In Celebration of

Margaret Lillian Anderson

May 16, 1929 -  August 7, 2022


Peacefully, at Sunrise of Oakville, at age 93. Predeceased by Ian, her loving husband of 35 years. Beloved mother of Stuart (Christine). Much loved grandmother of Matthew. Predeceased by her loving sister, Dorothy. Loving aunt of Ann and Margaret (Terry).

Margaret was born in Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay) after her parents emigrated from Scotland. Margaret left high school early while living in Edinburgh during WWII. The family returned to Toronto after the war where she met her husband, Ian, after he emigrated from Scotland in 1953.

Margaret became a stay-at-home mom when Stuart was born. After Stuart started school, she began to take one night course each year to obtain her high school diploma and then a BA in economics and political science from the University of Toronto.

Ian was diagnosed with cancer in 1987 and died at home in 1990. At the time, there was little support for people who wished to die at home. Margaret provided the funding to build Ian Anderson House, a residential hospice in Oakville. IAH provides quality palliative care in a home-like setting to residents of Mississauga and Halton and support for their families, all at no charge. Margaret’s tireless fundraising efforts led to the opening of the hospice in 1997, which has now served over 3,000 residents and their families. Margaret volunteered her time to run IAH for over 20 years.

In the process, Margaret became a champion of palliative care. In the early 2000s, Margaret made a donation to the University of Toronto to establish the Ian Anderson Continuing Education Program in End-of-Life Care. She received a number of awards over the years for her pioneering achievements, including the Meritorious Service Medal from Governor General Michaelle Jean in 2006 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Margaret enjoyed golf and played regularly with Ian and Stuart. They joined Credit Valley Golf and Country Club after moving to Mississauga. Margaret and Ian won the matrimonial tournament there twice and Margaret is a Past President of the Ladies’ Section.
Margaret loved dogs and the dogs she had over the years certainly loved her! Back in the day, she took home doggie bags before they became commonplace, except that the food in the bag was really for her dog!

Many thanks to the wonderful caring staff at Sunrise of Oakville where Margaret had resided since January 2019, including her “boyfriend” Jackie whom she educated about golf!

A private service will be followed by a celebration of life at a later date.

If desired, donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Ian Anderson House Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Peel.

Guestbook 

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Connie Florio (Friend)

Entered August 10, 2022 from Mississauga


So very sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Anderson.

We met at IAH in 2004, where my mother was fortunate to spend her last days in such a wonderful and caring place.

Thank you for bringing hospice care to our community.

Robert and Colleen Koolen (Dear friends)

Entered August 10, 2022 from Stratford, Ontario

Stuart, Christine and Matthew. Our deepest sympathies to you on the passing of Margaret. She was an inspiration to us. Your partnering and support of her projects resulted in their success. Thank you for taking such good care of our dear friend, Margaret. We will miss her!

Dr Dolly Bhola (Friend)

Entered August 10, 2022 from Oakville

From the day my late husband Peter Allen and I met Margaret I knew we’d be friends. Loved her personality, intelligence, dry wit and uncanny ability to notice that special trait in all whom she met. It’s for her kindness that I will always cherish her.
As my husband spent the last 5 days of his life it was Margaret who was the first caller of the day. They’d talk and laugh, sharing anecdotes. As though it were just another ordinary day. My heart fills with sadness and happiness at the same time for having known her all these years.
With much love to Stuart, Christine and Matthew
From Dolly

Diane Biggs (Relative)

Entered August 11, 2022 from Bolton

Her accomplishments and compassion speak highly of the way she gave of herself to others. We are very sorry to hear of her passing. With deep condolences.
Diane and Miranda

Christina fritsche (Friends)

Entered August 11, 2022 from Mississauga

Thanks for all you have done. Will miss you terribly.

Photos 

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