Margaret LEIGHTON

MARGARET HELEN LEIGHTON (nee House) May 6, 1928 - November 25, 2022 Our amazing Mom has left us, leaving a huge space in our hearts, but also with the comfort of knowing that she is back together with dad forever. Peggy was a true life partner (to David) and an amazing mom to her five children, their partners and her ten grandchildren. Growing up in St. Catharines, Ontario, daughter of Jack and Jane (Adie) House and sister to Fran, Sandy and Jane, much of Peggy's youth was influenced by the Second World War. She became a proud "farmerette" in the summers, cutting asparagus and picking fruit, the perfect job for her love of gardening and physical activity. Later, summers were spent as a Counsellor at Camp Tanamakoon in Algonquin Park, where she honed a wealth of skills which she later applied as a parent! Peggy enrolled in the first-ever Bachelor of Physical Education class at Queen's University, Kingston, participating in a multitude of sports, specializing in diving and synchro. In her final year, she was elected President of Levanna (Women's Society) where she met dad (Editor of the Queens Journal) at council meetings. Their first date was sliding down the campus hill on a piece of cardboard, and two months later, on the eve of graduation, after both receiving the Tricolour award, they announced their engagement. Mom and dad have remained true life partners since that night over 71 years ago. This spontaneity and zest for life was always mom's mantra, moving to Boston to put dad through Harvard, then on to London, Ontario where she became active in Maycourt, tennis, and the garden club to name a few. Never known to shy away from adventure, on 2 separate occasions Peggy and Dave packed up five children!! and moved to Switzerland, where mom was able to truly live out her adventurous spirit, learning to alpine ski alongside dad and her five children. Any chance she could, mom was packing us up in the Volkswagen van to visit surrounding towns and countries! Leaving a comfortable life in London and moving on to new adventures in Banff in 1970, Peggy became the den mother to any and all of The Banff Centre students and staff. Her gatherings were legendary, and she always made extra room at our table for anyone who had nowhere to go for holidays. She also immersed herself in all things Banff, especially hiking and skiing, often winning the "over 50" ski race at Norquay (being the only woman other than Catherine Whyte willing to admit to her age!), all the while taking arts courses, specializing in ceramics and weaving, even travelling to Japan for workshops. After Banff came many wonderful experiences in Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and London, but ultimately mom and dad returned to Canmore to be closer to family and the familiar mountain views from their residence at Origin Spring Creek, where they received the ultimate in love, care, and attention during the past four years. SPUNKY. ..She never shied away from a challenge and she embraced each and every opportunity life had to offer. Mom, Peg, Peggy, Grandma Peggy, Aunt Peg, you will always be our hero. Xo Condolences may be shared at www.bowriverfuneral.com BOW RIVER FUNERAL SERVICE (403) 678-4880