Margaret Frances (O'Grady) Casavechia

Margaret (Maggi) passed on Saturday, peacefully in her sleep. She was 98.  Born Mar 19, 1923, she lived her early life in Dartmouth NS, married Bill Casavechia in 1940 and raised their two children, Gary, and Shannon.  She moved to Toronto in 1967 and became an independent, self-supported woman. She met Sam French in 1979 and, following her retirement from Enbridge, moved to Haliburton where she and Sam acquired and successfully operated a small business until 2001. In 2008 she moved to Manotick where Shannon resided. There, in the early hours of Jun 12th, she passed quietly, in her residence. She had lived a full and rewarding life.

She will be remembered by her family as an incredible woman, born ahead of her time.  She personified attention to detail and organization. She was full of life, thoroughly modern, an avid reader, a deep thinker, a fashionista, and a sports enthusiast. She loved animals. She loved to travel and did so extensively. Everything was a wonder and adventure. She marvelled at a hurricane and enjoyed her front-row seat at the NS shore, to watch. She was exceptionally welcoming to all who came into her home. A consummate hostess, who in her graceful, charming way, made each welcome seem effortless. She had an uncanny ability to know what you were thinking and a witty sense of humour that the grandkids would say was hilarious. She was pure of heart.  She had great empathy for those who suffered or struggled. Without show, she prayed for everyone and lived her faith. Despite some difficult and challenging times in her life, her bravery, resilience, and perseverance were nothing short of amazing.

Her grandchildren knew her as Grana/Haga (Huga)/Grandma. She was the kind of grandmother who knew what kids liked (because she did as well!), stocking her freezer with homemade popsicles, her fridge with chocolate milk and old-fashioned soda pops and her tins with cookies for summer vacations at her cottage in the Muskokas. For many years she hosted Thanksgiving at her lakeside home in Haliburton, where all the preparations for dinners were ready when the family arrived so we could enjoy precious time together and play with her beloved dogs, Sheba and Kyle. She taught us all about grace in trying times, strength in convictions, being loyal to those you love and always putting your best foot forward. Those who had the honour to know her well, remember her calm demeanour, her beautiful and generous nature, and the way her sparkly, blue-eyed gaze made you feel warm and loved from head to toe. She remembered everyone’s birthday with beautifully handwritten notes in cards, which echoed care in every stroke. She had unique connections with everyone in her family; some had the honour of a pet name like ‘grasshopper’ for her eldest grandchild and ‘beautiful babies’ for her great-grandchildren, each of whom she made an immediate connection with, full of trust and love. We were lucky to have her for so long. We will carry with us her incredible enduring life force, remember her talent for making people laugh while inspiring admiration, affection, and respect from all who knew her.

Maggi was so fortunate to have the use of her wonderful mind right to the end, to know that she was openly and genuinely loved, hearing time and again that she was an ‘incredible woman’. We will miss her beyond words.

Maggi was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Olive (Baker) O’Grady and stepfather Ernie Colter; spouses Bill (Gullie) Casavechia and Sam French, brother Artie (Barbara) O’Grady, and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. She is survived by her children Gary (Donna), and Shannon (Lloyd), step-children Murray (Caroline), Barry (Bonnie) and Linda (Doug); grandchildren Shawna, Cheri Lea, Craig (Patti), Meghan (Jon), David (Elisabeth), Ken, Paul, Heather, Raymond, Dini (Bill), and Colleen; great-grandchildren Braelea, Cassia, Anthony, Ella, Eric, Andrew, Mary Jane, Bella, Angel, Zoey, and Hunter; brothers-in-law John (Margaret) Casavechia and Clarence French; many beloved nieces and nephews; and close friend/soul sister Jackie (Bill) Muldoon.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude and thanks to Dr. Michelle Casey, and the staff of Manotick Place Retirement Community, LHIN and CBI Health. We are especially grateful for the caring support Maggi received from Helen Hanna (LHIN) and the love and care she received from Lyndsey Deevy (CBI Health).

Maggi will be interred in Christ Church Cemetery, Dartmouth NS when Covid regulations permit. A family celebration of her life will be held at that time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Margaret (Maggi) to a charity of your choice.