Obituary of Margaret Bower

Bower: Margaret (née Mackay) Margaret was a loving wife and mother. Margaret created a wonderful home with her husband Bob. They had a good life. They were like two halves of the same coin; complimenting each other like no other. Margaret’s life was full, Saturday’s spent at dances with Bob and their friends at the Legion, Sunday’s spent attending church, with at least one weeknight at a community event usually a Bible Study. Later when they retired to the cottage, they would be out almost daily, travelling on bus trips with the Washago Seniors, Church and then lunch, playing piano for the choir and attending most local events or a show. These were some of their happiest times; complimenting an already full and happy life. Margaret was a talented musician, who often used her talents to entertain others. Margaret played piano for weddings, church services, fundraisers and the local Washago Choir. Her Scottish heritage was never far away and as a young woman she was a Highland Dancer. Margaret was especially close to her own Mother Meg and spoke of her often. As children Meg would always have Margaret and Helen (her Sister) dancing at various events; always accompanied by a piper (who were undoubtedly members of her extended family). Later in life, Margaret would play the piano and sometimes sing for an audience of one—Bob. Upon finishing he would always say some compliment. Beautiful! Sadly, the music left her when Bob passed, she never played again. Her song book still sits on the piano today. It is open to “You Raise Me Up” and remains the last tune she played for Bob and the last tune she ever played. Margaret was a Christian, who believed that her spirit would rise-up and she would be welcomed into the Kingdom of God. She believed that she would be reunited with Bob and her family; this gave her comfort. Margaret created a list of those who were close and prayed for them nightly. The list was long and always included a special mention for anyone experiencing any hardship. I don’t think she missed many nights at prayer. Margaret loved dogs, she had a dog as a child “Spitfire” and then later “Yorkie”. Yorkie was a loyal pet and stayed beside her when she read the newspaper after work. Recently, Hamish was her companion. Hamish spent most of the time beside her, they had such a special bond. The picture attached; is the last picture I have of her. She is smiling and happily giving Hamish his daily 3 O’clock cookie after he is begrudgingly giving her his paw. Margaret shared her dinner with Hamish every night. In the last few years, she was never happier than when Hamish was at her side. If you by chance hear “You Raise Me Up”, think of Margaret and please say a little prayer for the ones you love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfwlj0gba_k Margaret will be laid to rest in Orillia with Bob. Margaret wanted a Church Service filled with music. When timing permits, we will hold a memorial service at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Orillia. Giving our current circumstances I suspect it would be later in the fall of this year. It will be a celebration of life, a celebration with music, a celebration of a special Lady—Margaret. Margaret would want me to simply end with—God Bless You! Arrangements entrusted to the Simcoe Funeral Home 38 James Street E. Orillia L3V 1L1, 705 327 0221. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca