Margaret Leona Rechner

Margaret Leona Rechner, passed away on Thursday May 3, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 94. Margaret is reunited with her loving husband John. She will be greatly missed by her children Shelley, Mona (Chris Homes) of St. James New York, Jeff (Marzia Sangari) of Encino California. Proud grandmother to Sebastian Sangari Rechner. Survived by her brother Lewis Kubbernus (Isabel) and sister Della Kubbernus. Beloved sister in law to George (Zelly) Rechner. Special thanks to all of the staff at St. Josephs Hospital and The Village of Wentworth Heights for their loving care of Margaret.

A celebration of life for Margaret will be held Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel, 322 Fennell Ave East, Hamilton. A prayer service will occur from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, in the chapel. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Josephs Hospital or the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown NY. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com for the Rechner family.

A Love Letter to Hamilton in Honour of My Mother

MARGARET LEONA RECHNER

APRIL 25, 1924 TO MAY 3, 2018

Sadly my mother died yesterday. She was a strong, feisty and very independent woman. Mom moved to Hamilton after dad died to be closer to my sister Shelley.

Mom loved her home in Hamilton as there was always a friendly wave and hello. Mom loved her neighbours. Please know that your daily interactions and kindly gestures from fertilizer to light bulb changing were appreciated. She had a fierce competition to get her blue boxes in before the neighbourhood men could help her.

Thank you to Hamilton for her senior bus pass. Mom took the bus for years. She was able to be independent and go everywhere by bus.

Thank you to the bus drivers for looking out for her. One day, she got on the wrong way and ended up at the end of a line. The bus driver was so concerned she was OK and even offered her some of his lunch.

Thank you to the school children of Hamilton who graciously gave up their seats.

Thank you to the staff at her CIBC and Canada Trust in West Mountain. You treated mom with such respect even as she became more frail and hard of hearing. You greeted her by name and understood her intelligence and financial acumen had not diminished.

Thank you to Shoppers Drug Mart. She was always happy to see Kim and have help with her make up and the pharmacy staff were always kind and helpful.

Thank you to Wentworth Heights. My mom found happiness in her new home when she needed more help. Everyone was so friendly and kind and allowed her to be as independent as possible. My mom was so comfortable she even asked for help when she needed it. Now that was amazing

Thank you to St Joseph’s Hospital. Mom spent many months in hospital before she went home to Wentworth Heights. She returned there again for her final days.

The excellence of care and compassion of the staff was astounding. Mom was a fighter and her independence and intelligence was considered a priority in the staff interactions with her.

I will ever be grateful to the nurses, doctors, physical and occupational therapists for their professional excellence and heart and compassion. The PSW who lovingly gave personal care and treated my mom with dignity. We would not have known which direction to go without the help of the social workers. To the chaplains, I thank you for your loving care of my mom, my sister and especially me.

Thank you for Three Wishes. I will forever hold my final moments with mom in my heart forever. Mom was given every chance at life and then help to die in peace and comfort. Thank you to the Sisters for the healing garden. The gardens may bloom forever with all my tears.

Thank you to Mary Jane for your kindness and consideration of mom. It was so nice to know you were always selfless and would do anything to help.

Hamilton look at yourself and to others. Be so proud of what you have to offer as a citizen of this fine city.

Reflect on how your daily kindness, respect and courtesy helped my mother thrive. She lived for so many happy years in Hamilton.