Obituary of Margaret Mary Harte

Margaret passed peacefully at the age of 82 after a brief illness, she joins her husband Sonny

who passed in 2017. Loving mother to Brian and Anne and their partners Alexandra Perlof and

John Swarbrick. Beloved grandmother to Claire, Graham, Cora and Nell. Cherished sister to

Essie, Una, Joe, Ber, Gabriel, Mick and Sheila. Mourned by her sister-in-law Theresa and many

nieces and nephews. She is reunited with her parents John and Christina; her siblings: Nell,

Jack, Monica and Jim.

Born in Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath, Ireland, as a young woman she spent countless hours

managing the family pub, “Lyster’s Bar” in her hometown. Margaret then emigrated with the love

of her life, Sonny, to Toronto, Canada in 1968 where they joined her sister Monica, and her

husband Phil and the Murphy Family on an adventure that included many memorable family

gatherings and celebrations. Margaret and Sonny moved to Niagara Falls ON in 1983 and there

she began a long running position managing the Denny Goldfinch real estate office where she

was known for her sense of humor, keen attention to detail and enduring work ethic. In 2005 to

be “closer to the action” but “never to crowd them” – Sonny and Margaret moved to Waterloo to

live out their retirement years closer to family.

A devoted wife and mother, Margaret took care and pride in raising two wonderful children of

whom she was immeasurably proud. Margaret lived to be with her family, rejoiced endlessly in

their successes and as the family grew she shared her enthusiasm with her children’s spouses

and grandchildren. Margaret was a faithful parishioner at St. Michaels Catholic Church and

raised her entire family with the guidance of the holy spirit. Engaged in their growth and devoted

to their development into fine adults, Margaret never let her children or grandchildren out of the

house on a Friday night without reminding them, “remember who you are.”

Margaret was a fixture at any and all sporting events in her Grandchildren’s athletic careers.

From Ice Hockey to Ringette to Field hockey and Rugby, Margaret rarely missed a game and

was always a fan and player favorite. Margaret loved learning about the new sports and pursuits

that the “Californians” were mastering and was always up to speed on rowing, soccer and the

likes, even from afar!

From Toronto to Niagara Falls to Waterloo, Margaret made friends and left lasting impressions

along the way with conversations and relationships she cherished always. From the “secret

weekends away” with the Mulveys to the sunny shores of Anna Maria Island to summer road

trips around the tip of Lake Superior to visit Sonny’s sister, Teresa in Chicago - Margaret carried

with her and spread the joys and laughter of a life well lived. Margaret certainly, in more ways

than one, had “the luck of the Irish” making her a favorite companion or partner in any games of

chance. Always generous with her “winnings”, she delighted in sharing any gains, minimal or

grand with friends and family alike.

A life well lived, a Wife, a Mother, a Grandmother, a Sister and Mother in Law.

We will miss you Mom.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.

May her soul be at God’s right hand.

In celebration of Margaret’s life, a funeral mass will be offered at St. Michael’s RC Church, 240

Hemlock Street, Waterloo on Saturday March 2, 2019 at 11am with Father F. Freitas as

Celebrant. A reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests

donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice may be arranged

through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com

or 519-745-8445