Obituary of Marguerite Sophia Kirkham
It is with profound sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Marguerite Sophia Maud Kirkham (nee England), at the age of 95, on January 20th, 2024, in Perth, Ontario. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that touched the lives of many.
Marguerite is now reunited with the love of her life and husband of 53 years, James Arnold Kirkham, her daughter Darlene, and her grandson James. She was a loving mother to her son Reg and his wife Terri, a proud grandmother of Elizabeth (Simon), Brittany (Sean), Sarah, and Josh, a much-loved grandmother-in-law to Amanda, and a devoted great-grandmother to Elissia, Isabelle, and Frederick. Marguerite also leaves behind many beloved cousins and extended family.
Marguerite dedicated over 70 years to the service of St. James Anglican Church in Perth, where her faith and convictions were unwavering. She helped host hundreds of church gatherings and receptions, rhyming off by heart exactly how much bread was needed to make sandwiches for everyone. The church bazaar was blessed with her knitting skills, and many people in Perth have at some point owned a creation by Marguerite.
Her compassionate spirit extended beyond her family. Marguerite and James were recognized for their incredible devotion and over 25 years of service in fostering almost 150 children. Marguerite also provided babysitting to many families in Perth, with many on the waiting list for a spot in her home. Her impact on the lives of these children will forever be remembered.
We will fondly remember the many trips to the Perth Fair, pay-me games at the kitchen table, tomato macaroni, chocolate cake with whipped sugar icing and birthday apple crisp. Also cherished is Marguerite’s amusement with her grand-puppies, Pym, Thia, Katie, Lincoln and Harley.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 25th, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W., Perth, Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. in St. James Anglican Church, Perth.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at the Perth hospital for their compassionate care during Marguerite's final days. Marguerite held a special place in her heart for GWM Hospital (Perth site), St. James Anglican Church (Perth), and the Table Community Food Centre (Perth). Donations can be made to any of these organizations in loving memory of Marguerite.
Marguerite's family would like to acknowledge and thank her dear friends, including Bob & Shirley Harvey, Donna, Rob, & Edith Ferrier, Mary Sproule, Sonny McMillan and their families, for their unwavering support over the years. It takes a village.
Marguerite's legacy lives on through her proud grandmotherhood, extended family, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and love. May she rest in peace.
I love you truly, truly dear.
