It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our loving mom, grandma and great granny, Margaret Puppa (nee Bartell) on February 5, 2026 at the age of 86 years.
Margaret was an only child who was born on October 21, 1939 to Ed and Ida(nee Backstrom) Bartell in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, where she lived her entire life.
She was predeceased by her parents and then by her loving husband of 53 years in 2014, Leo, with whom she is now reunited.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Brian Puppa (Susan and her brother Douglas), Lori Vermette (Marc), Daren Puppa (Meg) and Derek Puppa (Heather), her precious grandchildren, Lindsay Evans (Travis), Joshua Vermette (Maddy), Cory Puppa (Cassady), Isabelle Puppa, Alexandra Puppa (Will) and Jillian Puppa, her great granddaughters, Ellisyn and Andie Evans and Scarlet and Mylah Vermette, all of whom she absolutely adored.
Marg will also be missed by an extended family of cousins, nephews and their families, and her dear friends.
From her Scandinavian parents, she had a practical determination that she carried throughout her life. She became skilled at whatever she took on – from helping to build the family house with Leo and his father and her children; to doing part-time administration and bookkeeping for local community organizations; to sewing her own draperies. She enjoyed entertaining, and gathered the whole family for elaborate holiday meals and a delicious array of baking every Christmas.
In her younger years, she was actively involved with the Kirkland Lake Curling and Golf Clubs. Mom always had an empathetic ear and maintained close, lifelong friendships with women she’d known since childhood. Upon retirement, Marg and Leo became snowbirds and were lucky enough to spend their winters in Florida, living their dream on a golf course and creating special bonds with new friends in their community there.
We would like to thank and extend our sincere appreciation for the excellent care mom received in the past couple of years from the staff at Ontario Health at Home, Blanche River Health Hospital(Kirkland Lake) and Extendicare Kirkland Lake.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held this summer.
If you wish to make a memorial donation, it can be made to Extendicare Kirkland Lake or Blanche River Health Foundation.
“Her soul was so gentle, her heart was so wise, her spirit so sweet, she’ll live on in our memories, rest easy now Mom.”
Sympathy Messages
Lori, we are so sad to hear about Marg. You have been such a great daughter to her - always helping her and spending so much time with her. So glad she was close by to see your kids and grandkids grow up. I know she’ll be missed but you have so many good memories with her.
Take care ❤️. Mary MacKinnon and Mike Sutton and family.
- Mary MacKinnon, on
February 8, 2026
So sorry to hear of the passing of one of our community pillars .Condolences to the entire family .Stan
- stan skalecki, on
February 8, 2026
Derek, Lori, Daren, Brian and families… my deepest condolences on your mother’s passing. Cherish the memories and that she’s reunited with your dad.
- Andrew Hamilton , on
February 8, 2026
Dear Lori, Brian, Daren, Derek, and family,
Dora and I were deeply saddened to learn of your mom’s passing. Aunt Margaret was such a warm, kind, and loving person who always made everyone around her feel welcomed and cared for. She had a wonderful way of bringing people together, and her laughter and gentle spirit will be missed by so many.
We know how much she meant to all of you, and how great the loss must feel right now.
With all our love and deepest sympathy,
Chris and Dora Puppa
- Chris and Dora Puppa, on
February 8, 2026
Brian, Lori, Darren, Derek, I’m so sorry to hear the news and my condolences go out to your and your families.. your mom was a kind and caring person and I’m lucky to have know both your parents! Stay strong!
- Kevin Cole, on
February 8, 2026
My deepest sympathy to all of Margaret's family. I bet Leo has saved a special star that they will share in the heavens. RIP
May my support warm your heart
- Ellen Watson , on
February 8, 2026
So many wonderful memories of our fun days at Golf and Curling, I will surely cherish all of them. Thinking of you all at this very sad and difficult time. Such a devoted daughter and son-in-law, Marg always appreciated everything you guys did for her. So sorry for your loss. RIP my Friend
May my support warm your heart
- Judy (Cale) Gervais, on
February 8, 2026
🙏🏽✌️
- Darren/Lisa, on
February 8, 2026
So very sorry to hear the passing of your mother. She was a beautiful lady inside and out very kind always smiling. We will miss her. Hugs to you all. Prayers for the family. Love K&C
- Chantel &Kari Reid , on
February 8, 2026
To Lori - My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Having recently lost my own Mom I understand how hard it is to say goodbye. Wishing you all the happiest of memories.
- Diana McNamara, on
February 9, 2026
To the Puppa family, sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
- Darren Phillips, on
February 9, 2026
Derek, Lori, .Darren, and Brian
Met your Mom through curling and our boys hockey games. My deepest sympathy.
