Margaret Esther Caughey

Margaret Esther Caughey (nee Tomilson) passed away peacefully on September 27th, 2023, at the age of 86.

Margie was born on May 3rd, 1937 in Tay Creek, NB.  She is survived by her children Sharon (Fred), Allan (Heather), and David (Stella); and her grandchildren David (Heather), Ren, Matt (Molly), Cameron, Jeff, Maia, and Ian.  

She was the second youngest of 12 children, predeceased by siblings Ruth, Laura, Gordon, twins Dallas & Doris, Arthur, Elsie, and Bob. She is survived by siblings Ken, Marion, and Lois.  She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, their many children, and by Mike Caughey (Sue).

Margie was the first woman in her family to attend university.  She was a recipient of the prestigious Beaverbrook Scholarship.  She attended the University of New Brunswick to study Geology, graduating second in the Class of 1959.  

Mum was passionate about any project she took on.  She worked as a geologist at the Geological Society of Canada and at the Natural History Museum in London, UK before marrying and raising her children.  She was an active volunteer at the schools, on the library board, and with the Citizens’ Committee on Children, which published child-sourced reviews of Canadian children's literature.  Margie returned to the workforce as a program officer at NSERC where she supported funding programs that encouraged industry/university collaborative research.

Margie was an avid gardener, genealogist, bridge player, NAC attendee, Crystal Chick, and traveller. She was an utterly devoted grandmother to her seven grandchildren.

She lived with Parkinson Disease for almost three decades, before finally succumbing to its complications.  In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in her name to Parkinson Canada (Donate - Parkinson Canada).

The family is grateful for the loving care provided to Margie in her final days by Dr. Ruth Farey and the staff at Amica The Glebe. 

There will be a celebration of her life at 10 Plaza Court (Ottawa), on Saturday, October 14th, at 2:00 pm.