It is with profound sadness that the family of Margaret Spyrka announce her passing on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, after a brief illness. Very much loved and missed by husband and best friend Ernie, children Larry (Charlene) of Colborne, Phyllis (Les), Doug, all of Thunder Bay and Beverly of London. Doting and caring Memere of Tony (Amy) Spyrka, J.D. Nuttle, Nikki Spyrka, Ayla Spyrka, and great-grandmother of 4, Brandon Veilleux, Emory, Aliyah, and Zachary Spyrka.
Survived by sister Carol (Ron) Cromarty, and sister-in-law Leona Whitley, brother-in-law Peter (Peggy) Spyrka, sisters-in-law Lorraine Zemlac and Pauline Gill. Predeceased by brother Raymond, sisters Dorren, Delena, Molly, step-brother George, and sister-in-law Cassie Doyle. Margaret was born January 10th, 1941 in St. Laurent, Manitoba to parents Florida Lavalle and George Whitley (both predeceased). She moved to Beardmore as a teenager. She met and married Ernie and soon after moved to Dorion where they raised their 4 children. Margaret and Ernie spent their retirement years in Thunder Bay.
Mom and Dad celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Sept. 21st, 2017. Dad surprised Mom with 60 red roses to reflect his love and appreciation of her, one rose for each year of marriage. “A love to last a lifetime will bond them together forever”.
We have all been inspired by her goals and tenacity to provide a better life for herself and her family. She began her secondary education at Confederation College. While her children were still teenagers she furthered her studies at Lakehead University, in order to complete a degree in Social Work. She guided and mentored at the City of Thunder Bay Social Services office until her retirement.
Mom was extremely courageous as she battled health challenges for many years but her ability to laugh through it all showed her strength of both mind and spirit. She was a warrior, or as she liked to refer to herself laughingly, a ‘tough old bird’. May you be at peace now Mom.
A heartfelt Thank You to the nurses and doctors and all those involved in her care both at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Honouring Margaret’s wishes there will be no visitation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jenkens Funeral Home. Interment will take place at a later date.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
