June 23, 1959 – September 20, 2024
At the age of 65, after two and a half years of treatment for cancer, Margot birthed her soul (she loved that term) at Campbell House Hospice, Collingwood. Margot was pre-deceased by her parents Margaret (Larmand) Morrison and Ken Morrison. She was soul mate, best friend, lover and wife to Gord Brandreth for 43 years. Mother of Siobhan and Luke, sister to Jim Morrison, Kathy (Morrison) Lance, Rosalyn Morrison, Martin Morrison and Brad Morrison. Margot was also godmother (a role she took very seriously) to Joseph Lance, Kate Morrison, and Cadhla Gray. She also competed for “Best Aunt Award” to 14 nieces and nephews. Margot’s commitment to family was unmatched.
Anyone who met Margot will remember her winning smile, quick wit, and ability to make people feel important and comfortable. She had a wide circle of friends and was well-known for being “the life of the party.” Margot touched the hearts of everyone she met!
Born in Toronto, Margot earned her BA, BEd and MEd at the University of Toronto. Margot’s career as a teacher (she never stopped teaching us) took her to many schools in two different boards of education, teaching JK through to Grade 12. She was not afraid of change! Margot’s sense of justice and her integrity often challenged administrators and colleagues. She did not suffer fools easily. Margot believed in community and was very involved in volunteer work including, at school, at church, with Development and Peace, with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and - following her diagnosis - fundraising for the Hike and Bike for Hospice Georgian Triangle.
Margot was full of life and brought her “joie de vivre” to each community in which she lived. Following their nuptials, Margot and Gord lived in Mississauga and Brampton. Their second house, which they built themselves, was in Halton Hills. They then moved to Milton, and finally to their retirement home in Collingwood where they fully renovated a modest bungalow.
Margot and Gord were fortunate enough to purchase a cottage on Paudash Lake 30 years ago and she spent countless hours entertaining family and friends every summer. Margot enjoyed many activities, and in particular, anything that involved being on the water.
Cancer slowed Margot down but did not stop her. She was a keynote speaker at the Hospice Gala in September of 2023 and was the subject of a video presentation for the Gala in September of 2022. She also spoke at a presentation on the topic of Anticipatory Grief. Margot has also co-written a book, yet to be published, on dealing with a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
A special thank you to Margot’s medical team and to Hospice Georgian Triangle. Margot felt that she was important as a person to her team and that she received world-class care throughout her illness.
Margot’s Celebration of Life Spiritual Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Maple St., Collingwood at 2 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 19. A wake for the party girl will take place immediately following the Spiritual Service at the Collingwood Curling Club. Margot requested (demanded) that attendees not wear black; bright rainbow colours or white is her preference.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hospice Georgian Triangle, the Royal Victoria Hospital, or the Collingwood Marine and General Hospital.