Obituary of Margaret Otterson

April 18, 1930 - December 16, 2020

 

Eldest child of Harry Cook and Irma (Williams), sister to Camilla (Cook) Beck. Both the Cook and Williams families were part of the early pioneers of the Palmer District. The Cook family originated in Marmora, Ontario and the Williams family from Grindstone City, Michigan.

 

Margaret married Elmer Leonard Otterson, November 9, 1949.

 

Mother to Amund (Terry Bourgeois), Murray (Sandra Leonard), Shirley (George Snead), Hugh (Wendy Mason), Jean (Greg Weild), Rita (Dale Suderman) and Earl (Roxanne Gauthier).

 

Grandmother to Greg (Chandra), Barry (April), Laura (Barry), Mark (Lindsay), Lisa (Lee), Patrick (Kymberli), Scott, Brady, Daniel, Megan (Ryan), Myranda, Travis (Helena), Tyson (TayLora), Crystal (Christopher), Nikolas, Jamie and Christopher.

 

Great Grandmother to Kayleigh, Jaelyn, Cole, Seth, Rebecca, James, Wyatt, Teagan, Jordanna, Adria, Henry, Russel, Rowan, Isla, Mira and Walker

 

Margaret lived her whole life in the Palmer-Gravelbourg district. She grew up in the farming community, first attending Lefort then Palmer School. She worked at the Grey Nuns (now Pasqua) hospital in Regina and loved the opportunity to live in the city, but farm life called her home. Soon after she married and moved down the highway to the Otterson farm; together she and Elmer raised their family of seven. We were all taught the value of a hard day's work, mom always said 'there will be time to play when your work is done'.

 

Community and giving back was important to Margaret; she was a 3rd generation member of the Palmer Community Club, and Catholic Ladies Altar Society in Palmer. Once retired and living in Gravelbourg, Margaret volunteered at the Pioneer Villa and then the Foyer d'Youville, as well as being a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

 

Mom enjoyed living in Gravelbourg, she had a wonderful group of friends, so many hours of fun were had with her 'card ladies'. Sewing was always a passion, so much so that she built on a sunroom that became her sewing room. She would make Quilts, potholders, kitchen towels, doll clothes, community craft fairs became an important part of her summers, selling her creations gave her joy.

 

Mom's talents are numerous: fabulous cook and baker, accomplished seamstress, but most importantly a caregiver to all, she dedicated her life to thinking about and caring for others.

 

Margaret, predeceased by her parents Harry and Irma, her husband Elmer and son-in-law Greg. Mom leaves a legacy of family to honour her and live the way she has taught us.

 

Mom has spent the last 5 years being cared for in Gravelbourg's Seniors Home, Foyer d'Youville, we are lucky that such a great facility in our hometown.

 

The Otterson family wishes to thank Dr. Pillay and Dr. Ramlakahan and the Staff of the Foyer d'Youville for all the care and attention mom has received, both physically and spiritually.

 

Memorial donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Foyer d’ Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK SOH 1XO.

 

Funeral Mass and a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.