We Remember

FIRTH, Margaret Marie Louise (nee Carter)

August 11, 1928 — April 16, 2014

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother at the age of 85 at her home in West Kelowna, BC. Margaret was born in Quebec City, Quebec, the daughter of Edwin Purdy Carter and Irene Marcelle Laville. A bout of rheumatic fever in her early years lead to an extended stay in the care of her maternal grandmother Marie Laville, before returning to her family in  Kapuskasing, Ontario for her schooling.

Margaret was a remarkable woman with a gentle nature that belied her inner strength. Although totally blind by the age of 30, her lack of sight never held her back, no matter what the circumstances. For a decade, she lived in the wilds of northwestern Ontario, raising four small children without the benefit of electricity or running water. Determined ingenuity would lead her, axe in hand, to follow a clothes line down to the lake in winter to break the ice for water. She spent countless hours cooking meals over a huge pot-bellied stove. Her spirit was always strong, her attitude loving, her outlook good humoured.

Artistic by nature, she painted landscapes until her sight failed further. In later years, she transferred that artistry to the outdoors, becoming an avid gardener with a special love for roses. She enjoyed reading, and was able to pursue her love of the written word through the talking books provided by the CNIB. Her greatest love, though, was for her family. Her husband often commented that she would have died for each of her children. After the death of her husband, Ken, in 1993, she lived in turn with each of her children, always a constant in each of her grandchildren’s lives. We were so blessed to have had her in each of our lives.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Kenneth Firth (1993), infant granddaughter Callie Sloan (1999), sister Marcelle Sinclair (2006), brother-in-law Clayton Sinclair (2005) and  nephew Ian Shaw (1980).

Margaret is survived by a large and loving family: her son, Ronald (Sonya) Firth, her daughters, Joanne (Thomas) Sloan, Marilyn  (Bruce Berry) Firth and son, Kirk (Kim) Firth; 10 grandchildren, Jason (Melissa) Firth, Micheal (Rebecca Marsh) Firth, Nikki (Buddy Allen) Firth, Noel Berry, Liam Berry, Graeme Berry, Connor Sloan, Caden Sloan, Mitchell Firth and Jacob Firth; and 4 great-grandchildren, Dominick Firth, Abel Firth-Allen,  Tristan Marsh and Noah Firth. She is also survived by two sisters, Rosemarie (Tom) Shaw and Barbara (Jean-Guy) Trottier, and nieces, nephews and a great-nephew.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the CNIB, 1929 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4G 3E8.

A sincere thanks to all the ICU Nurses especially Bernadine and Karen who took so much time with us. Also, thanks to the Palliative Care Nurses. The very special treatment that nurse Pam showed our mother in her final hours will forever warm our hearts.

No formal service by request.  The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date this summer in Thunder Bay, Ontario where Margaret will be interred beside her beloved husband Ken at Riverview Cemetery.  Springfield Funeral Home in charge of cremation arrangements.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

 “If we had a single flower for each thought of you …. we could walk in our garden forever. “

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CNIB, 1929 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4G 3E8.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for FIRTH, Margaret Marie Louise (nee Carter) is scheduled for No formal service by request.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

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Condolences

  • Joanne Firth says:
    April 21, 2014 at 10:26 am

    Remembering you always Mom …. with greatest love.

    Reply
  • Nikkie says:
    April 21, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    Even tho you lived your life for so long it was taken for granted. You where always there. While being young and growing up to me a mother myself. You have touched my heart forever and always. I think of you everyday. Dominick until this day when he see’s the donation dogs he always asking me for change he knows its for the greatest cause. I love you so much. I hope I can be half the woman you where Grandma!

    Reply
  • Darrin Rusnick says:
    April 22, 2014 at 2:46 am

    So sorry to hear about your Mother. I remember her when I hung around with Ron in our younger years when you lived in Atikokan. She was a great lady.

    Reply

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Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke