DREW, Margaret
Posted: November 8th, 2024 DREW It is with joyful sorrow and quiet relief that we announce the peaceful passing of our adored and amazing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Margaret Elizabeth Craig Drew. She died on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, on a beautiful, sunny fall day in Lethbridge, AB, aged 92, after a five year life struggle with Alzheimer’s. She will be deeply missed by her family, many friends and especially the exceptional caregivers at the Legacy Lodge.
Margaret lived a long, fulfilling and incredible life in her 92 years. She was known for her sunny smile, a laugh accompanied by an “accelerando flare,” that even forced cranky old men to grin, her laugh causing others to laugh with her. She had a special warm spot for life’s downtrodden and less fortunate. She possessed a remarkable gift of making new friends, which evolved into many meaningful life long friendships. She had such a zest for life!
She converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shortly after her marriage and was a life long contributor to her church, serving in many positions over the years with the Savior as her example. Margaret was also a community volunteer, spending many years with Birthright in Lethbridge, AB and Timmins, ON, including working closely with the infamous Flying Father Les Costello on the committee. (Oh, to be a fly on the wall listening to those two!).
Born April 9, 1932 in Newmarket, ON to Harold and Marion Craig, Margaret moved to Timmins, ON as a young child. She married her high school sweetheart, William “Bill” Drew, on June 28, 1951. Together they owned and ran William Drew Florists, with stores throughout the Porcupine mining camp. Eventually, they sold their businesses and moved west in 1978 to Lethbridge, AB where they opened another flower shop and Margaret, expanded it (in partnership) into a Bridal shop next door. Upon retirement they immersed themselves as adult learners, finishing their high school diplomas together and enrolled in numerous college classes, as well as serving as instructors in floral design at Lethbridge Community College.
Together they lived a life of shared adventures, that included travel to many parts of the world together, including Europe, the UK, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Arizona and Florida.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband Bill (May 2023), both parents, her sister Lori (Galbraith), and a great-granddaughter (Madison). She is survived by sisters Wendy Peck (Bob), Elaine Cloutier (Andre), her five children Craig (Allison), Lori (Mike), Cindy, David (Janet), and Peter (Colleen), and bunches and bunches of marvelous grandchildren and great-grandchildren (23+52!). She was “that” party grandmother who injected plenty of life into her parties, and was beloved by each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
We will all miss her warmth and presence at Drew family reunions, her unwavering family support, spirited discussions and words of wisdom. She will be welcomed into Heaven by a plethora of family and friends on the other side who will be admonished to “keep it down” by heavenly matrons. Mom-you’ve been the best and we love you dearly.
A Celebration of Life for Margaret will be held at SALMON & SONS FUNERAL HOME in Lethbridge, AB, Saturday November 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 10:00 to 10:45am prior to the service at the funeral home.
Livestream will be available on Salmon and Sons website prior to the Service.
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca
Our deepest sympathies to Cindy and the family. Margaret was a special lady who exuded fellowship and warmth.
My wonderful 2nd mother. Guided me thru the loss of my mother when I was 37. Coming from a large family (i have 8 sibblings) you were the light at the end of this tunnel.. Great Moon River neighbours and life long friends. I am very blessed to have you & Bill in our lives.
Bill will be so grateful to have you with him again.
Love you forever. xoxo
Margaret was a wonderful friend and I love her dearly. We had such fun together; learning, laughing, sharing stories and amazing times. Margaret and Bill were special people in my Life and I’m so grateful that I got to know them both. Margaret was so, so kind; always quick to help, give advise and share her deep knowledge of Life, in general. Life brought an awesome gift in knowing and loving these amazing people: Margaret and Bill. Always love, always remembered and always missed.