Marguerite Louise Mcdermott

McDERMOTT, Marguerite Louise (nee Boyd) Feb. 20, 1938 - Sept. 26, 2019 With great sadness we announce the passing of Marguerite Louise McDermott after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Three Mile Plains, Nova Scotia, on 20 February 1938, and was predeceased by her parents, Percy and Gladys (Woodman) Boyd, and two elder sisters Peggy Bentley (Jim), and Jean Starrat (Victor). She is survived by her remaining siblings, Vivian, Lawrence (Janet), Karen Thompson (David), Donald (Sheila), and Sheila Tracey (Darryl). She is also survived by her devoted husband of 59 years John, three sons, Timothy, Sean, and Andrew; three much loved daughters-in-law, Valerie, Brigitte, and Karin, six grandchildren whom she adored, Erin, Charles, Kasey, Andrea, Collin, and Thomas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. After primary and secondary schooling in Three Mile Plains, and Windsor, Nova Scotia, Marguerite embarked on a Nursing Career at the Halifax Children’s Hospital. Upon graduation she continued to work in that hospital as an operating room nurse. Her Nursing career was frequently interrupted after she married John, a Naval Officer in January 1960. She had to focus her skills and her energy on the difficult role of “Military Wife”. It was a role in which she excelled. Raising children, managing the budget, shoveling snow, mowing lawns, fixing balky appliances and cars. Baseball, football, hockey, and soccer mom. She did it all. Marguerite was an avid bridge player, was very active in water aerobics, loved winter vacations in Arizona, Florida and Mexico, and particularly enjoyed seeing the world on cruises. Above all she was a people person, who made lifelong friends easily. The family would like to thank the many people who cared for Marguerite with so much kindness and compassion, Dr. Vincent and his palliative care compatriots, the nurses and personal support personnel from St. Elizabeth Health, and the amazing staff and volunteers at May Court Hospice who did so much to ease the final days for both Marguerite and us. We must also mention the countless messages and calls of love and support that poured in from our extended family, friends and neighbours. Until the end we read each message to her, and we are sure they brought her comfort. A Celebration of Life was held at Beechwood Cemetery on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. A private burial followed in the National Military Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions in Marguerite’s memory, to either the May Court Hospice at Hospice Care Ottawa; or the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, would be appreciated.