Margaret passed away peacefully at The Elliott Community, Guelph on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in her 95th year.
Margaret will be forever missed by her children Brian (Lili), Susan (Charles) Schuurman, James and John. Grandma will be missed by 8 grandchildren Katie (Ryan) Pope, Paul, Gabrielle (Chisholm) Fry, Dahlia, Arthur and Alex. Nannie will also be missed by 4 great grandchildren Jackson & Brayden Schuurman and Caraleena & Marcus Pope.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Arthur Bertis (2020), parents Cecil Woodling & Muriel Jane Wilson Cook (Somerville), grandson Andrew Custance, granddaughter Jennifer Schuurman, and brother John Douglas Cook.
Margaret was born in July 1930 in Moncton, NB. She spent her early years in Sherbrooke, QC before her parents settled in Bridgewater, N.S. She was a keen learner through her schooling years before earning a Science degree at Dalhousie University in 1951. Her degree provided her with the opportunity to work as a Lab Technician at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto from 1951-1954. She soon met the love of her life, Bert, whom she married in 1953 for 67 years.
Margaret's married life in Scarborough involved raising the 2 oldest children. Margaret was a strong woman and a great Mom. She was focused on taking time with her children while keeping order and sharing her love. Mom loved to try new recipes and the sweet recipes were fabulous. When not cooking or baking, Marg loved reading, picnics, camping, bird watching and being anywhere near water.
Moving to Guelph in 1966 began a new chapter in Margaret's life, now raising 4 children and caring for her mother. Once the children were older, Margaret's help was integral with the family business, Wall Custance Funeral Home (1966-1980). In 1980, Bert and Margaret retired, spending more time at their home in Peterborough while the youngest boys finished high school and began college. Margaret enjoyed her time there; hosting many get-togethers with Bert's cousins and Margaret's brother Doug and his wife Carole, plus gardening, and boating.
In 1988, Bert got restless, so he and Margaret bought the John Thomson & Son Funeral Home in Fergus, enjoying the welcoming community and, continued to work until 1993. They retired and moved back to Peterborough. The long winters in Peterborough brought Bert and Marg back to Guelph in 1999. They settled into a condo in the Elliott Community and enjoyed the freedom to travel to UK, Europe, and the Maritimes. For many years, the family gathered for holiday dinners in the lounge at their condo. It was a fabulous time for all of us to be together. We will treasure those memories.
In the last several years Mom's health continued to deteriorate. She also lost more of her eyesight and could no longer read or watch TV. A story reader was purchased, with access to the CELA library of audio books, and she found a new way to pass the time and enjoy stories again.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. Thank you, Scott and team, for your support and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Parkinson Society, The Elliott Community or a charity of your choice.
A tree will be planted in memory of Margaret J. Custance in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.