January 26, 1943 – February 26, 2024
Margaret Ann Cole (nee Young) passed away peacefully at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital on February 26, 2024 after a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer, at the age of 81.
Margaret Ann was born in Toronto to William and Phyllis Young (nee Gray), growing up with her sisters Eleanor and Phyllis where she was an avid girl scout, swimmer, and choir member during her school years. She attended teachers college and became a primary school teacher.
Marg was the devoted wife to Dr. John Cole for more than 58 years. John and Marg settled in Newmarket, Ontario where she enjoyed spending time playing bridge, tennis, curling, painting and sewing. Margaret retired from teaching to devote her life to raising her family. She was the loving mother of Scott (Kelly) Cole, Melanie (Fred) Moffatt, Jamie (Sarah) Cole and Tara (Juergen) Bay. She was most proud of her “Gramms” title from grandchildren, Justin (Ashley), Alexandra (Kate), Madeline, Danielle, Lauren, Haleigh, Tori, Catie, Dexter, Valerie, Clark, Mattias and Lola. She was most recently promoted to “Great Gramms” by Audrina, Freddie and Sloane. She dedicated her motherhood years to enabling her husband and kids in their every aspiration, always putting everyone around her first, while she proudly stood by their sides through their many journeys in life.
Mom taught us to forget about the bad and the sad, that yesterdays are for fun stories, laughs and smiles, but to never long for the past. Focus on what's right in front of you now and make it the next great story for you and those around you for another day. Every chapter of life is a new adventure.
Margaret loved spending her summers at their cottage on Redstone Lake in Haliburton with John and their family, along with so many of their friends and kid's friends. It was her special place.
In John and Marg’s retirement years they loved spending their winters in Lake Village, Nokomis, Florida where they made so many wonderful friendships. Marg was the captain of the shuffle team, a regular bridge winner and an avid golfer.
With John and Marg's move, 8 years ago, to Hickory Hills in Tillsonburg, Marg again immersed herself into the community through bid-euchre, shuffle, coffee mornings, Wednesday socials and more. The cherished friendships developed here are evident in the wonderful support and love provided during this difficult past year.
Words cannot express the appreciation mom had for the professional support, care and love she received from the wonderful team at the Tillsonburg Hospital and from the London Cancer Clinic - the family is eternally grateful.
A private family service was held on Friday March 1st at Ostrander’s Funeral Home in Tillsonburg.
On Saturday March 2nd, friends were invited to join Margaret’s family at the Hickory Hills Clubhouse for a visitation time and tributes, memories and stories to celebrate Marg’s life.
In lieu of flowers, Margaret wished donations be made to the Tillsonburg Memorial Hospital Foundation and can be done online or via cheque payable to the Hospital by contacting Ostrander’s Funeral Home (519) 842-5221. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.ostrandersfuneralhome.com