Obituary for Margaret Ellen "Marg" Riley (Cavanagh)
Peacefully on Tuesday, August 25th, 2020 at Health Sciences North, Sudbury, Margaret Ellen Riley (nee Cavanagh) of Haileybury passed away at the age of 78. Marg always said that she was born into the perfect family. She cherished her parents, William and Hallie Cavanagh (nee Blair) and her sisters Priscilla, Ann, Jane, Sue and Deborah. Her days on ‘the farm’ in Grand Valley were some of the happiest of her life, sharing fun times and creating memories with her many cousins.
As a teenager, Marg worked for the Ontario Northland Railway delivering telegrams all over the town of Haileybury. She then went to work for the town of Haileybury in the Lands and Titles Office. During those years, she took on the responsibility of helping her father raise her sisters after the early passing of her Mother.
Marg’s greatest joy in life was being a Mother to her three children, Michael Rogatien, Patricia Hallie and Stephanie Ann. She always put her children first supporting and loving them. She suffered the loss of her son, Rogy, in 2010.
Marg was at her happiest working alongside her sister Sue at Cavanagh’s Collectibles in the Timiskaming Square and later, in downtown New Liskeard. She had a flair for fashion and was a trusted salesperson to her many customers.
In her retirement, Marg devoted much of her time to her many friends and community. She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, singing in the choir, baking pies and knitting for church fundraisers. As a member of the Alter Guild, the brass candlesticks were never so pristine. She was an avid Bridge player who thrived on the competition. Even her grandkids had to ‘earn’ their win with Gram.
Marg had a huge impact on her three Grandchildren. They were a great source of love and happiness for her. Her first grandchild, Ryan, found inspiration in Marg’s kindness and calm demeanour. Gram taught Ryan that there was strength in finding the good in someone’s heart and forgiving their mistakes. They loved to play board games together, stay up late and watch TV, but most of all, no matter what they were doing, they loved to laugh together.
She adored her two granddaughters, Maggie and Abbey. Marg was always proud to share Maggie’s successes, including her acceptance to Queen’s University. She taught Maggie to be a strong woman and she taught her not to be afraid to go for the things she wanted.
Abbey loved Grammy’s visits. Grammy always wanted to hear about all of Abbey’s new books. She didn’t think twice about jumping in the car and driving six hours to see Abbey play basketball or play her clarinet in the band.
She supported both girls to take on and accomplish anything they dreamed of.
Marg will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be missed by her very close friends, Jack and Darlene Perrault.
IN KEEPING WITH THE COVID-19 PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS, A TOTAL NUMBER OF 8 PEOPLE WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE FUNERAL HOME AT THE SAME TIME FOR A 15-MINUTE PERIOD. FUNERAL HOME STAFF MUST RECORD YOUR NAMES AND TIME THEREFORE PLEASE CALL THE FUNERAL HOME (705-672-3122) TO RESERVE YOUR ALLOTTED TIME. WE WILL INFORM YOU AS TO THE NEW VISITATION PROCEDURE
Friends will be received on Sunday, August 30th from 2-4 & 6-9 pm at Buffam Leveille Funeral Home, Haileybury, 705-672-3122. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 31st at 11:00 am at Mount Pleasant Cemetery with Deacon Valerie Paterson officiating. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Online condolences accepted at www.buffamleveille.com .
As a teenager, Marg worked for the Ontario Northland Railway delivering telegrams all over the town of Haileybury. She then went to work for the town of Haileybury in the Lands and Titles Office. During those years, she took on the responsibility of helping her father raise her sisters after the early passing of her Mother.
Marg’s greatest joy in life was being a Mother to her three children, Michael Rogatien, Patricia Hallie and Stephanie Ann. She always put her children first supporting and loving them. She suffered the loss of her son, Rogy, in 2010.
Marg was at her happiest working alongside her sister Sue at Cavanagh’s Collectibles in the Timiskaming Square and later, in downtown New Liskeard. She had a flair for fashion and was a trusted salesperson to her many customers.
In her retirement, Marg devoted much of her time to her many friends and community. She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, singing in the choir, baking pies and knitting for church fundraisers. As a member of the Alter Guild, the brass candlesticks were never so pristine. She was an avid Bridge player who thrived on the competition. Even her grandkids had to ‘earn’ their win with Gram.
Marg had a huge impact on her three Grandchildren. They were a great source of love and happiness for her. Her first grandchild, Ryan, found inspiration in Marg’s kindness and calm demeanour. Gram taught Ryan that there was strength in finding the good in someone’s heart and forgiving their mistakes. They loved to play board games together, stay up late and watch TV, but most of all, no matter what they were doing, they loved to laugh together.
She adored her two granddaughters, Maggie and Abbey. Marg was always proud to share Maggie’s successes, including her acceptance to Queen’s University. She taught Maggie to be a strong woman and she taught her not to be afraid to go for the things she wanted.
Abbey loved Grammy’s visits. Grammy always wanted to hear about all of Abbey’s new books. She didn’t think twice about jumping in the car and driving six hours to see Abbey play basketball or play her clarinet in the band.
She supported both girls to take on and accomplish anything they dreamed of.
Marg will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be missed by her very close friends, Jack and Darlene Perrault.
IN KEEPING WITH THE COVID-19 PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS, A TOTAL NUMBER OF 8 PEOPLE WILL BE PERMITTED IN THE FUNERAL HOME AT THE SAME TIME FOR A 15-MINUTE PERIOD. FUNERAL HOME STAFF MUST RECORD YOUR NAMES AND TIME THEREFORE PLEASE CALL THE FUNERAL HOME (705-672-3122) TO RESERVE YOUR ALLOTTED TIME. WE WILL INFORM YOU AS TO THE NEW VISITATION PROCEDURE
Friends will be received on Sunday, August 30th from 2-4 & 6-9 pm at Buffam Leveille Funeral Home, Haileybury, 705-672-3122. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 31st at 11:00 am at Mount Pleasant Cemetery with Deacon Valerie Paterson officiating. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Online condolences accepted at www.buffamleveille.com .