Obituary of Margaret Jean (née Williamson) Whitehead

In her 84th year, unexpectedly but peacefully in her own bed in the wee hours of Sunday morning, June 26th, 2016. Predeceased by her husband Henry. Loving mother of Lois (Jørn Poulsen), adoptive mother of Rob (Erin Davis), stepmother of Susan Taylor and Douglas. Proud grandmother of Philippe, Caroline, Lauren (Phil Shirakawa) and Catherine, and ridiculously - but understandably - proud great-grandmother of Colin Shirakawa. Survived by sister Irene Zimmerman. Predeceased by her brothers Dean and Bob Williamson, and granddaughter Lauren. Margaret Whitehead was born on Mother's Day in Saskatoon. A McMaster graduate and a Christian Education specialist, she came into the Whitehead family when Henry's first wife died suddenly leaving their youngest, an eight-year-old boy, without a mother. Henry knew Margaret through First Baptist Church in Brantford; from that friendship grew a partnership which blossomed into love. She dove into family life and, with everything she had, took on the job of mothering Rob and being as much a mother figure to his two older siblings as circumstances would allow. As time passed, she and Henry went on to have a child together - Lois (also born on Mother's Day) - and the new blended family was complete. A Registered Nurse by profession, she cared for Henry, who was several years her senior, through decades of declining health. She was a good wife, a great mother, a loyal friend and a deeply decent human being. She loved her family unconditionally, as we loved her, and her kindness and thoughtfulness were appreciated by everyone - from her new friends in the Cherryhill Circle apartment building she moved into after Henry's passing, to those lucky enough to know her longer. Margaret was kind, sensitive, considerate and generous. She was curious about and delighted in the people, events and things around her. She nurtured her garden and plants unwaveringly, a reflection of the care she took in her relationships. In recent years she had taken to using the word "treasure" to describe people in her life. Truly, the treasure was Margaret. And we are so very, very grateful. The memorial service will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Monday, July 4th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Margaret are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex.