September 22, 1951 - March 15, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Margaree Jean (Crothers) Porteous of Nanaimo, BC.
Our beloved Margaree (mumma to her daughters' and Margie to her sisters and friends) passed away peacefully, comforted by family at Nanaimo General Hospital on March 15th, 2022, at the age of 70, due to complications of a recent stroke.
Margaree was born in Victoria BC, on September 22nd, 1951 to Jean and Charles (Chuck) Crothers.
Being Navy Brats, Margie and her big sisters had the opportunity of living and traveling all over North America. Margie grew into a beautiful " flower child" who loved the Beatles and wanted nothing more than world Peace and Love (this continued up until the day she left us).
Margaree met her first husband David (and father to her two daughters) at a Victoria Day parade. From there the adventures began...It wouldn't be uncommon to see them canoeing the open waters of the west coast with her little "side-kick" Freya in tow.
They moved to Ladysmith in 1975 where Margaree was a Lifeguard at FJCC, then an Ambulance attendant. Her little spit fire, Alita (AKA Bug Face, AKA Dee-Dah) completed the family in 1977.
Margaree enjoyed volunteering in many of her daughter activities, including driving busses full of screaming girls to basketball games and for their highland dance performances. Margaree was also a first aid Instructor and competed in first Aid competitions. Her career with the BC Ferries began in the early 80's, where she was a first Aid attendant and worked her way up to Chief Steward. She took many under her "wing" at the ferries, and was very passionate about her role there.
She went back to school in her 50's to become a Health and Safety Officer. Margaree retired from the Ferries at the age of 60, but continued to be an important part of her union. She believed in standing up for others and making changes. She was fundamentally strong and principled; she spoke up for what she believed in.
Margaree and Dale (her second husband), spent their golden years living on a beautiful acreage in Nanaimo, enjoying their time with family, friends and their pets.
Her grandsons (Neil and Joel) were blessed to have such an incredibly fun grandma who taught them how to ride dirt bikes (it's not often you see a grandma with her grandsons ripping through the trails together) -her grandsons were her everything and they felt her love always.
Margaree was her daughters' biggest fan and supporter, their mentor and strong role model who taught and empowered them to stand up for what they believe in. Her daughters are forever grateful they had her for a mother.
Margaree's kindness and compassion for others was immeasurable as was her love for her family. She was a generous, kindhearted woman who loved gardening and helping others. She found great peace walking her pup George along the beautiful Nanaimo river paths.
She made beautiful crochet, and gave many pieces away as gifts. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Margaree could immediately feel her genuine soul. The impact she had on people's lives was undeniable.
She was predeceased by her father Charles, mother Jean, husband Dale and Grandson Neil. She leaves behind her daughters Freya and Alita, grandson Joel, sisters Carolle and Jacqueline, son-in laws Trent and Nick, her niece and nephews, cherished friends, extended family, beloved pup George and cat Mr. Grey.
Magraree leaves us with many cherished memories of love and kindness. She will be greatly missed.
There is some comfort knowing that she is reunited with her parents, husband and grandson.
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand...
There will be no funeral service, rather, a celebration of her life will be held in Nanaimo at the end of August. For now, please consider honoring her by planting something of your choice in her memory or with a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or simply by practicing kindness towards others.
Condolences and photos may be left at: https://www.evergreencremationcentre.com/listings