Margaret June Edyth Yarwood

Margaret June Edyth Montgomery Yarwood was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She passed on 16 April 2022 at age 94 in her home of Cobourg, Ontario.
Born to Harold and Leonora Montgomery on 16 June, 1928 in Smethwick, UK, Margaret was the youngest of three. Swimming and field hockey were favourite past-times, as well as hi-jinks with her older brothers. Margaret’s early passion for sports and her wicked sense of fun would be a constant throughout her life.
A career in physiotherapy brought her to Canada in the 1950s: first to New Brunswick and then to Ontario, where she met her husband, John “Jack” Lofthouse Yarwood. (1906-1998) They shared a fondness for cats, a sharp wit, and a passion for music and the opera, enjoying trips to Toronto for performances by the Canadian Opera Company. Margaret made Jack’s favourite Yorkshire pasties to remind him of home, and Jack grew roses for her birthday from his wonderful garden each year. Margaret was an excellent cook and a generous hostess, making their home idyllic, especially for family visits. Good coffee and great conversation were always on offer.
After retiring from Victoria Hospital as head of physiotherapy and her duties as Chairperson for the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Margaret continued to lead a busy life. She was an active member of St Peter’s Anglican Church. Travel was a major part of her retirement: she visited England to reconnect with home, Vienna and Italy for the opera, and Florida for the alligators! Margaret’s adventuresome spirit, sense of humour, and boldness never waned.
Margaret’s later years were made joyful by her friendship with two very special people: her close neighbour and best friend Pauline Cyr, and Rose Cosgrove, who worked with her as a PSW for eight years. Pauline is an energetic, fiercely loyal friend, who matched Margaret’s sense of fun and good humour. Rose is caring, generous, fun-loving, and kind, bringing comfort and happiness to Margaret everyday.
Margaret will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by her family: Suzanne, Craig, Jennifer, and Timothy. We’ll keep the roses blooming for you, Grandma.
A celebration of life is to be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street East, Cobourg, Ontario K9A 1K7 Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Canadian Opera Company are gratefully accepted.