Obituaries

 

Marguerite Irene "Beazley" Charlton

Passed 01/27/2022

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Obituary For Marguerite Irene "Beazley" Charlton

Our beloved Mom passed away on Thursday, January 27, just nine days after we celebrated her 95th birthday. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Reginald Thomas Charlton, and is the last surviving member of the Albert and Irene (Christian) Beazley family.

Mom is survived by her children Dianne Chalmers, Thomas (Beth) Charlton, Donna (Daniel) Hemsworth, Sharon MacKenzie and grandchildren Scott (Ky) and Benjamin (Allison) Chalmers, Matthew (Anelisa) and Michèle Charlton, David (Hilary), Patrick (Erin), and Ryan (Liz) Hemsworth, Christopher (Cindy) and Jamie (Lindsay) MacKenzie. She was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Colin Chalmers. Our parents were also blessed with 17 great grandchildren.

Marguerite was predeceased by her siblings Vincent (Rita), James (Noreen), Frank (Rita), Brenda (James) Power, and Murray (Joyce).

Mom, known as Aunt Mamie to many nieces and nephews, was born on January 18, 1927. She spent most of her early years living on or near Quinpool Road while attending Oxford Street School and St. Pat’s High. Her pinnacle school year was grade nine when she received awards in Latin, French, and Religion.

Every June, as soon as school was out, Mom and her family packed up and headed to Whites Lake, the ancestral home of her beloved (Christian) Beazley family. Mom spent many hours with cousins and friends swimming in Prospect Bay, listening to the elders playing the fiddle, singing favourite songs, telling ghost stories, and attending dances in Shad Bay. These rich experiences resonated with Mom for the rest of her life and laid the groundwork for her life as a mother.

In Grade eleven, Mom lost her older brother Vincent during a World War II battle. The family was devastated by the loss. They decided to move back to Whites Lake to the safety and support of family and friends.

Sometime in the mid 1940s, at a Saturday night dance in Shad Bay, Mom’s brothers introduced her to Reg Charlton. The courtship continued and on November 4, 1947, they were married. This joyous occasion, held at the Shad Bay Church, was a double wedding ceremony shared with Mom’s brother Frank and Rita Ryan.

Throughout our years growing up, Mom opened her home to her family and friends. Because Mom and Dad were always kind to those who needed extra support in their lives, some stayed a short time and others stayed much longer. Mom’s mother, Nanny Beazley, lived with us for many years. Nanny always kept us entertained and provided lots of laughter and great memories.

Once the grandchildren started to arrive, Mom, who had a creative mind, drew up some plans for a cottage and bunkhouse that Dad built on Nova Scotia’s Gulf Shore. This cottage was Mom’s recreation of her own Whites Lake experiences that she hoped to share with her children and grandchildren.

Each summer, the first trip to the cottage was a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. Mom and Dad loaded the car with bags filled with summer essentials. The grandchildren sat with their faces pressed against the windows and a look of excitement in their eyes. A wobbly trailer, overfilled with used construction supplies, was clamped to the car bumper. As Mom and Dad backed out of the driveway, the smile on their faces was one of pure joy. Upon arrival at the cottage, the car doors opened, and the grandchildren tumbled out. This is an image we’ll never forget, and we’re convinced that it was the inspiration for Stompin’ Tom’s, “Margo’s Got the Cargo B’y and Reggie’s got da Rig”.

Mom had an incredible ability to embrace the lives of her 10 grandchildren. She was completely unfazed by the chaos around her. In fact, Mom often joined in with an unexpected joke, always followed by a glint in her eye as she laughed, “Nanny’s bad!” Most times, that phrase was uttered during card games with the grandchildren. These summers created a lifelong bond among the grandchildren.

Marguerite was a loving and devoted mother who would do anything to support her children’s endeavors. She provided a home life that was welcoming and where social interactions were encouraged and embraced. Thank you, Mom, for your devotion to us, our children, and our grandchildren.

Rest now, Mom, and embrace Dad, Colin, your family, and friends.

Special thanks to our sister Sharon, Mom and Dad’s companion and caregiver for many years. Sharon, because of your dedication and support, Mom and Dad always lived in a comfortable loving environment. Your care and social interaction added years to their lives. Sharon, we love you and cannot thank you enough for what you did.

Thanks also to Dr. Chendu, Emergency Health Services, the pharmacy team at Rockingham Guardian, Dr. Barrow, and the staff of the QE II Emergency for the care that they provided to Mom and her family.

Please honour Mom with a happy memory or a donation to an organization of your choice. Cremation has occurred. At a later date, Mom’s ashes will be interred with Dad’s in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

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Condolences

  • 02/09/2022

    Susan Pitman

    Donna, Dianne, Sharon, Tom and families, my condolences on your mother's passing. She certainly raised a lovely family and I always enjoyed seeing you on visits to porter's lake and dropping into central avenue. On trips to our cottage on the gulf shore I still always think "there's the Charlton's" as I pass by. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Susan Pitman

  • 02/08/2022

    Barry & Elaine Stevens

    Tom, Beth, Matt, Michelle & Family, Elaine, Jennifer and I were so sorry to read about your mom. From her obituary it is easy to see the impact she had on all of you......nurturing, loving, unselfish and just plain happy with life. We can see how you were drawn back to the Prospect area when you started out and the happiness you continue to enjoy at the family cottage. She has left an indelible mark on each of you, treasure the legacy you have been entrusted with. God Bless

  • 02/07/2022

    laurie bowness

    Very sorry re the passing of Marguerite- her and your dad were a great couple as I recall the days and nights at Porters Lake. My condolences, Laurie Bowness.

