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Margaret Evelyn Summers

January 31, 2007

Summers, Margaret Evelyn

(nee: Ross)

Feb 5, 1925 - Jan 31, 2007


Our loving mom and grandma. Margaret, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Oceanview’s Extended Care just before dawn on January 31st. She had been afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease for many years but she was comforted to see all of her children in her last days. Margaret was born in Black Hawk, Ontario in 1925. She married Herb Summers in 1944 and they lived first in Fort Frances and then in Atikokan, Ontario until they moved to Courtenay in July 1969. Margaret and Herb raised 4 children and enjoyed 54 years of marriage and friendship before Herb’s death in August 1998.

Our “wee mother” was a bright, hardworking person who laughed easily, was a good listener and was never judgmental in her beliefs. Mom was an excellent cook and baker as well as an accomplished seamstress. Her interests included music, reading, walking, bowling, gardening and traveling. For many years, she was very involved in the United Church both in Ontario and then in Comox Valley, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was active in the UCW and the Sunshine Unit at St. George’s United in Courtenay.

Mom was a gracious, gentle woman whose greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She taught us how to care for and support each other and we all loved her for her thoughtfulness and generous spirit. She took great pride in her grandchildren and spent many enjoyable hours watching them play hockey, dance and listen to them play the piano. Our mother experienced many losses over the years of her illness but she retained her sense of humour until her passing which we are very thankful for.

Margaret will be fondly remembered by her sons, Gary (Vancouver), Mark (Vicky Mulholland), Kelowna and daughters: Gail Palubiski (Walter) of Corvallis, Oregon and Bev (Bruce) Turner of Courtenay; her 5 grandchildren: Stephen (Amanda), Darcy (Karen) and Allison Palubiski, and Leah and Erin Turner; her brothers: Gordon, Sydney and Don Ross and sister, Irene Donnelly, of Fort Frances, Ontario; sisters-in-law: Inez Anderson, Freda Summers, Muriel and Eva Ross; as well as many nieces and nephews across Canada.

She was predeceased by her parents Gladys and Alexander Ross, husband Herb Summers, her sister Catherine Halvorsen, brothers: Norman and Delbert Ross; brothers-in-law: Murray Donnelly, Al Halvorsen, Jim, Frank and Dave Summers, Bob Cochrane; sisters-in-law: Muriel, Odell and Gladys Ross, Edith Cochrane and Vera Summers.

Our family would like to express our deepest thanks and admiration to the wonderful staff and volunteers at ECU’s Oceanview: the nurses, activity and care aides, those who come to sing, play guitars, bring their dogs and generally brighten the lives of people who are sick or disabled and require continuing care. We truly appreciate the respect and love you showed to our mother. Throughout her years at Oceanview, you gave her dignity and allowed her grace.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2007, 11:00am in the chapel at Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay with Reverend Ray Brandon officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s memory to Oceanview Extended Care Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, B.C. V9M 1P2 or the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.



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