- Doris Uhrayn, on
February 9, 2026
We are so very sorry for your loss. Aunt Marg will always have a special place in our hearts. Marg and Leo were so very special to Mom and Jimmy, and we have such fond memories of them both. Sending you all love and hugs. ❤️
- Julie Simpson, on
February 9, 2026
Dear Lori & Family. So sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Thinking of you & your family, at this difficult time.
May my support warm your heart
- Bren Szalajko, on
February 9, 2026
Our condolences to the Puppa family.🙏🙏
- Ken Parkes, on
February 9, 2026
We will always remember the good times we had together
Joe & Lyn
- Carolyn Lenardon, on
February 9, 2026
Dear Brian, Lori, Darren, Derek and Families
We are very saddened to receive the news concerning your mother. We were good friends for many years and shared so many good times together! She was always a kind, enthusiastic, caring and involved individual. Going back to our high school days we have such great memories !
We share your sadness-Our condolences to all- Brian and Gale
May my support warm your heart
- Brian and Gale Hamilton , on
February 9, 2026
We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. May good memories be of comfort.
- Carlo and Sandra Dal Pai, on
February 10, 2026
Brian, Lori, Darek, Daren & Families
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My sincere condolences to you and the grandchildren. May all the good memories of Margaret console you. May she rest in Peace.
Ines Robazza
- Ines Robazza, on
February 10, 2026
Condolences to the family….Marg was a special person..a friend of 60 years…our children are friends..relationships like are rare and to be cherished RIP Marg
- Bob Zidar, on
February 10, 2026
To The Puppa family. I knew your mom through curling. I curled out of the curling club in New Liskeard and have wonderful memories of curling against her. She was a force to be reckoned with....I believe she won every game. Rest in peace Marg and may God bless her beautiful family.
- Bonnie MacDiarmid , on
February 10, 2026
My earliest memories of Mrs. Puppa are tucked away and dwell in a wonderful childhood living next to her and her family on Algonquin. I remember her kind demeanour and sort of regal but unassuming presence - a true lady :)
- Marie (McNamara)Naylor, on
February 11, 2026
Deepest condolences to the whole Puppa family. I have such wonderful memories of Marg from the curling club... 🙏
- Helene and Don Studholme, on
February 12, 2026
To Margaret's family. So sad to hear the news of Margaret's passing.
We met when we were 15, and shared many happy times through the years. We managed to keep in touch and get together often even though we lived so far apart. May it be a comfort to know she is now with her dear husband Leo. She was a very kind, warm hearted person.
With deepest sympathy, Margaret and Svend.
- Margaret Pedersen, on
February 12, 2026
So very sad for you mother who was such a calm spirit, always composed and always smiling through it all. Thoughts and prayers are with Brian. Darrin and Lorrie.
- Stan Galda, on
February 15, 2026
I’m so sorry to hear of Marg’s passing She was a good friend and neighbour on Harding Ave Many good times at bridge coffee times cross country skiing and curling I hope to make it up for her celebration of life My condolences to all the family
May my support warm your heart
- Robin McAnulty, on
February 18, 2026
My deepest condolences go out to you all at this sad time. My curling days were filled with so much happiness and your Mom was a big part of that. May she rest in peace.
- Laura R Gagnon, on
February 23, 2026
Our condolences to the Puppa family and friends.
May my support warm your heart
- Karen (Smaill) Byham, on
February 23, 2026
Our sincere sympathy to your family on your mom's passing. I will remember her kindly as one of the nice ladies at the KLGC.
May my support warm your heart
- Lorraine Seguin, on
February 23, 2026
To the Puppa family
We are saddened to learn of Margs passing .
She was such a lovely lady .
We have great memories of times spent together at the staff parties re KLCVI .
She is now in spirit with Leo !
Our sincere condolences to all her family !
- Betty and Dave Oehring, on
February 23, 2026
So sorry to hear about Margaret's passing. My deepest condolences to the Puppa Family.May She Rest in Peace!
- Linda Belanger, on
February 24, 2026
Hi Puppa family: Our family was so sorry to hear of Marg's passing last month. So many rememberances we have of times shared and will never forget. Trips to Florida, Las Vegas , and others. What great people to have as close friends and we will miss Marg terribly.
I hope she is resting in peace now. God bless her entire family. Condolences to them all.
The Savage Family.
- Jim Savage , on
March 10, 2026
To the Puppa family,
The Retired Teachers of District 5 would like to send our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother, Margaret. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
- Carla Comand-Desmarais (Entente Education Canada District 5), on
April 2, 2026
