Margret Anne (Watts) Wolstencroft

She was born to parents Jerry and Maisie Watts, on April 23, 1938. Growing up in Vancouver, with her older brother Gordon, Margret Anne went to school at Crofton House and Magee Secondary School. Summers were spent at Camp Artaban and with the family in Penticton. In 1957, Margret married Ian James Wolstencroft and moved to Toronto, where they enjoyed 40 years of married life. Together they raised three children, Sandra (Ian MacPherson), Peter (Lisa Merpaw), and David (Nancy Palarchio). Margret was excited to welcome six beloved grandchildren over the years: Jacob Wolstencroft, Zachary Merpaw, Katie MacPherson, Hanna Wolstencroft, Nicholas Wolstencroft, and Connor Wolstencroft. Margret Anne deeply loved all her family, and kept a close connection with her nieces, nephews, and extended family in both Vancouver and Toronto.

Music was a deep passion of Marg’s throughout her life. She often shared memories of playing piano for the Chapel Services at Camp Artaban and for assemblies and events at school. She was thrilled to complete her ARCT music degree within the University of Toronto, playing a 2-piano Mendelssohn work for the culminating performance. She became a respected piano teacher and filled her family home with classical music. Later, Margret devoted time to her interest in houses, obtaining her real estate license and enjoying a successful career as a real estate agent for a number of years. Margret’s greatest joy was in her family; she continuously supported and celebrated the dreams and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Marg loved being active in her life. From swimming, skating, bike-riding, curling, and golf, she was always up for trying something new. She loved to travel and enjoyed frequent trips home to Vancouver as well as to the English countryside, Paris, the Swiss Alps, and New York. Once at home again, Margret loved to fill her home with family and friends. From baking family recipes and sunbathing in her pool, to hosting Sunday family dinners, she had a gift for making every occasion festive and special. Christmas was her favourite time of year. She loved the colour red!

Marg’s infectious laughter and compassionate nature drew people to her, fostering lifelong friendships that spanned decades, from Toronto to Vancouver and beyond. Her tenacity in facing life’s challenges and her continued ability to spread love and kindness will long be celebrated and missed by her family and friends.

A service in celebration of Margret’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 5, 2024, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Thornhill, followed by a reception at Thornhill Golf & Country Club. For information on live-streaming of the service on January 5th, please see the Holy Trinity website. In remembrance of Margret Anne’s life, the family asks that donations be made to Parkinson Canada or the charity of your choice.

I’ve Been Looking for You - A Poem by Kate MacPherson

I've been searching, it's true,

I’ve been looking for you.

You were the light, like a bright sunny ray,

I’ll never stop looking, every single day.

The smallest clues I've found here and there,

In my cousin's smile, in the warm summer air.

Your laughter echoes in my mind, so clear,

In the stories you shared, and in moments so dear.

In the keepsakes we have, and the family we grew,

In every little thing, I'm still looking for you.

In strangers faces that pass by,

In familiar scents that make me cry,

I’ve been looking for you,

In everything that I do.

I barely remember the final adieu,

Did we hug? Did we kiss? It's all a little askew.

But I'll keep seeking, this much is true,

In rose gardens' bloom, and in skies of blue.

In music's rhythm, in the ocean's view,

I'll always be searching, always looking for you.

In every dawn's promise, each day anew,

I know I’ll keep looking, for I miss you.

In the stars that sparkle, in the morning's dew,

I will keep searching, resolute and true.

With hope as my guide, and love as my cue,

One day, my dear, I'll be reunited with you.