Marguerite Ann Caldwell was born June 28, 1940, in Guelph to Marcus and Elsie (Boyd) Northcott. Her parents had immigrated to Canada from Essex, England having crossed the ocean on a large modern steamship, the Normandy. Times were difficult after the Great Depression of the 1930’s and opportunity had presented itself in the form of work for Marcus on a farm in Ontario. Marcus had travelled to the area once before and was known. Thus work awaited him.
It is said that as soon as Marguerite could print she began correspondence with her grandparents and other relatives “back home.” Books were treasured gifts in the Northcott home. In addition, Marcus’ love of history had rubbed off on Marguerite.
The family moved over to Nobleton from Guelph, where she attended Nobleton Public School, S.S. #19 King. Next, it was Aurora High School, and then Centre Grey at Markdale, when the family, including a younger sister Mary, moved to Williamsford.
While in high school, Marguerite was paired with a pen pal in France. This twinning, in French class, was to encourage and build efficiency in writing French. Given Marguerite’s love of writing, it should surprise no one that she maintained this relationship for over sixty years! The fact is, Marguerite always worked hard at maintaining relationships. She had many, many good friends and all of them were special gifts for her! Her friendships lasted for years, upon years.
Ever since Grade One, Marguerite wanted to be a teacher. Her sister Mary watched as Marguerite did all the preparatory work to fulfill the teaching requirements. This included attending Lakeshore Teacher’s College in Toronto, marking homework and taking summer courses. As there was a great need for teachers at this time, trustees came to her high school to see if anyone would be interested in coming to teach in their small rural one room school. She agreed to go to their school for an interview and was happy to be hired to teach! She taught at Lily Oak and Beaverdale schools and three years later, Marguerite found work teaching in Walkerton – a town school! She loved teaching!
On July 30, 1966 Marguerite Ann and Lynn William Caldwell, son of William and Betty, a dairy farmer from Paisley, were married at Four Square Gospel Church in Durham by The Rev. Dave Illman. The young couple had met through a teacher friend, at a Youth for Christ group. Faith was important to both Lynn and Marguerite, and so it was fitting that they met at a Christian group and event. Three children, Stephen (1968), Sandra (1970), and Susan (1974) progressed the couple into a family. Once the children were born Marguerite happily became a stay-at-home mum! Of course, life was hectic. There was Sunday School and school, friends and dates, marriages and then, in time, grandchildren for her and Lynn.
On March 9, 1974 the Caldwell’s were devastated by a barn fire. They lost their entire herd of registered Holsteins. Lynn was able to save fifty young heifers and a bull waiting for transport to Mexico. Yet again, faith played a notable role for the Caldwell family as they were able to see the blessings amongst their sorrow. They were very thankful that the fire did not spread to their home. Years later Marguerite wrote, “While we had no income, many generous gifts helped see us through this difficult time, including a crate of eggs and a load of hay. . . .Truly, everything worked out well in the end.” (Our Family Farm stories from Bruce Grey. Port Elgin: The Brucedale Press, 2014) Their prayers were answered as to what to do next, the Caldwell family was able to purchase the Cumming farm, still on the 12th, and by October were ready to move onto it. Marguerite and Lynn remained on this farm until her death.
Not only did Marguerite like to exercise her mind, she also loved to work with her hands! She loved to sew, do craft work, and loved spending time with her eight grandchildren. Writing for the Treasure Chest in the Paisley Advocate, nature and photography were also passions. In addition, Marguerite also volunteered her time serving at the Historical Society of Bruce Township, Brucedale and Williscroft Women’s Institutes and the Paisley Treasure Chest Museum. There she learned of Simon Orchard and Samuel Rowe, Paisley’s first two settlers. “A desire to get their complete story down in one place” gave rise to the fulfillment of yet another dream of Marguerite’s – to write a book. (Please note: portions of this life story were written by Marguerite herself in Before Surveyors’ Line Was Run.)
She enjoyed the bush on the farm, where she would spent hours exploring plant and wildlife. The family has many stories of their trips to Lake Huron at the end of their concession. There were also the famous Sunday afternoon drives where one would never know their final destination! It is no stretch of the imagination to say that Marguerite was a monarchist. Listening and watching the Queen’s traditional Christmas Speech was a must for her as was a cup of tea! Her first trip to England at the age of 22 was with a good friend and later another trip with Lynn in 1990 was most definitely a highlight for Marguerite, as she met many family and fulfilled yet another dream!
The love of learning was Marguerite’s compass throughout her life and her love of teaching was her navigational tool. She most effectively taught by example, actions spoke louder than words. Marguerite was often referred to as a patient individual, who had a positive attitude, never complained, showed much perseverance, and was a long life learner and teacher. These characteristics will live on in the memories of those who knew her.
After determinately battling breast cancer for a number of years, Marguerite Ann Caldwell of R.R. #4 Paisley, passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 9, 2016 in her 76th year. It was her faith in the Lord that gave her the strength throughout this journey.
Beloved wife of Lynn. Cherished Mum of Stephen (Amanda) Caldwell of Elderslie Township; Sandra (Laszlo) Guta of Paisley; and Susan Caldwell (David Camp) of Stouffville. She will live on in the hearts and minds of her grandchildren, Alexander, Morgan and Owen; Aaron (Sarah), Alyssa and Samuel; Raymond and Lyndon. Marguerite will be sadly missed by her sister Mary Northcott and in-law’s Garry (Ila) Caldwell, Lloyd (Diana) Caldwell and Grace (James) Birrell, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Marcus and Elsie (Boyd) Northcott and Lynn’s parents, William and Betty (Friar) Caldwell.
Visitation will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Missionary Church, Paisley on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service celebrating Marguerite’s life will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11 a.m. Interment in Lovat Cemetery, Bruce Township.
Memorial donations to Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, Immanuel Evangelical Missionary Church (I.E.M.C.) – Seniors Ministry or the Treasure Chest Museum, Paisley would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
