We bid farewell to our beautiful butterfly, Margaret Murray Ruscica (nee Macleod). Daughter of Annie (nee Murray) and James Wason Macleod. Predeceased by her dear husband of 50 years, Thomas Benedict Ruscica, loving mother of Laurie (John), Jim (Lisa), Nancy (Kevin), and predeceased by beloved son Tom.

Always young at heart, Margaret asked to be called “Dolly” when her first grandchild was born. Beloved “Dolly” of Catherine, Sam, Maggie, Chloe, Nicholas, and Layla. Predeceased by her brother James Macleod and sister-in-law Fiona Macleod. Dear aunt of Shona Macleod and great aunt of Morgan and Mason. Friend to so many including the wonderful Sam and Sue Garnet, Barbara Bruzzese, Freda Ross, Carol Sinclair and Aldine Von Isser of Arizona, and everyone whose lives she touched during her years in Don Mills, Oak Ridges, the cottage in Dwight, and Delmanor Elgin Mills.

Margaret lived a large and exciting life beginning in Glasgow, Scotland before setting sail for Canada. Known for her exceptional beauty and style, she always dazzled in sparkles, vivid colours, and fancy jewelry. While working at the Central Hotel in Glasgow, Margaret met Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Dean took a shine to Margaret, gave her his records, and took her photo. This was one of Margaret’s brushes with fame and a story often told. Margaret was a gifted poet who loved history, gardening, decorating, entertaining, travel, restaurants, ballroom dancing, and all animals great and small.

We are grateful to the many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who brightened Margaret’s life. Thank you to niece Alice and Dr. Eligio Palermo for their support, Josephine Tejano who brought joy and blessings as a caregiver and friend, and to the kind and caring staff at Delmanor.

In lieu of flowers, please share a smile, offer a helping hand, decorate for the next holiday and find the fun, as Margaret did!

Join us to celebrate 90 years of “good living” at Margaret’s Celebration of Life - Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, on Friday, October 17, 2025, 11:00 am service, reception from 12-2:00 pm.

The service will be live streamed, with the link available on this page at 10:45 am.