Margaret Beryl Smith

Margaret Beryl Smith (nee Skinner), of Port Sydney, Ontario, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at Fairvern Nursing Home in Huntsville, Ontario, surrounded by her family.

Born on January 23, 1948, in London, Ontario, Margaret was the cherished daughter of the late Jack and Nona Skinner. She was the beloved sister of John, Tim, Ted, Walter, Mary, and Nora. At the age of 20, Margaret moved to Port Sydney—a place that would become her lifelong home and the setting of her most treasured memories.

It was during a snowstorm on Mary Lake that Margaret met the love of her life, Ron Smith, when he offered her and her dog a ride to safety on his snowmobile. That momentous encounter began a beautiful marriage that lasted 55 years. Together, they raised three devoted children—John (Frances Wilbur), Carolyn, and Susan (Matt) Fisher—and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Margaret was a loving grandmother to Sam, Martha, Ben, and Tori, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. She found great happiness in her roles as mother and grandmother.

Margaret lovingly tended to her garden beds, always bursting with color, and would carefully select the most beautiful blooms to create her handmade pressed flower cards. In later years, she also crafted intricate paper embroidery cards—each one a heartfelt offering, always accompanied by a special prayer, and cherished by friends and family alike.

Her commitment to her community was an extension of her generous spirit. Margaret founded a program connecting elementary school children with residents at Rowanwood Retirement Home, volunteered as a driver to ensure seniors who couldn’t attend church could receive communion, led children in prayer through the Rosary Apostolate, and supported women in need through Birthright. Her acts of kindness, though often quiet and behind the scenes, left a lasting impact.

Margaret spent her final month at Fairvern Nursing Home, where she was cared for with compassion and dignity. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Nora Skinner, Jerilyn Roycroft, and Darian and Lesley from Milk & Cookies Homecare for their devotion and companionship, and to the staff at Fairvern Nursing Home for their exceptional care.

Margaret’s faith, kindness, and love will live on in all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and devotion that will continue to inspire those she touched.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Margaret’s life will be held at 11am on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Huntsville, Ontario. A reception will follow at the church, and Margaret will be laid to rest at Stephenson Memorial Cemetery in Port Sydney at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka in Margaret’s memory.