In Loving Memory of

Margaret Jane Rota

April 21, 1923—July 1, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, Margaret Jane Rota (née Rooney.) Margaret was born April 21, 1923 in Grangecom, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland.  She immigrated to Canada with her parents and three siblings on the S.S. Regina in July 1927, settling on a farm near Saltcoats, Saskatchewan. During WWII, she installed windshields into aircraft in Vancouver. After the war, she worked at the Royal Bank and decided that she wanted to work her way around the world.  Her first stop was Calgary where she met her future husband, Sam Rota at a Calgary Stampede dance. After a whirlwind two week courtship, she agreed to marry him in November and move to Creston, BC.

Margaret had many varied interests. She was a voracious reader and could quote long passages of poetry by memory.  She knitted sweaters and socks and crocheted many beautiful afghans that are treasured by her family. Her children have paintings that she created in her early years of retirement.  Margaret canned fruit for her family and was an excellent baker of cinnamon buns, pies, fruitcake and whole wheat bread. She was an original healthy living advocate. Margaret returned to Northern Ireland with her sister Sally in 1977, visiting her McGouran and Rooney cousins in Belfast and County Down.  In 1994, she toured Italy with Sam, spending time in Calabria with his Curcio and Rota cousins. Margaret enjoyed contributing to her community. She was a member of the CWL and was the chairperson of the Kaslo PTA.  She was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her door was always open to her children’s friends. 

She was a loving, cherished mother. Each of her children grew up secretly believing in her/his heart, “I am Mom’s favourite.”  It was well into adulthood before they realized that they all shared the same belief.  When asked about her advice for raising children, she said, “Just love them.” 

Margaret is survived by her children: Debbie (Ken), Gloria (Eckart), Mark, Sharon (Ken), Jim and Connie. Her grandchildren loved and will miss their loving and supportive Grandma: Derek (Jenn), James (Leah), Kathleen (Leigh), Greg (Katie), Kevin (Shelley), Erika (Alex), Ryan (Jordi), Lauren (Matt), Heather, Angele, Colette, Sheldon and 15 great-grandchildren. 

Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Sam; young son Gregory; parents Margaret Jane and John Rooney; sisters Mary, Catherine, Ann, Susan, Sally, Josephine, Bridget, Rosaline; brothers John, James, Patrick, Nick;  sisters-in-law Barbara, Joyce; brothers-in-law Earl, Jimmy, Don, Art, Ross.

Margaret will be missed by her surviving family:  sisters Eileen and Sheila; sisters-in-law Barbara, Paddy; brothers-in-law Gordie, Al and the extended Rooney Family.  Margaret will also be missed by the Rota Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Swan Valley Lodge Recreation Department, 818 Vancouver St., Creston, BC   V0B 1G4.   

At Margaret’s request, there will be no service.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Rota, please visit our floral store.