Obituary of Margaret Douglas Sellers

Sellers, Margaret Douglas 

June 17, 1932 - May 10, 2021

Peacefully, Margie died in the company of her four children at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg as a result of a debilitating stroke. Until the Friday before her death, Margie was living independently and looking forward to another season in the garden, her 89th birthday, the marriage of a granddaughter and being able to travel to see family when COVID restrictions were lifted.

Born as Margaret Agnes (Armour), christened as Margaret Douglas, known as Mop, Margie, Mom, Mrs. S, and Granny, she was an accomplished gardener, knitter, seamstress, quilter, embroiderer and home maker. She was the rock of the family, tough and tender, honest and wise, and a steady support to her husband Wick and their children. There was always at least one book on her bed side table, a crossword puzzle to be completed and letters to be written. She read the papers daily, followed current events and was well versed in the concerns of her community, the politics of the nation and world affairs.

Margie was born in Cobourg but lived in Philadelphia, Georgeville, Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg before returning to the Northumberland Hills in 2002.

After beginning school in the US and attending the village school in Georgeville, Margie attended St Helen’s in the Eastern Townships where she made several lifelong friends and thrived in the stable environment of a boarding school. She completed high school in Hamilton and spent a year in Switzerland refining her French skills before enrolling at McMaster University with the intent of becoming a translator and diplomat. She graduated from ‘Mac’ in 1953.

Meeting a good-looking guy at Mac with a twinkle in his eye and a distinguishing kindness changed the course of her life. After marrying in 1954 and moving to Winnipeg, Margie and Wick built and sustained an enviable partnership for over 63 years. Wick always gave credit to Margie as the source of his inspiration and as his rock. She provided counsel related to his business endeavors, entertained frequently and travelled with Wick when time, their children’s activities, and her work as a community builder allowed.

In addition to becoming certified in English/French translation and actively facilitating adult literacy, Margie served her community in Winnipeg through the Junior League, the Middlechurch Home, the SJR Parent Association, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and the Women’s Committee of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She ran ‘Things’ (the RWB shop) for many years and hosted countless fundraising events, including one notorious event featuring Harry Belafonte which required police presence.

Tuesday afternoons in Winnipeg were reserved for the ‘Tuesday Ladies’, a group of artisans in fabric, knitting, embroidery and quilting which met for nearly forty years. Many of the pieces produced during those sessions proclaim Margie’s attention to and keen eye for detail.

After relocating to Cobourg in later years, Margie continued to make outsized contributions to her community through the Northumberland Art Gallery, the Northumberland Learning Connection, the Northumberland Hills Hospital and Ed’s House - Northumberland’s Hospice.

Dogs played a large role in family life and her last dog, Tia, provided much comfort for Margie during Wick’s decline and the years following his death. There was always a dog biscuit or two in the cupboard, a spare leash and dog bowl to be used by visiting dogs, and towels by the door for mucky paws.

Margie lived a long life filled with enthusiasm, adventure and unfailing support for her family, friends and the communities she lived in. She was predeceased by four brothers and a sister, and Wick, her husband and life partner. Margie is survived by her children Jane (Stephen), Edward (Linda), Ann (Brian), Clare (Kevin), and her grandchildren Katie, Maggie, Richard, Duncan, Caroline, Kate and Isla. They and the Perry Street Neighbourhood Watch will miss her deeply.

Thank you to the professionals at Northumberland Hills Hospital, and the EMS team for their care during her last journey. Cremation has occurred. Memorial arrangements will be made when the prevailing Public Health restraints are lifted. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allison Funeral Home in Port Hope allisonfuneralhome.com

Despite the many joys in her life, Margie also dealt with depression. She firmly believed that mental health was a subject that should be talked about in the same way as a heart attack, cancer, aging joints and other physical ailments. In celebration of Margie’s life, the family asks that you consider a donation to Ed’s House, NHH, or an agency that provides literacy training or mental wellness supports in the community.

Til all the seas run dry, Mum . Til all the seas run dry.