Margaret Dempsey [nee Burns]
August 23, 1931 – December 11,2025
On December 11, 2025 in her 94th year Margaret left this world peacefully following a long and wonderful life filled with her passion for music and love for her family.
Predeceased by her husband Murray Dempsey, brother Douglas Burns and sister Alison Scott.
She will be especially missed by her children Cathy [Neil], Ian [Ruth], Andy [Hilary].Forever cherished Nanny to Jayne, Luke, Katie, John and Sarah. And great Nanny to Hugh, Lyla, Sophie, Lochlan and Lydia.
Margaret[Marg] lived in Ottawa and attended Lisgar Collegiate. Her after school pursuits were Piano lessons and riding her bike to her lessons. Many summers were spent away in locations in Ontario such as Niagara /St. Catharines when the government "Farmerette" program that had young women picking the fruit and vegetables for the farmers.
She graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music specializing in classical piano. Preferring to play for family and friends she was keen to entertain with the classics and Christmas carols at parties. She also taught piano in her home to students after school. Playing the piano and listening to music carried on as her entertainment and as a way to stay connected to her children and grandkids.
Married in 1955 to Murray Dempsey they quickly had 3 children in Montreal then settled back in Ottawa where they had extended family. In retirement they travelled to Vancouver and Halifax to spend time with the grandchildren as they grew up. Special family reunion visits were spent at the Gatineau Hills summer home.
Marg thankfully chose Beacon Heights in her '80s as her new home where she made new friends, felt safe and especially cared for by the loving staff for 14 years.
As per her wishes a reunion with family and friends who will gather to celebrate her life with music, good food and humour in the summer time at the family cottage in the Gatineau Hills.