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Margaret Poels (née Hilderley)

June 14, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Poels (née Hilderley) on Friday, June 14, 2024. Surrounded by her loving family at home, Margaret departed this world with grace and courage. She was in her 78th year.

Margaret was born in Sault Ste. Marie in 1946, and was the cherished daughter of the late Robert and Edna Hilderley ( née Matewish). Growing up in a bustling household as one of seven children, Margaret shared countless adventures and formed an unbreakable bond with her siblings. Their childhood was filled with laughter and joy, setting the foundation for a life defined by love and resilience.

Margaret was the devoted and loving wife of Jerry Poels, her “sweetie pie,” with whom she shared 56 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life full of love, support, and unwavering commitment.

She was a proud and loving mother to Connie Iro and a doting grandmother to Victoria, Julia, and Dylan Iro. Margaret’s family was her pride and joy, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to their happiness and well-being. Her warmth, wisdom, and endless love will be forever cherished by all who knew her.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Edna Hilderley, as well as her siblings Donald Hilderley, Gary Hilderley, and Darlene Leach. She leaves behind her sisters Gail Warner Smith (David), Cheryl Lavallee (Dave), and Alice Guzzo (Mario), who will miss her deeply.

Margaret is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, friends, and her in-laws: Piet (Odilia) Poels, Jan Poels, Jack Poels, Ann Marie (Bernie) DeBrouwer, Cor (Betty) Poels, Wim (Diny) Poels, Josie (Willie) Fransen, Chris DeBrouwer. She was predeceased by Joan DeBrouwer, Mary and Harry Bongers, Betty and Peter Ruyter, Diane Poels, Truus Poels, and Ton and Sjan Poels.

Margaret Poels’s life was a testament to the power of love, family, and resilience. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her, and her memory will be cherished forever.

Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 4:00 –  8:00 p.m., with words of remembrance starting at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation in support of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre.

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We were so saddened to learn of Margaret’s passing. We looked forward to our chats whenever she came into our office. She was a warm and loving person who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

~ Susan and Cal Neely

A donation has been made to LHSF-The Archie & Irene Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre. Message from the donator: We are sorry to hear about Margaret's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Dale & Kelly Weyler

~ Dale & Kelly Weyler

I will miss my dear friend, Margaret. We had so much fun and so many laughs together. I enjoyed hearing her stories about her grandchildren. And who will remind me about what I ate, what I wore and what music was playing. My sincere condolences Jerry, Connie and family.

~ Sandy Payne

A donation has been made.

~ Laurie Hawkins

I'm so saddened by the loss of your Mom, Connie. Even though I didn't have the chance to know her personally, I can only imagine the depth of your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

~ Laurie Hawkins

A donation has been made to LHSF-The Archie and Irene Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre. Message from the donator: Our deepest condolences on the passing of Margaret. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerry, Connie, Victoria, Julia and Dylan during this very difficult time. May she rest in peace. Mike, Sue, Matthew and Ben

~ Michael Toivonen

Dear Jerry and family, My deepest condolences to you all. I met Margaret through line dancing at the Lambeth legion. She was such a lovely person, and we always had a good laugh. Margaret was never short of new pictures of her grandchildren to show us., she was one proud grandma. She will be missed.. Sincerely, Lisa Bryant

~ Lisa Bryant

I was saddened to learn of Margaret's passing. I have many fond memories of our years working together at Canada Trust. My heart goes out to Jerry, Connie, and all of the family. My sincere condolences to all of you.

~ Kathleen Seaman

A donation has been made to LHSF. Message from the donator: In memory of Margaret Poels

~ Cheryle Lavallee

Dear Jerry and Connie I didn’t know Margaret well or for a long time but I enjoyed the time we spent watching our grandsons (Dylan and Ben) play hockey. Thinking of you and your family. Carrol Tanner

~ Carrol Tanner

Jerry & Family, we are saddened to hear of Margarets passing. As long time neighbours we always enjoyed our conversations and her great sense of humour. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.

~ Mary & Mary Beth Husson


Many wonderful memories with Margaret at the Lambeth legion. Margaret was a fantastic line dancer and avid trivia player. I will miss her but will always remember those good times.

~ Martha Berze

Connie, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Blessings to you all.

~ Joni Anderson

So sad to hear the news of Margs passing. Marg and Jerry have always been part of the extended family and Jack and Lee's "sidekicks" through so many adventures and travels. Two absolutely great people. All the McLean's are sending our Love and Support your way Jerry.

~ Scott,Morag,Dylan,Jessi,Cam and Corrin

Margaret’s kind and generous spirit will be missed by all those privileged to have known her. Our sincere and deepest sympathy to you all. RIP my sweet sister. I will miss you forever. Cheryle

~ David and Cheryle Lavallee

Dear Jerry & family: We were saddened to learn of the passing of Margaret! We always remember her as a fun, full of life person whenever we were in her company. Please accept our heart felt condolences on your loss. Sincerely, Judy & Paul James

~ Judy & Paul James

Connie, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family peace during this difficult time.

~ Nipun Patel

My condolences to Jerry and the whole family. Margaret was a true friend, someone you could count on no matter what. I will miss her forever. Love Lee.

~ Lee McLean

Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Sending you strength and may fond memories help you through the difficult days ahead ❤️ 🙏 Rest in peace Aunt Margaret ❤️

~ Steve and Brenda Tremblay

Rest in peace Aunt Margaret. You will be missed greatly. 😢

~ Mark, Betty and Family

Thinking of Uncle Jerry , Connie ,Victoria , Julia ,Dylan. Hoping the beautiful memories you all shared together carry you through this difficult time . Love Fred ,Elaine and Karlina 💙

~ Elaine Fransen

Services for Margaret Poels (née Hilderley)

Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

June 26, 2024 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Words of Remembrance will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

June 26, 2024 7:00 pm

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LHSF-The Archie and Irene Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre

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