Margaret Ann Tschumi née Burns
01 November 1939 – 27 November 2022
In loving memory of Margaret Tschumi, age 83, who passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Saint-Vincent Hospital, in Ottawa ON.
Margaret was born in Toronto on November 1, 1939 to Jack and Nellie Burns. She grew up in the big city, but every summer was spent at her maternal grandparent’s farm on Manitoulin Island. She had many fond memories of being surrounded by an extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles.
Margaret attended North Toronto C.I. and then went on to work for Bell Canada. It was through a friend that she met her future husband, Johnny Tschumi. They married in 1960, and ever the adventurers, they hit the tail end of a hurricane as they travelled by ship to Switzerland, to start their married life together. After a year on the family farm, and the birth of their daughter Kathy; Margaret and Johnny returned to Canada where Rick and Michael were born. Together they lived and raised their family in Scarborough, until they moved north to Dryden in 1991.
Margaret’s family was the centre of her world. With Johnny working many hours and days, as a long haul truck driver, Margaret made sure that her children never missed a hockey game or Girl Guide activity. In her 1967 “woody wagon”, she transported kids all over the Toronto area. Margaret always put her children’s wants, and parents needs before herself. She encouraged her kids to follow their dreams and to be the best that they could be. Expectations were high – she had ensured that they were well grounded and had the confidence to reach for their goals.
She was a very proud Hockey Mom – both of her sons played professional hockey in Switzerland, and Margaret loved nothing more than cheering for her grandsons who played minor hockey. Education was also very important to Margaret. And she was immensely proud when her daughter graduated from university – a family first.
Margaret and Johnny eventually moved to Dryden, to be closer to family. They spent over thirty years of their retirement making new friendships and learning to love the north. Kathy, Jim, Alex and Adam were very fortunate to have “Nan” nearby. Retirement also meant more time for travel. Margaret and Johnny enjoyed touring as often as they could – always ensuring that they spent time with their grandchildren, visiting most of Canada and many parts of Europe, especially Switzerland.
Over time, Margaret had many health challenges, but she continued to forge ahead and never let them get her down. She was a strong women, and she will be missed. Margaret is survived by her daughter Kathy Boone (Jim), sons Rick (Kika), and Michael (Alison), six grandsons, one granddaughter and two great grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her parents Jack and Nellie Burns, her brother John Burns, her best friend/cousin Carol Simms and her loving husband Johnny.
Cremation has taken place and interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
In Margaret’s memory, donations can be made to Bruyere Continuing Care or a charity of your choice.
