Memories & Celebrations: Obituary

Margaret Althea George

Margaret Althea George, a beacon of love and warmth, bid farewell to the world on October 30, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories and a heart filled with boundless affection. She was a remarkable soul who touched countless lives with her kindness, nurturing nature, and a vibrant spirit that knew no bounds.

Althea was born on the family farm in Tilbury, Ontario and was educated at Teachers College in London, Ontario.  As a young woman she made her way to Sioux Lookout to accept a teaching position at Central School and lived briefly with family before settling into an apartment behind the post office.

It was on a mission to find some curtain rods for that apartment (so the story has been told by Althea with the help of some margaritas on the beach in Cabo) that she met Richard George who was working at Beaver Lumber.  Those who remember Richard, will know of his charming personality and warm smile and ever helpful nature in which he offered to come by the apartment to “install” said curtain rods.

Marriage to Richard George soon followed and her career as a Mother began.

Althea was a woman of many talents and passions. As a dedicated teacher, she nurtured the minds of countless children, inspiring them to believe in their dreams and unlock their full potential. A caring and devoted caregiver, she selflessly extended her arms to embrace and comfort those in need, providing solace and unwavering support when it mattered most.

Beyond her role as an educator and caregiver, Althea possessed a flair for the culinary arts. She effortlessly transformed ingredients into edible masterpieces, delighting the taste buds of all fortunate enough to savor her creations. Her homemade baked goods, mouthwatering dishes, and secret recipes will be lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to have a bite.

Althea’s talents extended far beyond the kitchen, as she found joy in knitting cozy sweaters, blankets, sock and countless Christmas stockings, showcasing her meticulous handiwork and artistic touch. She reveled in the tranquility of canoeing, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors, always in awe of nature’s wonders. With a green thumb and a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty, Althea cultivated many gardens and reveled in the simplicity and serenity of blueberry picking.

Adventure was never far from Althea’s heart, as she embarked on exhilarating journeys across the globe. She immersed herself in diverse cultures, soaking up the essence of each place she visited, and forging meaningful connections along the way. Althea’s wanderlust fueled her thirst for knowledge and her love for life, leaving an indelible mark on her adventures and the people she met.

Though Althea’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit continues to shine brightly through the love and memories she leaves behind. She is survived by her adoring children, Michael, Melvin, Robert, Kathleen, and Dennis, who were blessed to call her Mom. Additionally, she leaves behind her beloved granddaughters, Megan and Ashley, grandsons, Ryan, Dalton, Richard, Wylder and Hayden whom she cherished dearly.
The greatest joy of hers was becoming “GG” – great grandmother to James, Scarlett and just recently Harvey.
Althea was also know as Mommy/Grandma Althea to countless children and their parents through the many years she “babysat” in Sioux Lookout – we often marvelled at how she could manage so many children at one time and make each one of them feel loved and cared for.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jon Morgan and Dr. Mary England for their compassion and exceptional care that they provided to Althea.  We are grateful that these two Doctors have made Sioux Lookout their home.

To all the staff at Meno Ya Win Hospital, your compassionate care and with many of you addressing Althea as “Momma” made her time in the hospital more comfortable – we thank you.

It is at time like these that when the saying “It takes a village” means exactly that – to all her friends and family that took the time to visit Althea in the hospital, to cook and have meals with her, to reminisce on all the good times and bring more smiles to her face than tears – the family can never thank you all enough for being “the village”.

Thank you to Muriel Anderson and St. Mary’s Church for putting together the funeral service, it was beautiful and Mom would have certainly approved.

Althea George will forever be remembered for her unwavering love, compassionate spirit, and the joy she brought to those fortunate enough to have had her touch their lives. In her absence, she leaves us with cherished memories, a legacy of kindness, and an unending supply of love. May her soul find eternal peace, knowing that her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers and should you wish to pay tribute to Althea, donations to St. Mary’s Anglican Church and the Meno Ya Win Hospital Foundation equipment fund – MRI would be gladly accepted.