Margaret passed away peacefully at Georgian Bay General Hospital on February 5th, 2025, with her family by her side, at the age of 87. She was the loving wife of Gabriel Quesnelle for 62 years.
Margaret was the devoted mother of Peter (Debbie), Patrick (Cindy), Maurice (Theresa), and Pauline (Steven). She was the daughter of the late Edmond and Blanche Desrochers and one of 16 children. She is survived by her siblings Jeanette, Anne, Alfreda, Marie, Marianne, Dolores, Cathy, John, Paul, James, Alde, Gerard, and Bernard, and predeceased by her brother Edmond and sister Theresa. Margaret is also survived by her sister-in-law Marie and predeceased by sisters-in-law Fleurette and Jeanette, and brothers-in-law Richard, Gildore, Marshall, Donald, Philip, and Gilbert.
Margaret was deeply dedicated to her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her family was her source of pride and joy. She had an undeniable love for children, always surrounded by those she cared for deeply throughout her lifetime—first her younger siblings, then her children, grandchildren, and ultimately great-grandchildren.
She is also remembered as a favorite substitute teacher over the course of her 30+ years of teaching, as well as for her role at Kinark as a family access supervisor, working closely with children in various programs. In her spare time, she volunteered at the soup kitchen.
Her nurturing and loving demeanor brought comfort to everyone around her. Her focused dedication and determination to provide the best for her family were unwavering.
Margaret loved family occasions and hosting large family events. While preparing meals, she would often be pulled away by a little hand for playtime, to which she always happily obliged.
At home, Margaret and her husband enjoyed playing cards together, visiting with family and friends, and keeping a watchful eye on all of the family. She loved tending to her large vegetable gardens on the farm and, eventually, her smaller flower gardens at their new home next door. They also enjoyed camping in their early years when the children were young and traveling together, with their most memorable trip being their 50th wedding anniversary celebration with the entire family in Mexico.
Margaret will be lovingly remembered as Marg, Mom, or most importantly, Meme. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Kayleigh (partner Kirk), Alyssa (husband Chris), Zachary (wife Madison), Brianne, Alexander, Lucas, and Tatjana; as well as six great-grandchildren: Brynn, Brooklyn, Harper, Hailey, Jacob, and Isabelle. Meme played a role in raising each of her grandchildren; her daycare service was affectionately known as “Camp Meme.”
Family will always remember how easily Meme could be convinced into doing just about anything by one of the grandchildren. They will also always remember all of the joy and laughter that filled her kitchen at family events.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the nurses and doctors who cared for her at GBGH.
As per Margaret’s wishes, there will be no funeral. The family will arrange a celebration of life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Margaret will be dearly missed by all of her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Bijou.
Margaret's unwavering love and care for her family will endure as they continue to live, love, and support one another, just as she did throughout their lives.
Memorial Condolences may be made to www.leclaircremationcentre.com
