Margaret Jacqueline Wilkins

With love, sorrow and fond memories, we announce the passing of Margaret Jacqueline Wilkins, who died peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the Arbutus Care Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the age of 85.

Margaret was born on January 16, 1940, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. A gifted painter, she pursued her art through studies at Langara College and the Emily Carr Institute of Art in Vancouver. Her paintings hang in homes, offices and galleries across Vancouver. Her creativity was evident not only in her artwork but also in her garden and knitting.

Margaret is survived by her husband, John Duncan Wilkins, with whom she shared nearly 64 years of marriage. Together, they raised three sons: Peter Duncan Wilkins (Justine), Bruce Russell Wilkins (Renu), and Michael Alexander Wilkins, who predeceased her.

She was grandmother to Caleb McCausland Wilkins and Sophia Darrow Wilkins, who brought her joy and fun.

With Duncan, Margaret lived in many places that defined and enriched her life, including Methley and Camborne in the UK, Toronto, Ontario and several communities across British Columbia: Kimberley, Fort St. James, Port McNeill, Trail, and finally Vancouver.

Margaret will be remembered for her wit, humour, and keen intelligence, undimmed through a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. She loved to talk about art and culture and everything else she was curious about with her family and friends. She loved a good laugh. We will miss her deeply.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Arbutus Care Center who took care of Margaret in her most difficult times.

A gathering will be held in her memory at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 West 49th Avenue between 2:00 and 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 24th.