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Margaret Helen Dillon (nee Nodder) passed peacefully on January 6th, 2026 in her 93rd year.
Beloved wife of the late Murray Clifford Dillon, and mother to Elizabeth Steele (Brent) and Thomas (Wai-Lyn). Proud grandmother of Katherine Roy, Lia and David Dillon. Margaret lived a long and richly layered life. She grew up in England during WWII and emigrated to Canada as a young teen. Margaret was always curious and ready for adventure. After a brief foray into Law School she focused on her love of English Literature, becoming a Teacher and Librarian. Margaret met Murray, the love of her life, while attending U of T in the mid 50’s and in 1957 they married and set out to create a unique life together.
Margaret and Murray’s 61 years of marriage was filled with countless adventures; one of the most remarkable was setting sail with their two young children, with the bold and hopeful plan to sail around the world. Armed with optimism, determination, and very little sailing experience, they embarked on the journey that, while somewhat short-lived, became family legend when Howard Hughes took pity on them (and their derailed journey). They were forced to live on Grand Bahama Island for 6 months, while the boat and their finances recovered, but thanks to HH they were moored at his (Xanadu) hotel free of charge and the children spent their days living like The Little Prince.
Margaret’s most enduring voyage in her long and well lived life was her marriage to Murray. As true partners, they weathered all the storms of life – both literal and metaphorical – side by side, steady at the helm, united in purpose and unwavering in their devotion to one another.
Margaret will be remembered for the love of her family, her great intelligence and sharp wit, her love of theatrical costume parties & vintage film festivals, the many houses she and Murray restored, many countries visited and the joy-filled adventures they experienced with The Stratford Crew.
I am so sorry to hear of Marg's passing. She will be greatly missed. I will keep in my memories our giggles and our daily chats. She had a quick wit and kept me on my toes. Liiz, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Oh Liizi, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. I wish you strength and the comfort of great memories. XO
Liz and Brent.....I was saddened to read of you mother's passing. In reading heer obituary I was impressed by her lifes accomplishments . May many happy memories give comfort to you and your family. Don
We are sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. What a lovely tribute of her life that was full and adventurous. Our deepest condolences to Liiz, Tom and families. Helen and Edmund Wong
My deepest condolences. A beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman who lived an extraordinary life.
Liz and family I was so sorry to hear of your Mom passing. You wrote a beautiful tribute to her and she was certainly a remarkable woman. My sincere condolences to all her loved ones. Gale
Our deepest sympathies to you all. I loved hearing about the sailing experience. Their sense of adventure was so inspiring. On many snowy days when driving was tricky, your parents decided it would be the perfect day to venture into Toronto from Cobourg. Just for some shopping. You have so many beautiful memories. 💕 Please know that we are loving and supporting you. Michele and Joe
Dear Liiz and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of your Mum.
Rest in peace to a wonderful woman. Sending my condolences to your family.❤️
So sorry to hear about your moms passing..What a remarkable life she lived and such a lovely tribute.. What wonderful memories she has left with you and share together.. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all as you find your way through this sad and difficult time..Lori and Paul Andrus
I'm so sorry for your loss. Margaret lived a remarkable life, full of sharp humor, curiosity, and unforgettable adventures. She embraced life fully, and that spirit lives on through the stories and memories she leaves behind. I'm thinking of you and your family and holding you close in my thoughts during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Liiz and Brent. My deepest condolences 😔
So sorry for your loss Liiz. Thinking of you and your family at this time of loss and of celebration for a long life well lived. We know she will live on in your memories and stories that will continue to be recounted. Sending our love. Anne Marie & Blaine
So sorry to hear about Marg. She was a lovely lady. Condolences to the family.
Always enjoyed our bridge and book club with Margaret. She was always graceful, Beautifully dressed, intelligent, with a sharp wit. Meetings were always truly enjoyable. Condolences to her family.
So very sorry Liz for you and your family my heart goes out you and yours . Chris
So very sorry to learn of Margarets passing. She was a wonderful lady. My sincere sympathy to the family. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Dear Liiz and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Mum and grandmother. May the many beautiful memories you have of her comfort you during difficult time. My deepest condolences to you all. With love, Laura
My thoughts are with you Liiz. So sudden. I am so terribly sorry. Love 💕 Sandra.
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all.