Margaret Butler (nee Winterbottom)
February 25, 1932 to May 27, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Margaret Butler, the bedrock of her family. A beloved wife to her husband, Alan, of 61 years, a loving mother to her children Mark (Tara), Kimberly (pre-deceased), Adam (Belynda), and, a cherished “Grandy” to her grandchildren, Hayley, Amanda, Lorne, Victoria, Luke and Charlotte, and her devoted dog and loyal companion, Daisy. Her loss is immense and she will live on in all of our hearts.
Born in Bramhall Village in Cheshire, England, Margaret was the epitome of an English Rose. Adored by her Mum, Kathy and her Father, Frank (both pre-deceased), Margaret spoke of her idyllic life growing up. She would often regale her family with stories of her childhood in England. Particularly recalling WWII bombings while in her family’s shelter, time away at boarding school, family holidays and anecdotes, and, as an accomplished, young stage actress with her performances receiving glowing reviews from the local newspaper critics. That was Margaret, effervescent. Everyone noticed her when entering the room. She sparkled. If it wasn’t her glamorous outfits that drew attention it was her penchant for fun, her wonderful sense of humour or her captivating story telling. She had an innate ability to enrapture all that were blessed to be in her presence.
Margaret loved to travel and had a zest for adventure. It was her job with British based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that brought her to Canada where she embarked on her greatest adventure of all….marrying Alan and having a family of her own which brought her eternal joy.
Although her home and the life that she built was in Canada, a piece of her heart always remained in England where she leaves behind her much loved sister, Marina, and her brothers both pre-deceased, John and Peter. All of her treasured extended family from Canada, England and abroad including her many cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews will miss her dearly. She was very much loved.
Her life was incredibly meaningful. Fulfilled by devoted love for her family, her delight in gardening, bringing happiness to others with her home cooking and baking, a trusty dog or cat always by her side, volunteer work within her community, Meals on Wheels not only delivering a hot meal but offering comfort to those in need, her support of World Vision helping children achieve an education, and, for her love of animals the Humane Society was especially significant. With her kind heartedness and sunny disposition, she touched so many throughout her life: long time neighbours, years long wonderful friends and even an inspiration to a current generation on social media going viral on Tik Tok! Margaret never envisioned retirement for herself. When most were slowing down she was ramping up and began working at Royal Doulton China shop. With her British charm she was a saleswoman extraordinaire. Margaret leaves an indelible mark on so many lives. She will be lovingly remembered and admired as a remarkable, strong woman who lived her life with dogged determination, independence and an “I’ll do it my way” verve.

A private funeral service and interment was held. There will be a Celebration of Margaret’s Life with a Memorial Reception on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m at The Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre 375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto.

In lieu of flowers donations are welcome to North York General Hospital. For online condolence messages, please visit Margaret’s memorial page at www.etouch.ca