  • 02/02/2022

    Ed Wilson

    Dianne. Tom, Donna, Sharon, So sorry to read of the passing of your mom. My mom and dad were great friends of your mom and dad. Our family had great times at Whites Lake. Ed Wilson

  • 02/02/2022

    Debbie Wilson

  • 02/02/2022

    shirley mcinnes

    Dear Dianne, Tom, Donna and Sharon. I was sorry to read of your mom's death. I know she has struggledl for awhile and how supportive you all were of her. Memories of Porters Lake and Central Avenuel are flooding in! Thinking of you all, Shirley Bowness McInnes.

  • 02/01/2022

    Susan Hamilton-Bendelier

    Dianne, Tom, Donna, Sharon I'am so sorry to hear the passing of your Mom! Our sincere condolences to all of you and my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time💖

  • 02/01/2022

    Nancy Bradbury

    Diane,Tommy,Donna and Sharon: Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Nancy/Jim Bradbury

  • 02/01/2022

    Mary & Terry Connors

    Sending our Deepest Condolences to you Donna & Dan, Diane & Sharon and the entire family! Its difficult to say goodbye but your treasured memories of Marguerite will live on! I remember our university days when we were welcomed into your home by your sweet loving mom! So we too have great memories of her.

  • 02/01/2022

    Anne Purdy

    Dianne, Tom, Donna, Sharon & families. My heart goes out to all of you at this time. A few cousins were together recently and we spoke about Aunt Mamie and all the fun times we had going for sleepovers. One summer I remember boarding a ship in Halifax Harbor, car and all, and we sailed for 2 days to New York Harbor and sailed past the Statue of Liberty. We stayed the night and drove to Old Orchard Beach for the rest of the week. Something I would never have experienced if it hadn't been for Aunt Mamie & Uncle Reg.

  • 02/01/2022

    Dorothy Hammond

    Dearest Tom, Beth, Matthew, Michèle, Dianne, Donna and Sharon, Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. Both Reg and Marguerite shared their legacy of love so generously with others! May your memories of all your great times together comfort you. 💖 Kevin and Dorothy(Martin), Alicia and Patrick Hammond

  • 01/31/2022

    Cathy Matheson

    Dear Diane, Donna & Family: Sorry to hear of your moms passing, memories are forever, RIP Cathy Matheson

  • 01/31/2022

    Brenda

    Was so sorry to hear about your mom's passing, please accept my condolences. I always just called her Mrs Charlton, odd, considering I was one of those that stayed longer. I lived with this WONDERFUL family for 4 years to which I was treated just like one of the kids and family. Lots of memories. It was a great experience that taught me so much....your mother taught me so much with her love, understanding, smiles and hugs. Loved her smile. Know that I am praying for all of you during this difficult time. Love and prayers, Brenda (and Dave) Gionet (nee Makin) xoxoxo

  • 01/31/2022

    Marlene/Bill Murphy

    Dianne and Family....Sorry to hear of your mothers' passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Marlene/Bill Murphy

  • 01/31/2022

    Wendy Fletcher

    Dear Donna and family, my sincere condolences to all of yo for the loss of your dear mother. Wendy Fletcher

  • 01/31/2022

    Karen Arthur

    The photos are a wonderful testament to a life well lived. Your parents shared their spaces so generously. I have so many fond and funny memories of the Porter's Lake cottage and Central Avenue. Your parents raised quality people. There are a lot of you now! Thinking of your whole family! Condolences from Karen and Terry Arthur

  • 01/31/2022

    Debbie and Frank Chambers

    Dear Sharon, Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Mother, may she rest in peace. Take care of yourself now. Debbie and Frank Chambers

  • 01/31/2022

    Colleen McCarthy

    On behalf of both Tommy and me, our sincere condolences in the loss of your mum. We have many happy memories of family trips and lively card games. Old Orchard Beach, Expo 67, Pompano Beach, Porter's Lake.... Always loved that green Cougar convertible. PS Thanks for the photo of those red striped pyjamas.

  • 01/31/2022

    Peggy Hemsworth LaLeune

    Donna and Dan (& Dave, Pat and Ryan) We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mum (and Nanny) was such a loving, gracious and kind woman. Sending our heartfelt condolences to you all and the rest of the Charlton family. Mike and Peggy (Hemsworth) LaLeune

  • 01/31/2022

    Howie Gorman

    Diane,Tom,Donna and Sharon. Our Moms were best friends for a long time. I have lots of memories of both your Dad and Mom. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Peace and hugs from my family to yours. Howie Gorman.

  • 01/31/2022

    Gisele Phelan

    Diane, Tommy, Donna and Sharon, I was saddened to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a sweet lady who put up with our shenanigans in our younger years. I have great memories of her and I hope your memories will help during this difficult time. Sending you all hugs❤️. Gisele and Nick Phelan

  • 01/31/2022

    Lynn anc Bill Ofman

    Sharon - Condolences to you and the family. Nana Nana was truly a bright light! A beautiful lady! Lynn and Bill Orman

  • 01/31/2022

    Beverly Charlton

    Dianne, Tom, Donna , Sharon, So sorry to hear of the passing of your lovely mom. It was so nice to be able to talk with her and Sharon at the hospital a while ago. A truly kind person . Thinking of you, Beverly Charlton

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