Margaret Ridewood (nee Allen)

Mom is at peace. She died quietly in her home at 98 years of age. She was predeceased in 2014 by her beloved husband Donald and is survived by her cherished daughter, Carol (Ed Falkowski). She loved calling Ed her favourite son-in-law. She was predeceased by her sister, Madeleine Tallyhoe (Darley), her brothers Freddie and Chesley, and by several sisters- and brothers- in-law. Her nephew and niece, Mike and Sue Ridewood, also predeceased her, but she is survived by three generations of nieces and nephews, who were very dear to her.

Mom loved to travel, she had enormous fun with bold colours and design, and she adored the visual arts. She found great enjoyment in retirement when she volunteered with the National Gallery of Canada and Friends of the Experimental Farm. She also volunteered for many years with Art Lending of Ottawa. Travel was a life-long love. She had cross-country train adventures as a young woman and she and Donald honeymooned in New York City. There were decades of family holidays throughout Canada, special vacations in Europe, and solo adventures after Donald died. Two great trips with Carol and Ed rounded out Mom’s travels: visiting Newfoundland when she was 90 and one last trip to the Stratford Festival, which had been a favourite destination for more than 60 years, when she was 91. During the past couple of years Mom’s health had declined and she was ready to close the book on a long and good life.

If you wish to honour Mom’s memory, please consider a donation to the Stratford Festival (www.stratfordfestival.ca), or support your local arts community – buy a work of art, see a play, go to a concert.

Countless amazing people helped care for Mom in recent years, in so many ways. We can’t begin to name everyone; you know who you are. You have our deepest gratitude for the positive impact each of you had on Mom’s life.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. We plan to hold a gathering for friends and family at a later date.