Obituary of Margaret Dickson

Margaret "Rita" Smillie McGhie Dickson February 10, 1919 - April 10, 2017 Just two years short of a century after facing her declining health and terminal illness with her typical Scottish stubbornness and iron will of the Dickson clan, Rita left us to join her beloved husband William "Pappy" Alexander Dickson who preceded her almost 20 years ago. She is now playing Euchre with lost family and friends and drinking Rye whiskey on the beaches of perpetuity with nothing but loving memories of the truly extraordinary journey she has concluded and lives she has enhanced. Daughter of William and Margaret Smillie McGhie. Sister of Marie Gray "Mamie" and John. Mum to Dorothy (Kevin) of Trenton, Patricia (Bill) of Corbeil, Elaine (Duncan) of Cornwall and Ron (Cathy) of Belleville, Nanna to (12) grandchildren and Great Nanna to (11) great grandchildren who are all beholden to the path blazed by the Dickson matriarch. Chapter One began in Clarkston, Scotland. Born to loving parents, she was brought up the Scottish Protestant way. Rita married her sweetheart Willie in February 1942, and very shortly thereafter, Willie embarked to fight in WWII with the RAF stationed in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) for over 3 years. In 1954, Chapter Two commenced as she emigrated from Scotland aboard the RMS Scythia for 8 days winter passage with her 3 young daughters, to join her husband in Toronto who had arrived earlier to establish work. Canada was enriched by their arrival and the young, reunited Dickson family would grow and prosper in their new homeland, including welcoming their fourth child and first son Ronald. While Scotland continued to hold an influential place in Rita's heart and she maintained her endearing accent, she was terrifically travelled with new favorite destinations including Barbados, Florida and Lake Temagami. Retiring in Callander, Ontario in the late 80s with Pappy initiated Chapter Three. Rita was a cherished member of the community and her church, Calvin Presbyterian, and will be missed by more people than she could imagine. Her last chapter of widowhood began in 1998 after 56 years of marriage, and she faced the adversity of this new challenge head on and impressed everyone with her fierce independence, joie-de-vivre and spirited wit until her eyesight and hearing failed her only at the twilight of her life. When her health had finally retreated, she persisted with imperial dignity with the support of family and community care, including nurses Katie and Laurie, special friends Irene and Mary-Lou, Dr. J. Truong, all the wonderful staff at Marina Point, Paramed, CCAC and our "angel " Rose from Near North Palliative Care who made it possible to keep Mum in her own home- we couldn't have done it without you! The epilogue of her life encompases the hearts that she has warmed with her touch, the stomachs she has filled with her baking, the rooms she has brightened with her laughter and the tears of her vanquished opposition at any game of cards. Rita, Mum, Nanna, Great Nanna; we love you, as you have taught us with all your heart. Your memory will be cherished and sustained. In all sincerity, Your children and their spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, myriad friends and all who were fortuitous to have had you in their life. Born in Clarkston, Scotland on Feb 10th 1919, Rita passed away at home in North Bay on Monday, April 10th, in her 99th year. Predeceased by her loving husband William "Bill" Alexander, sister Mamie and brother John. She will be greatly mourned and sadly missed by her children. Dorothy (Kevin) of Trenton, Pat (Bill) of Corbeil, Elaine (Duncan) of Cornwall and Ron (Cathy) of Belleville as well as her 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Rita's family would like to thank Dr. Troung, Laurie and Katie for their compassionate care and a special thank you to our "angel" Rose from Near North Palliative Care. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 21st, 2017 from 7-9 pm at Martyn Funeral Home, North Bay, with a funeral service to be held on Saturday April 22nd at 11 a.m. also at Martyn Funeral Home. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to Near North Palliative Care Network would be appreciated. BEST MOM EVER.