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.
Digital Guestbook
Cynthia Sutton
Jessica Oakes
I knew Margot as a vibrant, kind, and generous person. I have many fond memories of her from a young age and it meant so much to me that we kept in touch over the years. She was always so thoughtful in remembering birthdays and sending gifts. Many I cherish to this day. I will always miss her. My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends.
Judy Haslam Peddle
It is so hard to believe that our beloved Margot is gone.Since Kindergarten days she has been my best friend - always at the other end of the phone until she wasn't any more. It is still hard to believe that I will never see her again My sincere sympathy to her 3 lovely daughters, partners, grand kids and of course Ron. We all have such wonderful memories of of our lovely times together and she will live in my heart forever.
John Oakes
I was saddened to hear of her passing but heartened to know that her tragic Dementia decline was over for both her and her loving family.
We recall her exceptional life and the joy and happiness she shared with us at the cottage, in Ottawa, in Florida, and even flying in the skies above. She made us feel part of her extended family with her daughters: Kathy, Joanie, and Cynthia who treated Jessica as a little sister while she was growing up..
Margot: Thank you for the fond memories and for enriching our lives. You are remembered and fondly appreciated.
John Oakes
Louise (Tatler) Millar
To all the family that loved Margot and were loved by her in return, I am so sorry or your loss. You have my deepest condolences.
The tribute was wonderful and completely captured all the elements that made Margot so special. Her gift of friendship lasted forever and her melding of the various circles of friends made us all richer for the experience.
I will have you all in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow, and will be watching the service here in BC.
Sincerely,
Louise - one of the “prairie girls”
Kathy Tomko
Margot's incredible smile and warmth made those around her feel special. In so many ways Margot would reach out to others with kindness and graciously deflect negativity. It was my pleasure and privilege to know her. With deepest sympathy to Margot's family and Ron. Heaven has another Angel.
Sarah and Murray Gould
The very thought of Margot brings a smile. Her life was never dull and no matter what, she lived life to the absolute fullest and proudly cherished her loving family and many friends. We will all miss her cheeky honesty, her naughty humour, loyalty and compassion. All displayed by that wonderful, beautiful and expressive face. Oh, and that twinkle in her eye and infectious laugh. She was and will remain one of the dearest friends one could possibly wish for.
For you, her loving girls, your cherished families, Ron and her closest friends, it was so unfair and your loss is unbearably profound. Margot gave us all so much to smile about. ❤️
Philip Coward
Very sad to read about Margot’s passing. Working with Margot at Ottawa Tourism was always a pleasure. I can still hear her laugh filling the entire office. She was the type of person who, if you were told she wasn’t at work that day there’d be a little pang of disappointment.
Deepest sympathies to Margot’s family.
Tricia Schouten (Meagher)
Cynthia & Family,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mother. I have many good memories of birthday parties, sleepovers, ... with your Mom always being the Mom who was full of fun.
Take care and know that we are thinking of you,
Tricia.
Rachel Mahoney
A beautiful tribute and a beautiful service this morning. I met Morgot when I moved to Ottawa and joined OTCA. She was a force like no other, and has a far reaching positive impact on so many of us. Margot took equal delight in embarrassing me (I won't get into details, but the anecdote shared at the service about taking off her jeans did not surprise me in the least), and in helping me. I still have the mixing bowls she gave to me, over 25 year ago, to add to my non-existant kitchen supplies. And whenever I have a grammar question, I think - what would Marogt say? My sincerest condolences to the family.
So sorry to learn of Margot’s passing. You will all have more than fond memories of Margot before dementia took its toll. Margot and I lost touch for a few years but reconnected a few years ago. Condolences Cynthia (Tince Wright) Sutton