Obituary of Kathy Margeson

Honouring the life of Yvonne Katherine (Kathy) Margeson (nee Williams), born August 25, 1946, she passed away peacefully in Hospice Fredericton on June 15, 2026, after facing a courageous and lengthy battle with brain cancer.

Kathy leaves behind her only child, daughter Michelle Sawler (her husband Blair);  her beloved grandchildren,  Parker and Spenser (her “boys”); as well as two sisters,  Margaret (Maggie) Culin of North Bay, Ontario, Ann Marie Williams of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and step-sister Marilyn Williams of Ancaster, Ontario.

Kathy was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Lewis, in July 2022. They married in New Glasgow Nova Scotia in 1966, later relocating to Bedford, Nova Scotia and finally settling in New Maryland in 1980, where they remained for the rest of their lives. Kathy and Lew enjoyed many adventures together through the years including lots of travel, snowmobiling, April’s in Florida, and for several summers, boating with the family. Cherished family memories of Apple Pie Day on Thanksgiving, wonderful Christmas traditions with the family and Sunday dinners which in later years continued with Michelle and Blair (and the boys when they were home visiting). One of her proudest moments was seeing both Parker and Spenser graduate from UNB in 2024.

Born the youngest of four children (Margaret, Ann Marie, Dennis and Kathy) to Colin Williams and Joyce (nee MacDonald), of Hamilton, Ontario, her family was separated following the tragic death of her mother at age 26 of cancer. At the time, Margaret (the oldest) was only four years old, and Kathy (the youngest) was only a few months. Kathy and her brother, Dennis,  were raised by her maternal grandparents, Bert and Mildred MacDonald from Plymouth Park, Nova Scotia. Margaret and Ann Marie were raised by different family members for many years, until their father remarried and reunited with the siblings living in Ontario, later welcoming a step-sister,  Marilyn. Kathy and Dennis remained in Nova Scotia throughout their childhood. Although they did not see each other often, Kathy and Margaret (Maggie) had a special sisterly bond and spoke often, bridging the distance between them with weekly phone calls and catch-ups, especially in later years.

Kathy was also predeceased by her father, Colin Williams and her step-mother, Rita of Hamilton, Ontario as well as her brother, Dennis Williams of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Kathy was a retired civil servant, having worked for the Department of Social Services for more than 20 years. Post-retirement, she was a dedicated “Grammie”, and enjoyed gardening, her aqua fit classes, long walks, tole painting, sewing, and knitting. Many a Hallowe’en or school concert costume were lovingly made by Grammie for the boys over the years. Hand-painted toy boxes for each of the boys and homemade tole painted crafts were cherished gifts. Since her diagnosis, she found great enjoyment in the intricacies of adult colouring books and would spend hours perfecting a page.

One of her greatest loves was playing the piano and she was able to continue playing up until the final month of her life, which was a true blessing. She was the pianist for the Stepping Stones Singers for many years and enjoyed playing at her church (Grace Memorial Baptist) accompanied by organist,  Julie Probert, over the past several years. Kathy was fond of the older hymns and preferred them to be a little more upbeat and livelier (no dirges!)

Kathy was diagnosed with glioblastoma in January 2025, and despite challenging odds, she maintained a positive attitude and never lost her Faith or felt sorry for herself. Tough as nails and fiercely independent, she remained in her home in New Maryland until her health deteriorated in April of this year. After a few weeks in palliative care, Kathy became a guest at Hospice Fredericton for seven weeks. She had many wonderful and meaningful moments with the staff and volunteers, and these days were truly cherished. From enjoying homemade sweet treats from the kitchen to entertaining staff and guests with her piano playing, to her humorous observations and positive attitude, she made the best of her situation. Walks downtown when flowers were in bloom, listening to the birds, a visit from the Stepping Stones Singers, music with friends, and special outings for sweet treats were all treasured times that she enjoyed so much.

We wish to sincerely thank Dr. AlSadiq from Saint John Oncology for her caring and continuous encouragement, offering many different treatment options and therapies over the past 18 months. She never gave up on Mom and was always willing to try something else. Thanks also to the team of doctors and nurses at the DECH ER and Palliative Care for their attentiveness and support as we navigated the next steps when treatment was no longer available and mom’s condition deteriorated. Finally, we cannot say enough about Hospice Fredericton – our family felt so much love and compassion from each and every staff member and volunteer – thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The seven weeks Mom spent at Hospice were filled with so many joyful moments and our family is deeply appreciative and moved by your kindness.

Our family welcomes you to a visitation and celebration of life scheduled for Friday, July 3^rd at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, with Rev Dr Peter Lohnes officiating. Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 –  3:00 p.m., followed by the service and then a time for refreshments in the Welcome Centre.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either Hospice Fredericton or the Fredericton SPCA.

After-life care has been entrusted to the McAdam Funeral Home and personal condolences may be offered through www.mcadamsfh.com.