Obituary of Margaret Reid

REID, Margaret Elizabeth (Peggy) It is with great sadness that we bid adieu to our mother and grandmother Margaret Elizabeth (Peggy) Reid Serson. Born on December 12, 1923 in Havana, Cuba she left us August 10, 2014 after a fulfilling and active life. Predeceased by her two loving husbands, Edwin Charles Reid (1985) and Paul Horne Serson (2006), beloved mother of Michael, Becky (Glenn Thompson), Margaret (Bruce Ketcheson), John (Ellen McKelvie) and devoted grandmother of Kevin, Reid, Rachel, Keith, Sarah and James. Peggy was the first child of Barrington Garnham and Elinor Gertrude Hobby Garnham. She spent her childhood on a sugar plantation in Cuba which her father managed. Here she learnt not only English but she became fluently bilingual in Spanish. With the addition of French in her later life, this was to become the driving force of her future educational pursuits. In her teens, Peggy went to Ste Anne's, a boarding school in Virginia. Here she won the Bishop's Prize for scholastic standing and moral leadership. She continued her studies at Havergal in Toronto in preparation for entry into University. At this time her parents and sister, Mary Gertrude (deceased 1987) moved from Cuba to Grimsby, Ontario. In 1942 Peggy was accepted into the University of Toronto where she earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree honouring in Spanish and French. She was President of the Spanish Club, the French Club and of her fraternity, Alpha Chi Omega during various times of her undergraduate studies. In 1946, Peggy continued her studies, earning a Master's degree in Spanish and French. She continued her liaison with the University of Toronto becoming an instructor of undergraduates. In 1948 she became a full time lecturer at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Here she met her future husband, Edwin. After marriage, Peggy remained very busy, having her four children and remaining a part time lecturer at Queens. In 1957 Edwin was transferred to Montreal. This resulted in Peggy devoting more of her time to her growing family while retaining her liaison with Queens University as an extramural marker for extension Spanish students. Peggy volunteered at her children's school in the library and later on became an active member of the Woman's Art Society of Montreal and of her local Church. After the death of Edwin, Peggy moved to Ottawa where she married Paul Serson. Here she became very active with chamber music and spent many hours attending music concerts and hosting chamber music events in their home. Peggy and Paul spent many enjoyable hours paddle boating the Rideau Canal. She continued to be a loving wife to Paul during his last five years when he was placed in a nursing home, visiting and reading to him every day. After his death, Peggy moved to her final home, Belmont House in Toronto. Peggy was an indomitable spirit who left a lasting impression on all who met her. Although she excelled in many areas of her life, she considered her children her finest achievement. Generous to family and friends, the moral and educational compass to her children and grandchildren, her legacy will continue. The family would like to thank the kind staff of Belmont House who treated our mother with such dignity, care and compassion. We would also like to thank the staff at Carleton Lodge and friends in Ottawa who helped her so much during Paul's final years. A memorial service will be held at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place in New Brunswick, next summer at a date to be arranged. If desired, memorial donations can be made to Belmont House, Parkinson Society Canada, or CARE in Cuba. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbiggings.com. "God Speed and rest peacefully Mom. We love you"