Margaret A. Riordan (nee Jackson).
June 18, 1923 - October 22, 2010.
Left this life in Summerland, BC on October 22, 2010, gracefully and with humour intact. Daughter of the late Margaret and Edward Jackson, she was pre-deceased by her loving husband Derek Riordan (1976) and her beloved sister Doris Fitzpatrick (June 2010) of Tucson, Arizona. A number of dear friends passed on before Margaret, including Doug and Freda Cove, Gwen Stoughton and Ray Fredrickson. Our Mum was born in Wareham, Dorset, England. She worked at British Airways during the war. After their London home was bombed, the family moved to Bath. She met her future husband in a bomb shelter there. In 1949 they immigrated to Canada landing at Pier 21 in Halifax with two children in tow and less than $100. They settled in Belleville, ON and had three more children there. Our family enjoyed camping (although we all had to sit in the car during thunderstorms and there were many in Ontario), square-dancing, and fishing. When the Entomology Lab (‘The Bug House’) closed in 1972, the family moved to Summerland where Dad had a job at the research station. Sadly he passed away in 1976 leaving Mum to raise Sarah on her own. She started by getting her driver’s license - much to our pride and surprise. As well as using this new-found skill for convenience and pleasure, she toodled around town to various volunteer jobs including RECOPE (even though she couldn’t swim and was afraid of water) and Parkdale Place. In 1977, Mum brought her elderly, widowed mother from England to live with her until Nana passed away. It was a short but wonderful year for all of us. We thought we were losing Mum a couple of years ago as a result of the complications following a devastating fall; however, we were blessed with another two years of fun, love and laughter. Mum was a wise and wonderful mother and a doting Nanny who never gave unsolicited advice, but always listened carefully and non-judgementally, ready to give a hand wherever needed. Her love was always present and always unconditional. Cherished mother of Susanne (Eric) Cooper of Summerland, Timothy (Lorraine) Riordan of Manitoulin Island, ON, Penny Riordan of Nelson, BC, Molly O’Riordan of Whitehorse, YK, and Sarah Riordan (Douglas Short) of Oliver, BC. Beloved Nanny to Rachel, Ian, Chad, Colleen, Jenna, Robin, Sarah, Timothy, Arlo, Natalka, Derek, Seamus and Eamon, plus great-grandchildren Connor, Georgia, Shepard, Maddoc and Alija. Also survived by her sister Eileen Thorn in England. Also mourning her passing are sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kim and Val Riordan in Devon, England and nieces and nephews in Arizona and England. Mum’s favourite pastime was spending time with people and listening to their stories. She was happiest in small gatherings or better yet, one-on-one. Given this, a small graveside family gathering has taken place. Remember her today by having a cup of tea and listening with an open heart to someone who needs a friendly ear. Many thanks to the good people of Dr. Andrew Pavilion where Mum made her home for the past two years. As she said, “I feel happy, safe and secure here. They’re so good to me!” Thanks also to Dr. Martine Lebel who cared for Mum for 25+ years. Donations may be made in her memory to Dr. Andrew Therapeutic Gardens c/o The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation: 550 Carmi Avenue, Penticton, B.C. V2A 3G6. The Garden is where she spent happy hours with family and friends enjoying fresh air and nature. Condolences may be directed to the family at providencefuneralhomes.com
“Her cup was always half full.”
Providence Funeral Homes “Summerland’s Rosedale Chapel”
250-494-7752