Denise A. Octeau-Tesher
We met Margaret in 1996 when she and Bryce joined our camping group "The West Island Questers", established in the West Island of Montreal. We began a friendship which would keep going on for many years and still is. A few years later, after many camping trips together, Bryce and Margaret made the decision to move to Ontario, and so did we, somewhere close enough to make it easier to visit our children every so often.
Year after year, I was amazed to discover how talented Margaret was in her craft. Her "Cross stitch" work was so beautifully executed it was like looking at the real thing… but on canvas. She even shared some of her secrets with me. I always wondered how, with her arthritis problem she was able to come up with such masterpieces and I asked her. Her response was that she needed to keep her mind, her eyes and her fingers occupied or else she took the risk of losing them. Margaret, also had a fantastic memory. When we first moved to this area and we needed to find places, stores, things, she would always know where they were….and all she had to say was "take this highway, go to exit such and such, when you exit, turn right (or left) go down 3 stop signs and you'll be there" …..and she only had been living in the area for a few months ahead of us. When Bryce was talking about an incident which happened many, many years ago…quite often he would turn to Margaret and ask "what was his/her name? of what year was this? " and she would always come up with the name or place. It was like Bryce had electronic hinges, opening a door to Margaret's memory for the right answer. It always fascinated me how alert she was, in her mind….if not in body.
You acquired many friends over the last years, Margaret, and everyone appreciated your gentleness…. You will be missed…..but remembered by everyone in a fond way. In our hearts, you will be there for our weekly Thursday breakfasts, for dinner on Sunday nights, and for meetings with the group every month……. Your craft will be a living reminder of your talent……. You will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Your love of your children and grandchildren could be seen in your eyes as you mentioned each their names. To them you will always be "Mom" and "Oma"! To all of us you will always be Margret! Rest in peace my friend……. You have earned your time to rest……..
Denise A. Octeau Tesher
March 27, 2013
