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MARGARET FITZPATRICK Obituary

FITZPATRICK, MARGARET (nee KING) Margaret (Peggy) Fitzpatrick (nee King), born July 3, 1926 in Clonard, County Wexford, The Republic of Ireland, passed away peacefully, on June 9, 2022. The eldest of five children, Peggy grew up on a working farm in the Irish countryside. At 16, she began what became a lifetime of caring for children, providing care at the Tate School for numerous English children sent to the South of Ireland to escape the ravages of war during WWII in London. While she enjoyed her life as a young, single woman in Dublin, she eventually met the handsome and dashing Patrick Fitzpatrick at a dance in Dun Laoghaire. It was love at first sight and they started a long courtship that survived long separations and distances. Pat left for Canada in the early 1950s to find work as a bricklayer, and he stayed with his brother Tom and his wife May and their young children in Fairport Beach. Mom moved to London, England, for a year to work as Nanny for the wealthy Sterne family, in order to save some money for her eventual passage to her new life in Canada. With her impressive credentials, Peggy found employment as a Nanny with the Eaton Family, namesakes of the iconic Canadian store. She lived in luxury at the Eaton home in Forest Hill, and even got to travel with them to Florida. Love would rule over glamour, however, and she married Pat in July of 1956 and moved out to Pickering to start their life together. From an apartment in Dunbarton to their first (and last) home together at 86 Christena Crescent in Pickering Village, they welcomed four children into the world - Patricia, Teresa, Shelagh and Terrance. Until Pat died suddenly of a stroke in 2002, Peggy and Pat lived in that house for the next 38 years - years full of rambunctious children, cats, dogs, grandchildren, and many joyous celebrations. Our Mom loved and cared for many children over the years. She cared for scores of foster children who had experienced trauma and were in the care of Children's Aid. Mom provided them with the love and stability many of them had missed. Mom also provided childcare for a bunch of girls (Maryanne, Laura, Jennifer, Katie-Jane, Toby) who became a broader part of our extended family, and whom Mom loved and cherished. She cared for the various dogs and cats, was a great cook, a wonderful baker, an accomplished knitter, an avid gardener who grew spectacular roses, an avid and discerning reader, and a lover of good music, particularly an Irish ballad sung by Pat. Peggy was loved by many and will be dearly missed by her children and their spouses: Trish/Norm, Teresa/Andrew, Shelagh/Victor, Terrance/Kim. She adored her grandchildren - Isabelle, Julia, Jonah, Oliver and Leo - and they will all especially miss Grandma Peggy's mashed potatoes and her legendary brownies. She will also be missed by her sisters in Ireland, Nancy and Brenda, and their families. She was predeceased by her sister Joan and brother James. We send out our love and know a great loss will be felt by all our beloved Fitzpatrick cousins in Canada and Northern Ireland, our cousin Martina Kelly in Canada, and all the Kelly's and Donovan's back in the Republic of Ireland who had the chance to meet and quickly grew to love our Mom. Finally, our family is deeply appreciative of the kindness and grace shown to Peggy in her last days by the Hill House Hospice in Richmond Hill Ontario. In lieu of flowers, we would ask you to consider donations to: [email protected]

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Published by Toronto Star from Jun. 12 to Jun. 13, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for MARGARET FITZPATRICK

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9 Entries

Cathy Foldvary

June 16, 2022

Whenever I think of Peggy, I have to smile. She was a lovely, gracious lady who was always positive and had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She was interested in the activities of our family and remembered the smallest details. Conversation with her was a delight... she was knowledgeable about current events and readily shared her comments and opinions. When we visited family in Toronto, we always looked forward to personally seeing Peggy. Peter, David, Jenny and I will miss her and will remember her with love. We send our deepest condolences to all the family.

Brian Tremblay

June 14, 2022

My family lived across from Peggy and Pat for many years. They both taught me about Irish customs and the proper way to sip Irish Whiskey (on ice no mix). I enjoyed her tourtiere at Christmas. Salt of the earth people who raised a very nice friendly family. I had many conversations with Peggy and Pat. I was crushed when Pat passed and am equally crushed with Peggy´s passing. My condolences to Peggy´s family. There is another angel in heaven.

Michael Moffatt

June 13, 2022

Terrance and family,
Our sincerest condolences from the Moffatt family. Truly a wonderfully kind, caring and beautiful lady. RIP "Mrs. Fitz"

Michael Moffatt and Family

Tim LaRoche

June 13, 2022

Very sorry to of your moms passing. Such a great lady and very patient. Me and Todd could be a bit of a handful back then. RIP Peggy

Ann Fitzpatrick

June 12, 2022

Ann Fitzpatrick

June 12, 2022

Ann Fitzpatrick

June 12, 2022

Ann Fitzpatrick

June 12, 2022

My condolences to Trish, Teresa, Shelagh & Terrance & all the family & grandchildren. Aunt Peggy was always smiling, laughing and had a witty one-liner. She was well read and had a sharp mind. Her hands were never idle and she had so many talents that we all got to enjoy. Especially those brownies. She was always so generous knitting beautiful outfits for her children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews. We have so many rich memories of family get together at Christmas, special birthdays. Aunt Peggy´s 90th was a really wonderful gathering. Hers was a life well lived and she will never be forgotten. Sending love and hugs. Xoxo

Patricia Kelly

June 12, 2022

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mam, condolences to all the family and friends...rest in peace now Auntie Peggy xxxx

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