Madeleine G. Southgate

January 31, 1923 - May 07, 2017

Madeleine was born in Argentina where she lived for 30 years with a large extended family and where she met the love of her life, Arthur, and started her working life at the Australian embassy.  They moved to Canada in 1954 and settled in Montreal having many adventures with fellow Argentines exploring the Laurentians.  Work took them to Toronto where daughter Jean was born, then Sudbury, Renfrew, and Ottawa.  Grand-daughter Maggie saw them move to Victoria where they spent many happy years exploring the city, having tea at Ogden Point and walking everywhere.  Madeleine was a big walker and when she moved to Salt Spring Island after Arthur died to be closer to Jean and family, she walked every day to the local grocery store to buy the Globe and Mail and have a coffee. Thursdays she would treat herself to a hot dog which she always claimed was too big for her, but ate anyway.  Madeleine loved opera, theatre, classical music, poetry, reading, cross-country skiing, walking, and travel (highlights include a trip around the USA by train in the '40s, trips to Scotland, back to Buenos Aires, and attending Queen Elizabeth's Coronation).  She also loved her old friends (there were many) and her family.  The last year was hard on her though she maintained her zest for life.  Madeleine was a devoted Mom and a faithful friend.  She is survived by her daughter Jean (Bob), grand-daughters Maggie and Jessica (Sean) and her honorary daughter Sarah (Peggy).  The family would like to thank everyone at Greenwoods Elder Care for their care this last year, the staff at her former home Meadowbrook,  Dr. Sadouski , Minister Clark Saunders, friends Elisabeth and Catherine, her past caregivers Jill, Rita and Jean - and Kathy who continued to see her and take her for drives and tea.  Madeleine's life was enriched by you all and we are most grateful.  Thanks to Dr. Reznick, Margaret and Barbara for their ongoing support. No service upon request.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Greenwoods Foundation Salt Spring Island, BC or the Salt Spring Island United Church.