Obituaries

 

Margaret Elizabeth de Stecher

Passed 05/14/2020

Text:

Obituary For Margaret Elizabeth de Stecher

Margaret Elizabeth de Stecher passed away on 14 May 2020 at the age of 97, with courage and grace. Her son Allan cared for her in his home, where she lived for the last year and a half of her life, looking out over the lake.

Margaret was the daughter of the late Ida Windsor Scott and William Scott, sister of the late Daphne Tate (Scott) and William Scott, and wife of the late Roy de Stecher. Margaret is survived by her children Sabina de Stecher (Terry Triskle), Anne de Stecher, and Allan de Stecher; her grandchildren Grace MacLean-de Stecher and Victoria Watson; her nephew Bruce Tate and his wife Kim Meimaroglou and her grandniece and grandnephew Marika and Will Tate; her niece Marianna Scott; her nephew Brian Scott and his wife Tracey and grandniece and grandnephews Stephanie, Adrian, and Adam.

Margaret was born in Outrement, Montreal. She was a strong student and trophy-winning athlete in track and field and basketball. She was a passionate teacher; she attended MacDonald College and went on to teach in Montreal, northern Quebec, and New Brunswick. She was a keen skier during her teaching years. She had happy memories of weekends at Saint-Sauveur, taking the Ski Train from Park Extension in Montreal. Margaret was active all her life. She loved long walks. During her years in Ottawa she walked around the experimental farm every day, and continued her daily walks in Wolfville, with her friends there. She was a dedicated gardener and made her home and garden beautiful wherever she lived- her Montreal style stayed with her all her life. Margaret was a businesswoman. She loved the stock market and bought her first block of shares when she was 27 (St. Lawrence Cement). She followed the market for the next sixty years and ran a successful small business in Ottawa.

Margaret approached life as a gallant fighter. She made bold choices, from her first job teaching at a northern Quebec mining town in the 1940s to the homes she bought and renovated over the years, to her business. Her optimistic outlook inspired us. She encouraged her children and family to achieve their dreams. She was a strong, loving presence to her family and friends and gave unwavering support. We miss her so much and we will continue her optimism and indomitable spirit in our lives.

Donations in memory of Margaret may be given to the Cancer Society or your local food bank. The family would like to thank everyone at Northwood Home Care for the outstanding, loving care they gave Margaret. A service will be held at a later date, due to current restrictions.

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Condolences

  • 06/18/2020

    Whether it was a visit out East to Nova Scotia or a quick chat on the phone, Aunt Peggy always brightened my day. Her bright energy was always so warm and welcoming. That energy will be missed and cherished. Although she was technically a great aunt, I consider myself very lucky to have had her as a third grandmother figure. Sending love to Anne, Allan, Sabina, Victoria and Grace

  • 06/15/2020

    Aunt Peggy was one of a kind! I enjoyed her no nonsense approach to life and her appreciation of a good laugh. She always took a keen interest in our family's adventures and anecdotal stories. Her fashion sense never went unnoticed and I remember ducking into a shop or two with her when something caught her eye in the store window. She will be missed but never forgotten.

  • 06/15/2020

    My Aunt Peggy (Margaret) has long had a special place in my heart and soul. I referred to her, and continue to do so, as a hero to me in terms of her approach to life: positive, optimistic, forward-looking and a deep love of life and family and friends. Our visits and phone conversations bring me comfort still. My love and condolences to my cousins, Aunt Peggy's children, Sabina, Anne and Allan and to extended family and friends.

  • 06/08/2020

    I enjoyed my many visits with your Mum at Curves & in her home. First met Margaret at church. We had many a good talks & laughs together. Family was important to her as well to me, kept each other up to date on them. After is moved to Halifax only saw her once when her son brought her to Wolfville for a doctor's appointment. How faith happens that we both had the same doctor with appointment same day. I recognized her right off & got up to date. Treasurer your memories of her. I glad she was in my life.

  • 06/06/2020

    I had the pleasure and honour of meeting mother-of-the-bride Margaret at my dearest childhood friend Anne's wedding, in Ottawa. A formidable and adored role-model and mother, what a wonderful life she lived to the full, and what a legacy she leaves! I feel like I knew her so well thanks to Anne's numerous anecdotes over the years. I so admired her tenacity, grace & humour. Sincere condolences to the family for your loss, especially at such an impossible, challenging time. I wish you the strength to celebrate an extraordinary life well-lived rather than mourn her loss.

  • 06/06/2020

    I had the opportunity to meet Margaret while working at the Berkeley she was a wonderful lady and I really enjoy her presence. My sincere condolences on her passing.

  • 06/06/2020

    Our aunt Eileen lived in the Bedford Berkeley for a short while and always spoke with warmth about Margaret. Eileen knew how pleased Margaret was to be able to move into the house on the lake. Unfortunately Eileen's dementia has progressed so she cannot share any other memories of Margaret-she would be sorry to hear of her passing.

  • 06/06/2020

    First of all, my sincerest condolences. Margaret was certainly a very special lady. I so enjoyed the time I spent with her over the past 2 years or so. She always would laugh so heartily. It was a real honest to goodness pleasure to be in her presence. She loved looking out at the lake every morning. "What more could I ask for?" Margaret was a very special, unique and sweet lady, right down to her purple nail polish! I miss her and will always remember her with a smile. Sincerest sympathy.

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