Obituary of Margaret McPherson

KETT, Margaret (nee McPherson) "Peggy" We lost a beautiful daughter, mother, sister and friend on Saturday, January 24, 2009. Peggy finally lost her brave battle against pancreatic cancer, but put up a valiant fight. She faced her illness with courage, grace and occasional humour, wishing to spare her family and friends as much anxiety as possible. She leaves behind her beloved children, Andrew (Ottawa) and Jennifer (London, England) and is predeceased by her dear husband, Charles, who died in 2000. She is also survived by her loving mother, Sheila, and her devoted sister, Nancy (Paul). She is predeceased by her father, Len, who passed away two years ago, and who was so proud of her. She will be greatly mourned by her very dear and much loved friends from Bermuda, where she lived for over 25 years. Peggy will also be mourned by Diane Adams (Fredericton), Linda and Steve Yendall (Toronto) and Sherry and Dan Pender (San Diego), dear members of our extended family. Peggy combined brains and beauty. She had a BA in Political Science and Law, an LL.B from Osgoode Hall and an MBA. She practised law in Ottawa before relocating in 1982 to Hamilton, Bermuda, working for a private corporation. In Bermuda, she met her future husband, Charles Kett, and they married in 1985. They welcomed Andrew in 1987 and Jennifer in 1989. Peggy later worked as president of a private investment company and for the Bermuda National Gallery. Throughout her years in Bermuda, she embraced several good causes, such as the Children's Museum and the Pilot Club (an international charity, in which she held every executive position other than Treasurer). She enjoyed being very involved with both the Gilbert & Sullivan Society and the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society. She was a vibrant member of her adopted community and enjoyed the beauty of Bermuda and the great people she came to know there. The family thanks the Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, Emergency, 6th and 7th floor staff and the Cancer Centre. Heartfelt thanks to the May Court staff and volunteers for the kindness and compassion shown to all of us during Peggy's last weeks. Visitation will be held at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre (2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa) on Friday, January 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A funeral service will take place at Pinecrest Chapel, on Saturday, January 31 at 11 a.m. reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Hospice at May Court, 114 Cameron Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 0X1 or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Cancer Centre, First Floor, 737 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 9Z9, and in Bermuda, to P.A.L.S., P.O. Box DV 19, Devonshire, DV BX, Bermuda. Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 1/27/2009- 1/29/2009