Skip to content

May 8, 1925 - Dec 20, 2017
Margaret Josephine Donley (Marg to many) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 92 in Comox, BC on December 20, 2017. Margaret was born to Glenna and George Moss on May 8, 1925 in High River, AB, second from the youngest in a family of seven children.

At a very early age Margaret's family moved to the North Thompson Valley establishing the Canyon Creek Ranch in the small community of Birch Island. As a young adult Margaret left the ranch life behind but not without developing a strong love of animals, nature and taking with her the wonderful qualities that came out of a deep rooted family network.

During the war Margaret met and married a young navy sailor (Fred) from the Sunshine Coast and at the end of the war they made their home in Pender Harbour. Life there gave them five children, a very full career for Margaret in the salal industry, followed by an early retirement enabling them to full-time RV for a decade before settling on Vancouver Island. At that time Margaret returned to her much loved salal picking, which didn't stop until she was 80.

This lovely lady had an incredible zest for life, whether it be on her son's boat, the back of a daughter's motorcycle, ferrying her young grandchildren through her favourite salal patches in her VW beetle or just walking one of her beloved dogs.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Alexander Frederick Donley, sons Theodore James and Derrek Frederick, sisters Bessie McFadden, Lillian Addison, Isabell McLennan, Theo Irvine and brother Geordie Moss.

She is survived by daughters Maureen (Ken) Porter, Sue Donley, Georgina (Bill Gilson ) Timmerman, Mickie (Jamie Battison) Donley, daughter-in-law Shannon Donley, 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, brother Jim (Millie) Moss, many nieces and nephews and Dexter her miniature poodle.

For several years Margaret belonged to the D'Esterre House Senior Centre in Comox where she played cribbage with friends and acquaintances - giving her the opportunity to regale her family with colourful accounts of her wins and the odd 'skunk'.

At home she was rarely without her knitting needles and yarn, keeping her family warm and cozy in all things from elaborate buffalo wool sweaters to her prided bright coloured socks to which there was always a long line of requests.

Margaret will alway be remembered for her oyster dinners (the best in the world), her love and appreciation of her children, grandchildren, her Moss and Donley extended families and her closest friends.

Margaret's beautiful smile and sparkling brown eyes will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched forever.

Margaret's family wish to thank the staff (particularly Vicki) at the Views for their care and compassion, especially during Mom's final hours.

A private family memorial will be held in the springtime at the Pender Harbour cemetery.

Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the SPCA or any other animal/wildlife charity.

"Afraid only of the dark, so she created her own light."

Additional Photo(s):

  



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.