MARGARET EVELYN SUMMERS

Our loving mom and grandma, Margaret, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Oceanview’s Extended Care just before dawn on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007.
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 Feb. 5, 1925 in Blackhawk, Ont. to Gladys and Alexander Ross. She married Herb Summers in 1944 and they lived first in Fort Frances, Ont. and then in Atikokan, Ont., until they moved to Courtenay in July, 1969.
Margaret and Herb raised four children and enjoyed 54 years of marriage and friendship before Herb’s death in August, 1998.
Our “wee mother” was a bright, hard-working 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 travelling.
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 of Vancouver and Mark (Vicky Mulholland) of Kelowna; daughters, Gail Palubiski (Walter) of Corvallis, Ore., and Bev (Bruce) Turner of Courtenay; and her five grandchildren, Stephen (Amanda), Darcy (Karen), and Allison Palubiski, and Leah and Erin Turner.
Also surviving are her brothers, Gordon, Sydney, and Don Ross and sister, Irene Donnelly, of Fort Frances, Ont.; sisters-in-law, Inez Anderson, Freda Summers, and 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; sister, Catherine Halvorsen; brothers, Norman and Delbert Ross; brothers-in-law, Murray Donnelly, Al Halvorsen, Jim, Frank, and Dave Summers, and Bob Cochrane; and 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 was held Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007 at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Rd., Courtenay, with Rev. Ray Brandon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s memory to Oceanview, Extended Care Unit of St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2137 Comox Ave., Comox, B.C., V9M 1P2 or the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated.