"The internal light from our risen Lord, has shone brilliantly on Margaret O’Neill to guide her to a peaceful rest amongst the angels.”

In the early hours of April 13th, with her loving husband of 70 years, Hubert, and her son Dan at her bedside, Margaret rose to heaven to be reunited with her siblings: Catherine, George, Bernice, and Patrick, and her grandchildren Rachel and Aaron Higgins.

Margaret’s three children, Dan (Lorie), Joanne Higgins (Tom), and Greg (Debra) will continue to honour Margaret’s life of 90 years. Loving Nana of: Meagan (Phil), Kailey and Ryan; Adam (Elizabeth), Gillian Sahanatien (Sheldon), Jordan, and the late Rachel and Aaron (Jennifer); Darren and Tyler. “Nana the Great” of Rachel and Presley; Georgia; Cecilia and Louis; Alex and Luis. Survived by her sister Theresa Campbell. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Marg’s Life for her immediate family is planned for April 15th, 2020 in the Logan Memorial Chapel (705-746-5855), 81 James Street, Parry Sound. Interment to follow at Sylvan Acres Cemetery.

A real “Hootenanny” as our Mom liked to say, will be held in the future when it is safe for all family and friends of Marg’s to gather.

Margaret’s family is thankful and appreciative of the loving care she received at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, the Gardens of Parry Sound, and Lakeland Long term Care, where loving and supportive staff provided outstanding care of Mom and continue to provide personalized care to Hubert.

Donations would be graciously accepted to Lakeland Long Term Care, and the RACH fund through Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Prayers and special intentions can be sent as a condolence, through the web-site.

Although I love flowers very much,
I will not see them when I am gone. So in lieu of flowers:
Buy a book of poetry written by someone still alive, sit outside with a cup of tea, a glass of wine, and read it out loud, or silently, by yourself, or to someone.
Spend some time with a single flower. A rose maybe, smell it, touch the petals.
Really look at it.
Drink a really nice bottle of wine with someone you love.
Or, Champagne. And think of what John Maynard Keynes said, “My only regret in life is that I did not drink more champagne.” Or what Dom Perignon said when he first tasted the stuff: “Come quickly! I am tasting stars!”
Take out a paint set and lay down some colours.
Watch birds. Common sparrows are fine. Pigeons, too. Geese are nice. Robins.
In lieu of flowers, walk in the trees and watch the light fall into it. Eat an apple, a really nice big one. I hope it is crisp.
Have a long soak in the bathtub with candles, maybe some rose petals.
Sit on the front stoop and watch the clouds. Have a dish of strawberry ice cream in my name. Or chocolate.
If it’s winter, have a cup of hot chocolate outside for me. If it’s summer, a big glass of ice water.
If it’s autumn, collect some leaves and press them in a book you love. I’d like that.
Sit and look out a window and write down what you see. Write some other things down.
In lieu of flowers,
I would wish for you to flower.
I would wish for you to blossom, to open to be beautiful
I would wish for you to align your soul, for a time, with flowers.

Shawna Lemay

Condolences

Peter and I are heartbroken. Sad to lose Marg and sad we can’t be together to comfort each other and to celebrate Marg’s long life. We will be together and we will celebrate a life well lived just don’t know when. I’m so grateful Marg (and Hughie) were such good friends of our Mom and Dad and they inherited all us Cussons kids in the mix. Marg will be sadly missed and always loved. Sheelagh & Peter

Dear Joanne and family, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I was reminded of you and your family, as Pineridge neighbours for so many years. You have had to deal with many heartaches, but you have shown great courage and exemplary faith in the face of much adversity. May the God of all comfort give you peace. Be blessed.!

My prayers and deepest condolences with the whole family. Sending love and hugs to Lorie, Dan, Meagan, Kailey and Ryan during this difficult time. Xx Diana and David

Love and best wishes to all Margaret's wonderful family. So sorry for your loss

So sorry for our loss of aunt Margie. So many fond memories with our family functions. God bless you all. Gaylene

We are so sorry to hear of your loss and that we can’t be there to share your grief. We love you all and will be thinking of you and Marg.

Dearest O'Neill, Higgins & Campbell Families,
I have very fond memories of Marg. Especially the time she talked Hugh into taking 5 of us girls camping. A weekend to remember even after all these years. A lovely lady with a beautiful smile. My sincere condolences to All. xo

Joanne, and family, Sincere sympathy in the passing of your Mom. I remember meeting her at the Rach one year; she struck me as a wonderful person. You look so much like her, Joanne. What a wonderful long marriage your parents had. Wonderful poem that you have included in her notice; I assume that epitomizes your Mom. Very significant and inspiring. You must have a lifetime of such wonderful moments to remember. May God give you all peace.

Joanne and Tom, our prayers and deepest condolences to your whole family.

Joanne and family.
I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. I have wonderful memories of her when we were growing up and going camping with you and your family for a few weeks.
I was fortunate enough to have spent special time with your Mom at one of Rachel’s fundraisers. We had a wonderful conversation I and remember it well. She loved you so much. Very grateful to have seen her after so many years.
She was a wonderful classy lady and my thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
The poem is beautiful. A gift to all of us.
Kelly Nealon

Dear O'Neill / Higgins Clan,

So sorry to hear about this news, made more difficult I am sure during this time of isolation.

My best to you all on behalf of Dr. Irish and our GTx research team at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Michael Daly ("Team GTx")

As I am sending my condolences I am listening to an owl hooting outside and it takes me back to camping with Marg and Huey at Maple Point on Manitoulin Island at Aunt Norma and Uncle Merv's.
Many great memories of your Mom, Grandma, and Nana the great!

My sincerest condolences to all of you. We were very fortunate to cross paths with both of your parents. The love they shared was an inspiration to all of us. We still talk about Marg‘s infectious smile and giggle. She will always be fondly remembered by all of us at the Gardens.

Dear Uncle Hughie, Danny, Joanne, Greg, and all

We have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Margie.

Like the many Saturday nights playing bridge with the group of eight, with so many unconventional conventions:...Goren would have been puzzled.

She was always smiling or laughing, enjoying the the people she was with.

We have always thought of her as a very special and strong woman.

It is always difficult to lose someone so dear, especially your Mother, and especially in theses strange times.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we would surely like to attend the "hootenany" in her honour, whenever it happens.

With love,

Lois and Garry