian Irene and Joseph Carlton Gray. Margie was the second youngest of five siblings. Life was not easy for the young family, with their father Joseph having been lost at sea when Margie was just three years old.

After finishing school, Margie worked as a stenographer for the Red Cross in their offices on Gottingen St. and organized blood collection clinics in the city. On October 8, 1960, she married the love of her life, Donald (Don). She transitioned from the workforce to the role of full time mother with the arrival of her first son, in September of 1961. Margie dedicated her life to the care of her children, husband Don and her extended family. Her capacity for compassion was demonstrated through her care of Don’s parents in their later years and tireless work for four generations of her family. Margie will be remembered for her kindness, positive attitude and calm disposition.

Margie was an avid gardener, which was obvious for anyone to see as they travelled over the Sambro Basin Bridge. She had a special touch with her dahlias, using bulbs passed down to her by her mother and by Don’s mother Isabella. If she wasn’t working in her gardens, she was planning what needed to be done next around the yard.

Every Tuesday for approximately 31 years, Margie enjoyed bowling with her team at the Spryfield Bowlarama. The team, consisting of Margie, her sister Shirley, sister in law Patsy and friend Dot Kiley, were well known to be tough competitors.

Margie was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Donald, her sisters Shirley and Madeline, brothers Melvin and Claude, brothers-in law Brenton Gray and Harold Miller and nephew Joseph Gray.

Margie is survived by her five loving sons, Gregory (Pamela), Bruce (Rhonda), Alan, Dan (Colleen), Stephen (Shannon), grandchildren Michael (Kaitlyn), Tyler, Brendan, Bradley, Amy, Alyson (Hadley), Zoe, Morgan (Maggie), Calum, great grand children Yarrow and Bryn, sisters-in-law Linda Gray (nee Gilkie), Patsy Gray (nee Snair), nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews and Sammy the cat. Margie is mourned by many cousins, including Ron Mills, who would regularly take Margie and her sister Shirley on their weekly grocery run.

Thank you to the staff of the Infirmary and VG Hospitals for taking such good care of Margie over the past month. A very special thank you to the nurses of VG Floor 8A and family physician Dr. Ernest Johnson. Sincere appreciation to grandchildren Bradley and Zoe for the extra care and support they gave to their Grandmother over the past two years.

Arrangements are under the care of Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, Halifax, NS. In keeping with Margie’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax NS, on March 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow in the reception hall. A burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of you choice. Online condolences may be made at cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com