Obituary of Margaret Copeland

(Retired Teacher OBE)

Dec 27th 1936 - April 10th 2023

It is with a heavy heart that the family announces the passing of Margaret, after a long hospitalization in Kingston Ontario. She passed away with family and friends present both in person and in spirit. Her family is comforted to know that she passed away peacefully, without prolonging her suffering.

Margaret, age 86, was predeceased by her devoted husband Miles in 2016, after more than 50 years of marriage. She will be greatly missed by her children Gregory and Alexandra. She was a doting grandmother to Jordan, Jacob, Caleah, Hannah , and Margaret, and great grandmother to Callum. She is predeceased by her brother Graham, and survived by her cousins George and Derek. Margaret was loved by many, including cousins, nieces, nephews and all her friends. She will also be fondly remembered by in-laws the Delavictorias and Delumpas.

She was born in Hove, England to Frank and Gladys Cole. Margaret made lifelong friends while attending Southlands College in England, before undertaking a grand adventure at 23 years of age by moving to Canada for a teaching position in Toronto. While there, she met Miles who was studying for his PHD at University of Toronto. Later they married and moved to Ottawa. After some years away from teaching to raise Alexandra and Gregory, she returned to her passion as an educator. Extraordinarily she studied diligently and became a French teacher, despite not knowing any French before immigrating to Canada.

Margaret had varied interests and talents. She was an avid tennis player and fan, enjoyed swimming and tirelessly escorted her children to sports practices and competitions, including Gregory at the Rideau Canoe Club and Alexandra to figure skating practice. Miles and Margaret took up sailing late in life, going on excursions together and with friends. The United Church of Canada paid a prominent place in her life where she was a longtime member, volunteer and contributor. To her grandchildren, Nana's old-fashioned skills and interests proved surprisingly fascinating, with Hannah taking up sewing as a hobby, and prompting Margaret's interest in old style games and puzzles. Jordan, Jacob and Caleah have cherished memories of many California, Tennessee and Canada visits over the years with their loving Grandma.

There was so much to know, admire and love about Margaret. Her family  and friends knew and loved her as a loyal, loving and devoted mother, spouse and grandparent. We know that each of you carry your own special memories of Margaret and we invite you to share them. Margaret will be laid to rest Saturday April 22nd at 11 a.m. in the Mausoleum of Pinecrest Cemetery, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa. A Memorial Service followed by reception will take place at Riverside United Church, 3191 Riverside Drive, Ottawa on Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to join the family at both locations.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Riverside United Church would be appreciated.