There are Angels that walk amongst us; graceful, kind and loving. There are also Warriors; with spines of steel, who face any adversity head on, they bruise and bend but never break. Margaret was both.
It is with our deepest sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved mother Margaret Dorothy (nee Peters) Whelan at the Blanche River Hospital - Kirkland Lake at 1:49pm on July 4, 2026 at the age of 86 after a courageous 4 year battle with ovarian cancer. Her daughters were by her side.
Margaret was born on May 22, 1940 in Harley Township, she grew up in King Kirkland and resided in Kirkland Lake and Nettie Lake after her marriage with a brief residence in Uranium City, Saskatchewan and Campbell River, B.C.
Margaret worked most of her life as a receptionist for various businesses. She spent years at King George School and then later at KLCVI. She ended her career at the Regional Assessment Office in Kirkland Lake.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother with boundless energy and could run circles around people half her age. Along with her husband and children, she built a beautiful home on Nettie Lake where she spend many happy years. Unfortunately it burnt down in 1986 and the family once again resided in Kirkland Lake. When her husband purchased an apartment building, Margaret was bummed that they were going to be out of town for an extended period of time and would miss out on the demolition and rebuild of their unit. She spent many summers at her daughter's farm helping out with the animals and gardening but was happiest when she got to use a crowbar and tear something apart. She was looking forward to splitting her time this summer between the farm and her other daughter's cottage on Nettie Lake, where she had so many happy memories.
She was a great cook and baker and was constantly tweaking a recipe. When anyone commented how much they liked something she could never get it exactly the same twice because she always forgot to write down the changes and couldn't remember. Margaret was a huge hit on Halloween for family and close friends were sure to trick or treat at her house. Aunt Marg made the best homemade fudge.
When her children were young her husband Paul brought home a black lab puppy. She did not want a puppy as she was raising 4 children with a husband that often worked away from home. Buster became her dog. He always slept on her side of the bed when she was at work and the only clothes that he stole were hers. He would make a nest whenever he was left alone for the day. She never seemed to really mind. When the family lived in Uranium City, Buster got hurt but there were no Vets in the town and the only way out was to fly, so she took him to the local hospital ER department and refused to leave until the doctor helped him out. She never got another dog after he died at the ripe age of 20 but has spoiled rotten every fur baby of her children and grandchildren.
Margaret had may interests but she especially loved to sew and quilt. She made beautiful blankets for the people that held a special place in her heart. She made many clothes, first for her daughters when they were young and then for her grand-daughter Bronti.
She loved watching her great-granddaughter grow and change so much in between visits, commenting to anyone how Sunny was such a happy baby.
Margaret was a member of the Catholic Womens League and had a deep abiding faith in the Lord.
Margaret is predeceased by her husband Paul Whelan, her son Lee Whelan, and her parents Ervan and Mary Peters. Her brothers Earl and his wife Connie Peters, George and his wife Marjorie Peters, Arnold and his wife Judy Peters, and Gerald Peters. Her brothers in law Howard and his wife Joan Whelan, Dave and Yvonne Whelan, Moe and his wife Colleen Whelan, Jack and his wife Kay Whelan and Michael Whelan and sister in law Helena and her husband Jim Purdon.
Margaret is survived by her children Eric (Darleen Hoehle) Whelan, Shannon Whelan, and Corlea (Rino) Viskovich. Her grandchildren Zeb, Bronti, and Fynnerty Viskovich and great granddaughter Sunny Viskovich. Her daughter in law Manon Lapointe and sister in law Sandra Whelan. Her brothers Delbert (Vivian) Peters, Fred Peters, Richard (Veronica) Peters; sisters Christine (Brian Farmer) McDermott, Evelyn (Dennis) Landon and Doris Cummings and many nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank the nursing staff on the 4th floor and the Palliative Care Unit at BRH-KL; Dr Kurki, Dr MacPherson, OH at home, Donna Young, Tara Laframboise NP, the PSWs from Closing the Gap and Dr Bonilla of the Northeast Cancer Center.
Rest in Peace Mama
