Margaret Howey
Howey, Margaret Louise (April 16, 1929 – December 30, 2025)
It is with sadness that we the Howey family announce the peaceful passing of our much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Margaret Louise (Jackson) Howey at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, on December 30th, 2025, in her 97th year. Margaret was born in Straffordville to the late Elton and Reta (Roberts) Jackson. Together with the love of her life for 75 years Bob Howey, she raised a family and established and cultivated a home environment that she cherished until the end for her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a dedicated sister to her siblings Mabel and Kate. Throughout the years, they collaborated on family events creating a bond between the families that continues still. She contributed in various ways to the farming operation whether it was creating a hearty harvest meal, working in the tobacco fields and strip room, or doing the farm books for many years. She always enjoyed numbers and was particularly proud of her work on “the books.” Margaret truly valued the outdoors, and this was illustrated in her interaction with nature through gardening and walks, and particularly through her love of birds. She was an avid birdwatcher and enjoyed sighting them both locally and on trips including, for a time, annual excursions to Point Pelee. Margaret’s strong faith was evidenced daily and included a lifelong commitment to Bayham United Church. She was a longtime choir member with her sister Mabel.
Margaret will be remembered as devoted to her children, family and friends. Mother of Linda (Paul) Hudson, of Straffordville, and their children: Emily Hudson, Sarah (John) Hawkins, Daniel (Erin) Hudson; Kathy (Murray) Scanlon, of St. Paul’s, ON, and their daughter Maggie (Troy) Scanlon; John (Tina) Howey, of Eden, and their children: Robert (Jill) Howey, Benson (Lisa) Howey, and Hannah (Scott) Berkvens. Much loved grandmother to: Sophia & Audrey Hawkins; Edie, Denver & Everleigh Hudson; Della and Samantha Howey and Josephine Berkvens. Survived by her sisters Mabel Howey (late Hugh) and Katherine Wolfe (late Jack), as well as by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her loved husband Bob (2022), daughter Della Lorraine Howey (2015), sister-in-law Ida (late Miller) Wood, and her brother-in-law Bill Howey. Special thanks to Valerie Andrews, Marlene Magashazi, Francis Martinkevicius, and Valreta Kay, whose friendship and care meant so much to both Margaret and her family.
In keeping with Margaret’s expressed wishes, a Funeral Service to Celebrate her Life was held in Bayham United Church (9279 Duke St., Straffordville), on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., by Pastor Troy Van Ginkel. Public visitation preceded the funeral on Saturday, at Bayham United Church, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to drop in to visit with the family was invited to an informal Celebration of Life and luncheon, starting at 3:00 p.m. in the church basement. Interment will take place on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Eden Cemetery. All are invited to share fond memories, favourite photos, personal condolences, send flowers, or contribute memorial donations to the Bayham United Church via Margaret’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc., Tillsonburg (519)842-4238, which has been entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.