Obituary of Margaret Jeanne Boyd

Margaret Jeanne Boyd died suddenly at the Village at University Gates, in Waterloo, Ontario, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Age 79 years.

Margaret was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill and her cherished daughter, Heather. Loving mother to Ruth and her husband Jim Dryden, and Sarah and her husband Eric Moreau. Devoted Nana to Megan and Emily; Sam and Sadie; and Anna, Jacob, and Sophie.

Margaret grew up the oldest of seven children born to the late Donald and Jeanne Shuh. Many stories were shared of their adventures together on the farm in Waterloo. She remained close with her dear siblings throughout her life: Richard Shuh and Linda Woolley; Linda and the late Robert Boyd; Karen Couchie; Allan Shuh and Donna Campbell; Larry Shuh and Corinna Ritter-Shuh; and Elizabeth and Brian Feil. Margaret will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, and her many extended family members and friends.

Margaret met Bill in a child psychology class (which, they said, made them such good parents) at Wilfred Laurier University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts. Bill’s ministry took them to Saskatchewan, where they spent 14 years raising their young family. They returned to Ontario in 1985, settling in Parry Sound.

Music was important to Margaret throughout her life. She was a piano teacher for many years and sang in the church choirs. After moving to Parry Sound, she started volunteering with Festival of the Sound. Her involvement in the chamber music festival grew over the years and culminated in her acceptance of the position of Executive Director.

Wherever Margaret was living, she used her time and talents to enrich her community. Her volunteer work included assisting the food share program, leading the church junior choirs, and putting her administrative skills to work when her church communities sponsored refugee families. She was a supportive friend to many.

In 2022, Margaret returned to Waterloo in to be closer to family. She enjoyed frequent visits, holidays, and family dinners with her children and grandchildren. She forged new friendships and caring relationships with the residents and staff at the retirement home at The Village at University Gates. She was active in Village life and especially enjoyed the spiritual programming and choir. The family would like to thank the staff at University Gates for the kindness and care that they showed Margaret in her time there.

Margaret’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Chapel at Conrad Grebel University College, 140 Westmount Rd. N, Waterloo, on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. A Service of Thanksgiving for the Life and Faith of Margaret will follow at 2:00 p.m.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Camino Wellbeing would be appreciated by the family and may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, at 519-745-8445 or via www.erbgood.com.