Margaret Frances Shanks

February 12, 2021

Margaret Frances Shanks (Cook) Marg the loving wife of John, dear mother of Phillip (Katya) and Michael (Kristie), loved grandmother of Elise, Addison and William passed away Friday February 12, 2021 Marg is lovingly remembered by her brothers and sisters: Bruce (Barb deceased), Patricia Kaack (Jens) Calgary, John (Sue), Mary (Paul), Anne Marie Victoria BC Marg is lovingly remembered by the Shanks family: Chris (Barry), Gary (Nancy), and Larry. There are many memories of Aunt Marg with her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews here in Toronto, Calgary, Turner Valley, Victoria, Haida Gwaii, Pincher Creek, Denver, Connecticut Marg passed peacefully at home, lovingly cared for by her ‘boys’ John, Phil and Michael. She has gone to be with Mom and Dad, Elizabeth and William Cook who will hold her tenderly in their arms. Marg retired after close to 25 years as an Educational Assistant at Mary Ward Catholic High School. She cared deeply for the children entrusted to her care, was passionate about their education and strove to bring out the potential in each student. Marg always had the students’ best interests at heart. When Marg took an interest, she did so with a strong will to bring about change whether it be educational, Neighbors East, Save the Rouge and all that is environmental. As a large extended family, we enjoyed many gatherings, barbeques in the backyard or at Christmas. John, Marg and the boys hosted Christmas dinner for up to twenty- five, for the past 28 years to the delight of all gathered. Since 1987 Marg has gone west to Calgary many times to visit her families and to hike in the mountains with her sisters, the hiking group, a close-knit group of friends. Marg loved those times of friendship, laughter and the serenity of her surroundings where she could soak in the beauty of her surroundings and commune with nature. Marg enjoyed movies, good laughs, gardening and the arts. To all who know Marg, we know her as a thinker, probing, asking questions, seeking the ultimate answer to life. Everything in life presented as something requiring a solution. We know her as a humble, kindred soul with the will to bring about change. May she find the ultimate answer as she rests in peace. Donations may be made in Marg’s memory to a Special Needs children’s group of your choosing. She is Gone written by David Harkins. You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.