Obituary of Margaret R. Willar

Margaret Rose Willar, wife of the late Donald H. Willar, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 16th, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. 

Margaret is survived by son Robert "Bob" Willar (Brenda) of Fredericton; daughters: Margaret Hardie (John) of Burton and Tara Estabrooks (Kevin) of Fredericton; grandchildren: Lisa (Chris), Adam, Jamie, Sarah and Emily; great-grandchildren: Abby, Cayden, Ella and Julia, along with several nieces and nephews, mostly from Newfoundland. She was predeceased by her sons: Donald “Donnie” and William “Bill” Willar.

Mom was an awesome cook and baker.  She made sure you never left her house hungry.  She loved having her family around at any time, however, she especially enjoyed when the house was filled, which at times meant standing room only.  She showed and reinforced to all of us over the last few years what a strong and devoted mom and grandma she was.  Her determination was sometimes misread as stubbornness.  She was able to tell and show all her grandchildren and great grandchildren how much they were loved, individually with words and a hug. She supported all of us in whatever we did, sometimes helping us decided or confirm what we were choosing was best.  

She loved sitting on the sideline cheering on her children, grandchildren and great grandkids in all the sports we played.  She sat in cold rinks, spent the hottest summer days outside and sat on the bleachers in a gym, ball fields, and bowling alleys. This sometimes meant she had to travel to a different province or a state. She thoroughly enjoyed their annual trips to Newfoundland, along with spending time with the family there. She also enjoyed their trips to Saint John with extended family. Mom enjoyed spending many days reading on a riverbank while watching dad or her boy’s fish, while waiting for that salmon to be hooked that we all enjoyed.

 She made sure we all had many of her beautiful, crocheted doilies, knitted mitts and socks so we wouldn’t be cold.  She made and mended clothes and doll clothes whenever we needed or wanted them. She enjoyed her gardening in her later years.

 Christmas with everyone was the best time for her.  Mom was just as excited as the youngest ones when Christmas Eve arrived. She always made it the best time of the year, honestly, she could not wait to open a gift too.  It truly was the family being together on those days that fulfilled her and dad when he was here. 

Mom dearly missed dad who had predeceased her although, they will be reunited in time to celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary. 

To all the doctors, nurses, and PCA's, we have encountered, we deeply appreciate the compassion and encouragement and most of all, the sincerity you all gave mom over the past year.  You all gave her the opportunity to live even when the odds were against her.  She continued to prove the will she had was stronger than medicine and her smile when you walked in the room was your repayment. 

We would like to thank Dr R. Prosser (retired), Dr. Kholbe, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Khaleduzzaman, Dr. Berekshire, Dr. Schaus and Dr. Ardison. Roy, Grace, Emma, Euzanne, Stephy, Kincade, Derrin, Guy, Rasal, Chelsey Josephine, Helene, Bernie, Amanda, Keli, Natasha, Alyson, Rebecca, Jacki and others that we may have forgotten their names.

Visitation will be held at York Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 22^nd from 6-8pm. A private family Interment will take place at The Old Anglican Cemetery in New Maryland. For those who wish, donations can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal remembrances may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.