Margaret Jean McGarvey

After a long and wonderful life, Margaret Jean McGarvey passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 104, at Caressant Care Nursing Home in Cobden, Ontario. 

 Margaret was the youngest of four, born to Frederick and Alice Hendershot (nee Bowes), in Smithville, Ontario. As the daughter of a United Church minister, she lived in numerous Ontario locations growing up, including Carlisle, Aldershot, Fort Erie, St. Catharines, and Brantford. She attended the University of Toronto, and Teacher’s College in Hamilton. Following Teacher’s College, she taught in Greenwood, Ontario. 

 Margaret then volunteered to serve her country during WWII, proudly serving with the RCAF (Women’s Division) in Fighter Flight Operations, as Assistant to the Head of Operations in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She attained Flight Sergeant status and was nominated to take Officer Training shortly before the war ended. 

 During her time in Dartmouth, she met her husband, James R. McGarvey (Jim), who was also in the RCAF, and they were married on December 1, 1945. They lived briefly in Renfrew, followed by many years in Petawawa, Ontario, bringing up a family of four, and owning a successful automobile dealership. During that time, she taught for ten more years in Petawawa, as well as substitute teaching and helping with the family business when not teaching full time. Following her husband’s death in 1981, Margaret lived for many more years in Pembroke, Ontario. 

 Margaret will be remembered for her gentle and softspoken personality, and the warmth and grace that she brought to every occasion. She was confident, and comfortable in all circles. She was a great student, and she remained inquisitive and mentally sharp until the final days of her very long life. Many people commented on her love of language, whether it be reading, writing, or public speaking. In her younger years, she sang in the church choir and played piano. Even after she lost most of her eyesight in the 1990’s, she continued to constantly read audio books (often very deep philosophical studies!). Consistent with her linguistic skills, she served on the Pembroke Public Library board for a period. Margaret was a member of Wesley United Church in Pembroke Prior to her sight issues, she was an accomplished amateur artist. She had a wonderful sense of humour and loved nothing better than a good laugh! 

 We will remember her as a great mother and grandmother. She dedicated herself to raising her four children, instilling in them the values of family, learning, ethics, and kindness. Like all great mothers, she knew just when to compliment, when to encourage, when to help, and when to hold you; she was always there for you, with unconditional love. 

 Margaret is survived by her loving children Maureen Buchanan (Keith), Jim McGarvey (Kathryn), Cathy Voth (Jim), and Jane Donohue (Stephen), as well as her grandchildren Chris Buchanan (Debbie), Alison Dennis (James), Sam Voth, Melissa Voth, Ian Donohue (Malerie), and Katie Donohue (Johnny Windle), her great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, James R. McGarvey, her brothers Ralph and William Hendershot, and her sister Betty Mollison. 

 The family would like to thank the many staff members at both Heritage Manor in Pembroke and at Caressant Care Nursing Home in Cobden, Ontario, and the CNIB, who made Margaret’s later years comfortable and interesting, and helped to maintain her impressive will to live. 

 A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke.