Margaret “Maggie” Ruth Listar (née Lusk)
September 22, 2022
Passed away peacefully with family at her side after a long and courageous battle with cancer at LHSC – Victoria Hospital, London on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the age of 66. Beloved wife of Ivan for 46 years. Loving mother to Allison (Tim) Silcox, Matthew (Lorranne) Listar, and Stefan (Heidi) Listar. Cherished Nana to Ava, Gabriel, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Ivy. Adored sister to Bob (Ginette) Lusk, Ron (Barb) Lusk, Gord (Barb) Lusk, and Colleen (Tom) Weldon.
Margaret was born in Sudbury and throughout her childhood lived in many towns across Canada and also lived in Nigeria and Bangladesh before settling in Moncton. From there, she went to study at the University of New Brunswick. There she met her future husband and started their family. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in Home Economics in 1979 and began her long teaching career. In 1980 Margaret, Ivan and their young daughter, Allison, moved across Canada to Houston, BC. where they continued to grow their family. She taught at Houston Secondary School until 1991 when they packed up their family (which now included Matt and Stefan) and moved to Nelson, BC. She taught at Trafalgar Junior Secondary School and, while there, completed her Master of Education from the University of Victoria. In 2006, after the birth of their first grandchild, they moved to London, Ontario, to be closer to family. She worked at many schools throughout the Thames Valley School District until finally she retired in 2022 after a 43-year teaching career.
As a favorite teacher of many, Margaret combined her passions for teaching, sewing, cooking and baking and also served as a trusted and compassionate guidance counsellor for many years. Her selflessness and resourcefulness helped inspire and shape the minds and lives of students wherever she taught.
With a lifelong passion for travel, she took every opportunity to visit coastal beaches where she loved to walk along the shores collecting sea glass. Margaret was an avid reader and found enjoyment in challenging herself with the weekly newspaper crossword and the daily Wordle.
Above all else, nothing meant more to Margaret than her family. She spent countless hours sewing clothes, costumes, pajamas and “boppies” for her grandchildren. She poured her whole soul into making every occasion special for her family. We will all miss her passion for life, her kindness and generosity, her invincible spirit and her smile.
Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the London Health Sciences Centre. Their compassion and professionalism was sincerely appreciated throughout Margaret’s journey.
At her request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life in Nova Scotia in 2023. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Margaret are asked to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Leave a tribute for Margaret “Maggie” Ruth Listar (née Lusk)
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So very sorry to hear about Margaret. The Lusks were such a big part of our growing up in Moncton. Our thoughts and prayers extend to the entire family. Our hearts are breaking for you. The Lord our God will take you in and help you through. Margaret is with him and has no more pain. Please know we will continue to pray. Sincerely Joanne Dennis and Kate.
Although we were separated geographically, you were always in our hearts. Growing up I had 2 older brothers to look after me and I tried to do the same for my 2 younger sisters Maggie & Colleen. In time you had a wonderfully devoted husband in Ivan who I know looked after you in a very loving way. I am very happy to have been the one who was able to provide medical support to you over the past year, which also gave me the opportunity to spend time with Maggie & Ivan and get to know them better. Maggie was very talented and would surprise us with a handmade gift around Christmastime. You are missed. With love, Barbara & Gordon Lusk
Ivan and Family, sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.
We spent time as young cousins when you stayed over the years at our house in Capreol. Interestingly enough, one of my favourite beaches as well is sand dollar beach in Rose Bay, NS. My condolences and sympathies to your family.
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Maggie was a wonderful woman who fought the battle with grace and dignity. Colleen always kept us informed and we will continue to pray for all of you! May the tears of today turn to wonderful memories of a life well lived and well loved!💗
Ivan, Allison& Tim, Matt& Lorranne, Stefan & Heidi ,Ava, Gabe, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Ivy I am so sorry for the unfairness of this for all of you. The Maggie I came to know when Allison came into our lives was lovely, kind, spirited, creative and so so proud of all of her family. I feel that Tim was so lucky to have found a wonderful wife but such a fantastic family as well. We mourn with you as you grieve dear Maggie. I am grateful for having met her and known her. With love Pam, Ben and Jacob
My condolences to Ivan and family. May good memories sustain you at this difficult time.
Aunt Margaret, I have many fond memories from all those summers in Chateauguay around grandma and grandpa's pool. Corn on the cob dinners, frozen butter tarts, and people sleeping anywhere and everywhere with fans all-a-blowing! I recall eating liver at your request but I apologize, I don't think I've ever eaten it since. Like grandma, it sounds like your handmade creations, full of love, will live on amongst your "branches". I hope your feet never feel anything else other than sand!
I didn’t meet you Maggie, but I met Allison at a life changing event in the UK and she has lived snugly in my heart ever since. You raised an incredible wildling, as she is raising hers now too. And that’s where you exist eternally. Because you are, and always will be ‘everywhere’. In every breath your daughter, and your daughters daughter takes. Every smile. Every tear. Every significant moment they yearn to share with you. You will exist forever, and everywhere💫 My deepest love goes out to all family & friends 🌹
I met Maggie when her son Matt was dating our daughter Lorranne. My late husband and I thought very highly of both Maggie and Ivan. In our hearts, we were family. My heart aches over her loss. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Maggie was an amazing, strong woman who has left a very large hole in my heart and the hearts of so very many.
I met Maggie through our mutual love of Outlander. She was a wonderful, fun and kind person and I liked her from the first moment we chatted! Sending condolences to Ivan and the family on your huge loss.
TO MY BIG SISTER- I can't believe you are gone as you were always just a call away but I will carry you in my heart forever. Your heart was so big and your kindness and generosity were beyond words. We all have something special to remember you by . You always protected and cared for me growing up (even when I didn't think I needed it). I hope you are flying with the angels. Some of your last words to me were "I hope you are dreaming of warm beaches and sandy floors". This is now my wish for you! This is not good-bye but till we meet again. Love you Colleen
We feel her soul when look at Maggie's favourite beaches. This is Sand Dollar Beach in Rose Bay, NS
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I have such fond memories of your mom from hanging out at your place when we were young and foolish. She was always welcoming, made sure everyone was okay, and generally treated us with a lot of warmth and respect. She leaves a big hole behind, I know. Much love to everyone.
~ Aaron Banfield