Margot Joan Rayburn (née McClocklin)

Passed away in Ottawa at the age of 79.

Survived and forever loved by her three daughters, Katherine Ryan (André Champagne), Joanie Ryan (Greg Brucker), and Cynthia Ryan; and by her partner, Ron Lemieux. Margot, aka Grandmommy, is also survived and adored by her seven grandchildren, Alexandra Champagne Robillard (Ben), Patrick Champagne (Mikayla), Kindersley Brucker (Adam), Meike Brucker and Kai Brucker, Sophie and Isabelle Noyes-Brown. Margot is fondly remembered by her first husband, Patrick Ryan (Sam) and their daughter, Jen Ford; and by Ron’s son, D’Arcy Lemieux (Terezeja) and their children, JJ and Ella. 

Margot was born and raised in Saskatoon SK. She was predeceased by her parents, Helen Peterson McClocklin and Osborne Kindersley McClocklin of Saskatoon, her brother, Peter McClocklin of Calgary, and her uncle, Doug Peterson of Ottawa. She treasured her family near and far, and is survived by her sister-in-law, Lorrie McClocklin; her nephew, Brent McClocklin; and her nieces, Margo Speirs and Wendy Downey, all of Calgary; her cousin, Tom McClocklin Sr. (Diane) of Saskatoon and his family.

Even after moving across the country, Margot never lost touch with her earliest friends from the Saskatoon Pony Club and Nutana Collegiate. Later, she lived in Oshawa ON for six years, before settling in the National Capital Region in 1970 (Blackburn Hamlet, Mooney’s Bay, Richmond, Ashton, North Gower, Ottawa, Manotick). At every turn, she made close friends for a lifetime.

Always vibrant and independent, Margot was the life of the party, with an unparalleled joie de vivre and a social life that couldn't be rivaled. Her varied interests, hobbies and creative talents knew no bounds: from photography, art & antiques to technology & social media; and from reading & writing to gardening & trivia games. Following her mother's lead, Margot made sure her daughters grew up under supervision of "the Grammar Police".

In the 1970's, she embraced her passion for all things equestrian, giving riding lessons at Kanata Riding Stable, and competing in show jumping throughout the region until her early 40's. She worked from 1982 to 2002 for Canada's Capital Visitors and Convention Bureau (later known as Ottawa Tourism Authority), always promoting the city she knew and loved so much. There, too, she established friendships with numerous people whom she cherished deeply. 

She was undoubtedly at her happiest, retired and puttering in her gardens on the banks of the Rideau River in Manotick, with Ron at her side for more than ten years. Margot's was a full and happy life for over seven decades before Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) curtailed their plans. The changes in Margot's personality and behaviour were subtle at first. This cruel disease eventually robbed her of the voice and raucous laughter she was known for and, later, of her dignity. In her final years, she was deprived of the quality of life she so richly deserved. 

The family wishes to thank Margot’s palliative care nurse, Kate MacKenzie, whose kind and caring support will be remembered forever. Special thanks, as well, to her family physician, Dr. Susan Sollars, and the staff at Ravines Retirement Residence.

Friends and Family are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 10:00AM, with a reception to follow. For those not able to attend in person, registration for livestreaming services can be located here.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Margot's memory may be made to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, to the Ottawa Humane Society or to Dying with Dignity Canada.