Margaret Anne McDermid

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Anne McDermid (Studer) on March 24th 2023. Margaret lived a vibrant 87 years and is survived by her two sons, Joe & Scot as well as her loving Daughters-in-law, Kelly and Shannon. She also has 3 Grandchildren – Heather, Malcolm and Duncan, that will miss her dearly. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Jack many years ago. Margaret was also predeceased by her brothers, John and Bud.

To say that our mom was vibrant and tough would be an understatement. When our dad was ill and required home care, she was with him constantly providing the care that was needed – I told her more than once that I don’t know how she did it and that we were amazed at her strength.

Mom had a tough childhood; her family never had a lot and she was out of the house in her teens. This was never once used as an excuse for anything, she would just “Buckle Down” and do whatever needed to be done. Margaret worked one of the old-fashioned switchboards for the phone company as she put herself through school with a goal of working in education. Eventually she wound up becoming a teacher, working with primary grade children for many years at Hazel Trembath Elementary school in Port Coquitlam. One of the advantages of having a teacher as a mom was that summers were filled with family time and there was always a great vacation around Christmas. The down side of course was that she had heard every excuse there was for not having our homework done!!

Sometimes in life you only realize the value of a thing long after you should have. A few years back I was coaching our son’s soccer team and it was a particularly rainy rotten day in Vancouver in the winter. As I was driving home, I realized that Mom and Dad had never missed a game when I was a kid. All those cold winter days watching us play soccer…..I’m sure the games were riveting! When I got home, the first thing I did was call her and thank her – 30 years later than I should have! Our parents were always involved with our sports. Dad coached us and Mom was always there cheering us on – pretty sure they could hear her yelling two provinces over.

After our dad passed, it was just mom and us. I’m thankful that she could travel through a lot of her later years, her trips included places like Tahiti, The Panama Canal and Israel just to name a few. Some were with my dad and others with family members. Her fridge was adorned with the magnets from many of her destinations. The trips didn’t have to be to far off places, she loved a short trip with Aunt Maria to Vegas as well.

As time wound on, her health declined somewhat and she moved into Thornbridge Manner in New Westminster. She was always a voice there and would enjoy sitting around chatting with folks as they came in and out. Mom’s vision had started to go pretty badly the last year and things were definitely harder for her. She always found Kelly to be such a calming presence for her and I’m so glad they had that relationship.

When Margaret passed it came on her fairly suddenly. She was in hospital for a relatively short time at the end, passing in the middle of the night in her sleep. I had been with her that evening and when I left she was resting peacefully. I think she would have been okay with this – anything long would have just been “Nonsense” to her.

Margaret lived her life vibrantly and as kids we never wanted for anything and always felt loved in our home. When Duncan was born, a friend of mine gave me some advice – stay involved – doesn’t matter what your kid does, stay involved and you will always have a bond. He was right and frankly it is some of the best advice I’ve ever received. I think we were lucky to be raised in the home we were, with parents that were always involved, and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.

Mom – we love you and miss you. I hope you and Dad are on a beach somewhere enjoying the sun.

A date for a final celebration of Margaret’s life is still being set.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the McDermid family.