Obituary of Margaret Mary Little
(nee Broughton)
1929 – 2020
Margaret passed away at the K-W Campus of Grand River Hospital on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at the age of 91 due to natural causes unrelated to COVID-19.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Ellis Arthur Little in 2004. Loving mother of Joan (Ray) Bird, Nancy Hyatt-Jacobs (Larry), and Robert Little (Lou Anne). Grandmother of Alice, Charlene, and Natalie. Great-grandmother of Judson, Andrew, Xander, Leah and Lacey. Margaret is survived by her sister Jean Buchanan and brothers-in-law Robert Mueller and Eric (Mary) Little.
Predeceased by her parents Mabel (Diehl) and Stanley Broughton, brother George Broughton (Cora), sister Lois Boyd Mueller, and brothers-in-law Raymond Buchanan, Glen Little (Shirley) and Jim Little (Eleanor).
While raising her children, Margaret continued her education and graduated in the very first Early Childhood Education class at Conestoga College. For the next 30 plus years, she loved teaching at Emmanuel Church Day Nursery School. Her family recalls many walks, dinners out and daily errands interrupted by spontaneous hugs, waves and shouts of “Mrs. Little!” from former students and colleagues.
Margaret enjoyed life and had a great sense of humour. Whether travelling abroad with Ellis, their siblings and spouses or taking a college course in her 70’s alongside her granddaughter Charlene, she had fun. As she became less mobile, she enjoyed reading the many books that were hand-picked and delivered by the Waterloo Public Library.
Margaret’s hobbies included cards and singing. She and Ellis enjoyed Bridge nights with friends and Canasta with the family. Although Margaret admitted she wasn’t the ‘greatest singer’, she loved being part of the seniors’ choir group, The Merry Melodies. In recent months, she enjoyed singing with a Personal Support Worker who shared the passion.
Margaret is remembered by many: a grandmother to more than her own, a kind teacher, a caring neighbour and a grateful recipient of home care and volunteer services in Waterloo. Her children will remember her supportive and kind spirit. Her grandchildren and geat-grandchildren will remember cuddles in her rocking chair. Her friends and neighbours will remember sharing a laugh over tea and cake. She made everyone in her life feel special and loved.
Margaret’s family would like to thank everyone who cared for her: friends, neighbours, health care workers, the Waterloo Public Library and the Emmanuel United Church community. As well, the family humbly acknowledges the exceptional care she received from all front-line workers and essential service workers during this difficult time.
On her 90th birthday when asked if she felt ‘old’, Margaret answered; “No- I’m surprised to see an old lady in the mirror because I feel like the same 18-year-old girl I’ve always been.” And in her final days, her 92nd year, she said; “I’m not that old you know!” Let Margaret be an example to us all that ‘feeling young at heart’ truly makes for a long and wonderful life.
A private family visitation will be held and interment will be made at the Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Condolences for the family and memorial donations to Emmanuel United Church Memorial Fund, Waterloo Public Library, or a charity of choice may be arranged by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
