Peacefully, in her sleep, at Kensington Gardens. Born in Morley and raised in Edinburgh, she immigrated to Canada in 1969, living first in Montreal before settling permanently in Toronto. Her career was varied; she worked as an airline stewardess, in insurance, and in catering, before spending the rest of her working years as a bookseller at The Book Mark on the Kingsway, a role perfectly suited to her lifelong love of reading.

She was active in her book group, poetry (“poultry”) club, and church, both as a congregant and as a long-time member of the choir at Runnymede United. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, David and Vera Ritchie; her son, Douglas; and the father of her children, John Switzer.

She will be sorely missed by her children, Graeme (Melanie) and Heather (Joseph); her granddaughter, Margot; and her pal, Snoopy. She is survived by her sister, Helen Hart (John), of Edinburgh.

Though Margaret lived with Alzheimer’s disease for many years, her happy and humorous demeanour and love of a sweet treat remained intact until the very end. The last three and a half years of her life were spent at Kensington Gardens, under the exceptional and loving care of the staff of North 1-West, with special thanks to Myrna, Maritess, Ramandeep, and her special friend, Davood.

The funeral will be held at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Road, Toronto on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow on-site.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to https://kensington.akaraisin.com/ui/donate with funds allocated to “The Gardens.”