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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ELLSWORTH, Margaret Rose (née WILLIAMS) - It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret Rose Ellsworth (nee Williams) announce her passing on February 24, 2022 at the age of 77 with her family at her side.
Margaret was born in Edmonton, AB June 13, 1944. She attended Victoria Composite High School and after graduation attended NAIT graduating in 1965 with a diploma in Dental Assistance. In 1969 Margaret enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Dental Clinical Assistant where she met her sailor Richard. Margaret and Richard were married in Toronto in 1972 and shortly thereafter Richard was posted to CFB Edmonton. Margaret enrolled in the naval reserve at HMCS Nonsuch in Edmonton and remustered as an Administration Clerk – something she never regretted as this served her very well in her future employment. When Richard got posted to CFB Calgary, Margaret transferred to HMCS Tecumseh. In 1985 she was appointed Coxswain of HMCS Tecumseh serving in that position until 1988. This appointment was history making as for the first time in the Canadian Naval Reserve, the Commanding Officer and Coxswain of a Naval Reserve Division were both women. Prior to retirement she worked full time at HMCS Tecumseh for several years and also in Quebec City at the naval reserve headquarters.
Margaret’s exemplary and dedicated naval service was rewarded in 1991 when she was one of 38 Canadian Forces members invested by the Governor General in Ottawa to the Order of Military Merit that year. Appointment to the order is made for exceptional service and performance of duty – both of which she excelled at. Margaret retired from the navy in 1998 after 29 years of service with the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class and was a proud veteran.
While serving in the naval reserve Margaret was also kept busy with family commitments with Richard, their two children and working full time. In 1997 Margaret started employment at Mount Royal University as an Administrative Assistant in the Faculty of Undergraduate Nursing working in that role for 7 years. She was integral in the setting up of a secondary office for the faculty and students off campus at Keller Hall (CFB Calgary). After retiring from full time employment at MRU she returned part time for over a year to assist with the administering and submission of student evaluations.
Margaret was an active volunteer in the military and her community. She had the knack of getting others excited to volunteer knowing that if she was involved it would be fun, done right and have a very successful outcome. She was a member of the mess executive in all the bases she has served, belonged to the choir at four bases, sang in a Calgary performing choir and was heavily involved with the Girl Guides of Canada for a number of years before moving to Calgary. She was an active volunteer with the Horton Road Legion and Poppy Fund, fundraising initiatives for the Garrison Curling Club, Lakeview Ladies Golf Club, co-chair of the 75th Anniversary celebration of HMCS Tecumseh and yet she always found time for her family and friends whether it was knitting for her grandchildren, spending time in her rose garden, conversations and a get together with friends or reading a book with a cuddly feline curled up in her lap.
She loved the game of curling and in Calgary served as the Secretary-Treasurer and was a life member of the Garrison Curling Club where she spent many hours on the ice and helping to keep the bar profits up! She also had a passion for golfing and enjoyed her time with family and friends on the greens and in the occasional sand trap.
Many summers were spent at the family cabin at Ma-Me-O Beach on Pigeon Lake swimming, building sand castles and winning the occasional Wednesday night bingo with her precious grandchildren.
Margaret was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories. She loved sharing her family’s achievements and her eyes lit up when she spoke of her grandchildren. She surrounded herself with family and friends which is where she felt comfortable and loved. She was practical and hardworking as well as playful, and all those who knew her loved her kindness, wit, sense of fun and loyalty. Margaret enjoyed life to the fullest.
Our mom was a spirited soul that never let her cancer diagnosis stop her from doing the things she loved or spending time with family and friends. Her will and invincible spirit carried her through profound health challenges but true to form she never gave up. She passed away with bravery, courage and dignity.
Margaret is loving remembered by her husband Richard; children Kimberley (Blaine) McLaughlin; Scott (Challah Ewing) Ellsworth; grandchildren Paige, Keelyn, Van, Aileena; and her many nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her parents Victor and Rose Williams and brothers David and LCdr Arthur Williams.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Low and the incredible staff at Dulcina Hospice. Your compassion and care during the last months of Margaret’s life was a gift to her and her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather. If lieu of flowers and if friends desire memorial donations can be made to Dulcina Hospice or the Calgary Humane Society.
“May you have fair winds and following seas” (Evan J. Strong Funeral Services)
Ships served in: NAVRESHQ QUEBEC
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