Margaret Shackelton McGregor Steele

Margaret Shackelton McGregor Steele (née Ross) passed away peacefully on May 20th 2026 at Centenary Hospital at the age of 96.

Margaret was a vibrant lady with a zest for life. Everyone who met Margaret instantly fell in love with her; with her quick wit, humour, kindness, generosity, Scottish humour and general ‘cuteness’. Margaret was known to say “I’m alright, are you alright?”, and you were always alright around her.

Margaret is lovingly remembered by her husband of 74 years William ‘Bill’, son John, daughter Sandra (Jeff), grandchildren Leslie (Dean), Regan (Adam), Kelly, Jessica (Max), Sarah, Brandon and Meaghan (Matt), and great grandchildren Sarah, Emma, Rachel and Lyza. Margaret is predeceased by her son William “Billy”. Margaret will also be missed by family, friends, and anyone else who was lucky enough to meet her. She was affectionately known as Auntie Margaret and Granny to more than just her direct family.

Margaret was born March 31st, 1930 in Ormiston, Scotland to John and Sophia Ross. Margaret was the baby of the family, with 3 sisters (Sophia, Nellie, Annie) and brother (Jimmy).

Margaret met the love of her life, Bill, through the Ormiston pipe band. They were married February 8th 1952, and welcomed their first son Billy, November 13th 1952. The family lived in Ormiston until deciding to embark on an adventure of a lifetime and immigrate to Canada. Bill immigrated in October 1953, with Margaret and Billy joining in March 1954. Once in Canada, John and Sandra joined the family and they eventually settled in Scarborough, on Stonehenge Cres. Their house became a gathering place for many parties and celebrations. Margaret delighted in throwing parties and cooking for everyone. She was revered for her hosting skills and no one left her house hungry. Many left with a zip lock bag of Granny cookies, her well loved short bread (well, loved by everyone except her).

Margaret had a variety of jobs in her life but none were as precious to her as her career at Canadian Tire, where she earned the nickname Scottie and was the hardware department expert. Once retired, Margaret took on her next career – babysitting 4 of her grandchildren. Margaret enjoyed spending time with the kids, taking them to the park and driving them to the Scarborough Bluffs to feed the birds while listening to Tommy Scott.

Margaret and Bill enjoyed many adventures together, traveling in their truck camper that Bill built. They toured many parts of Canada and the US, as well as vacations to Hawaii and back home to Scotland. Margaret and Bill also bought a trailer in 1974 and settled at Lonesome Pine Trailer Park in Bobcaygeon, where the family still has the same spot. Lots of laughs and songs were sung around the campfire with family and the many friends made at Lonesome Pine.

As Margaret always said, we’re not here for a long time, but a good time. And she had a great time.

Margaret’s favourite colour was blue. The family encourages everyone to wear something blue if you are attending the services.

If you would like to make a donation in Margaret’s name, the family is suggesting the Scarborough Health Network. The dedicated doctors and nurses at Centenary hospital are part of the reason she lived such a long happy life. Alternately, The Baycrest Foundation, who are world leaders in research and education for Dementia and related cognitive issues.