Margaret Evelyn Crichton passed away peacefully in Agape Hospice surrounded by her two children David and Jane.
Margaret was born in Leamington Spa, England where she lived until the age of eight. Relocating to "the hub," Kamloops with her parents Bob and Joan Ladbury and older sister Christine brought big changes for the family; She spent hot summers at the cabin and winter on the ski slopes.
After high school, she moved to Vancouver to attend UBC where she gained a BA in English and then a teaching certificate from SFU. She traveled busily during this time; Exploring Europe, hoofing it overland through Turkey, pre-revolution Iran, pre-soviet-invasion Afghanistan and onward into Nepal. Then later, through South East Asia to Japan where she ended up working. She returned to Canada to finish her degree and it was in Vancouver that she first met her future husband, Colin Crichton. They were married by 1977. This was the beginning of a long, loving, 34 year marriage; we are all so lucky they found each other.
Margaret and Colin traveled together to Nigeria with CUSO where Margaret taught English and Colin taught agriculture. On weekends, they used to zip around on a little Kawasaki exploring the area around the college. On the way home they did a world tour checking off even more countries. Mom was a brave soul who wanted to learn or experience something every day.
They returned to Canada and moved around until they settled in Calgary after some years. Margaret began work as a social worker and Colin, a teacher. They loved the Rockies, eagerly hiking, backpacking, and cross country skiing every weekend. Having children did not change this habit, we spent nearly every weekend in the mountains and took to downhill skiing.
Margaret loved her work as a government social worker, first in the WCB, then AISH and PDD as a client services coordinator. Most recently, she worked at Bowwest Community Supports. She earned her bachelors in Social Work from U of C all while working and raising children. She found her clients and their families an endless source of inspiration and bravery. Mom was the embodiment of kindness, generosity and respect.
Margaret was an active participant in the Jane Austen Society and book clubs. She volunteered for the distress center and various citizen scientist projects. She was a lifelong learner, taking numerous university classes even studying in Berlin. Mom was perennially optimistic and kind; always open to new experiences and a charming conversationalist.
Margaret's endlessly generous spirit and kindness made her a wonderful mother and friend. Her lessons to her children will live on shaping their lives in the most positive way.
