Margaret Buchanan Conboy

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Margaret Conboy who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Margaret was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Margaret knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

      Margaret was born on April 28, 1939 in Old Kilpatrick, Scotland. Her parents were James and Elizabeth Reid. Even as a youngster, Margaret learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Margaret was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Margaret was raised with nine siblings, Betty, David, John, Richard, Charles, Ivy, Kate, William and Jim. Margaret had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Margaret, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

      Margaret's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Margaret enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Margaret took part in sports and in her spare time she liked art - she was very good at sketching, reading and knitting - she made lots of our sweaters.

      Margaret was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Margaret was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Margaret came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Bridie and Jean. Later in life, she became friends with Ann Mercer, Ann Livingstone and Irene Scullion.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Margaret reveled in the security of her family. On September 28, 1963 Margaret exchanged wedding vows with Bernard Conboy. One of Margaret’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

      Margaret was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Margaret would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Margaret was blessed with three children, Catherine, Jacqueline and Lesley. She was also blessed with six grandchildren, Jordan, Courtney, Mallory, Jarrett, Laura and Ben.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Margaret was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Margaret upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as a factory worker. She was employed with G.M., Cadbury's and Sure Fit. Margaret was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Margaret approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favourite pursuits were knitting, sketching and she loved to dance at parties and dances.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Margaret to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favourite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were soccer (football) and golf.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Margaret used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Margaret had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favourite vacations included Australia, Hong Kong, Scotland, England and Italy.

     In retirement, she found new pleasure in doing some travelling. In many ways, Margaret loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Margaret passed away on March 14, 2014 at Lakeridge Health in Bowmanville, Ontario. She is survived by her husband Bernard, her children Catherine, Jacqueline (Steve) and Lesley (Tim), her grandchildren Jordan, Courtney, Mallory, Jarrett, Laura and Ben, her sister Betty, and her brothers David, John, Richard and Charles. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Margaret was laid to rest in Mount Lawn Memorial Gardens in Whitby, Ontario.

      All who knew her would agree that Margaret was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Margaret Conboy did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

* * * * * * * * * *

CONBOY, Margaret Buchanan (nee Reid)

Passed away suddenly with family by her side at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville on Friday, March 14, 2014 in her 75th year. Dearly beloved wife of Bernard of 50 years. Loving mother of Catherine Castilloux, Jacqueline Laidlaw (Steve), and Lesley McAvoy (Tim). Cherished grandma of Jordan and Courtney, Mallory and Jarrett, Laura and Ben. Dear sister of Betty, David, John, Richard, Charles and predeceased by Ivy, Kate, William and Jim. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Wednesday, March 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, March 20 at 3:00 p.m.