Obituary of Margaret Ada Allen

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Ada Allen (nee Wootton). Margaret was born on September 16, 1938, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and passed peacefully on August 19, 2025, in London, Ontario, surrounded by her family in her 87th year. Margaret grew up during the war which brought along many hardships, living modestly and suffered the loss of friends and family. These experiences gave her a deep empathy and a lifelong devotion to those around her. She was proud of her working-class roots in the potteries of Stoke. She admired her mother who worked as a cup handler at Aynsley’s China. Margaret began her career at Belstaffs in Stoke on her 16th birthday. In 1958, she courageously immigrated to Canada aboard the Empress of Britain, travelling with her mother, sister-in-law, and nieces to join her brothers and extended family who had already settled there. Leaving behind her friends and everything familiar, she embraced her new life with determination and strength. She first settled in Chatham, where she worked for Union Gas, before moving with her family to London. In 1964, she began working at General Motors as a key punch operator. It was there that she met Ed, whom she would later marry on September 30, 1967. Together they raised two children, Mark (Brandy) and Jane (Ross). In 1979, Margaret transferred to EDS and retired in 1994. During her working years, she made and retained many lifelong friendships. Family life was her greatest joy. Margaret and Ed were very close with all extended family, hosting countless Christmas dinners and family gatherings. It was important for Margaret to give her children experiences in England and California where extended relatives resided. These family gatherings created countless memories filled with fun and adventure. Faith and community were also central to Margaret’s life. She was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Church and gave generously of her time to the GM Retirement Club, where she helped to organize and support the hospitality committee for many years. Margaret is survived by her loving grandchildren Jada, Allison, Aaron, Brock, Asher, and great granddaughter Naya. She is predeceased by her mother Margaret, brothers Ernie and Joe, sisters-in-law Vera and Jean, and nieces Vivian and Sandra. She will be remembered as a kind, warm, and generous soul who loved to travel, sing and dance, who devoted her life and love to her family. Margaret was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. We would like to thank the staff and administration of Extendicare in London for making her last two years and ten months as comfortable as possible. We also acknowledge, with heartfelt gratitude, the countless messages of love and support during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place. On Friday September 12th at St John the Evangelist, 280 St James St, London, we will have visitation at noon, funeral service at 1pm following by a lunch reception to celebrate Margaret's life in the Parish hall.