CLAYTON, Margaret (née Allen) 1929-2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Margaret Clayton at Valleyfield Hospital, March 30, 2024, at the age of 94.  Predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, David, and her older sister Betty, she leaves to mourn her beloved daughters Nicola, Amanda (Jack) and Sarah (Andy) and her cherished grandchildren Phillip (Ashley), Colin (Sophie), Emily and Scott.  She also leaves to mourn her loyal and affectionate cat Lulu and many dear lifelong friends.

Born in New Edinburgh, Ottawa into a family of craftsmen and artists, Margaret graduated from the University of Toronto in 1951. Upon returning to Ottawa, she took a job at The National Research Council where she met her future husband, David, who was on a post doctorate fellowship at the NRC. They were married in 1955 and returned to David’s homeland, settling in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. They moved back to Canada in 1958 and eventually settled in Hudson where they raised their 3 daughters and welcomed innumerable cats, dogs, and horses.

Margaret was a passionate equestrian.  She was instrumental in instilling a lifelong passion for horses in her three daughters and granddaughter. She was a tireless volunteer for countless horse shows, events, and a member of various horse committees. For several years she was the organizer of Harmony Horse Trials.  Giving back to the community of Hudson was important to Margaret; she volunteered for several organizations, including St. James Anglican Church, War Memorial Library, Hudson Players Club and Meals on Wheels.

Margaret was also a talented tennis and badminton player. She loved cross country skiing with the family and taking long walks on the trails with her dog. She was an active member of Hudson Yacht Club and enjoyed sailing and crewing on the Markgraf’s boat. Margaret also spent many happy times working with her friends at Ptarmigan Weaving Studio. She and David loved to travel all over the world, however they particularly enjoyed their winter visits to Cayman Islands and their annual theatre trips to Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Margaret was beautiful, strong, independent, intelligent, and kind. She was generous and thoughtful and never forgot a birthday.  She was an avid reader, a gifted writer, and a whiz at the New York Times crossword puzzles. Her letters to the editor’s section of the Montreal Gazette were always published. She was up on current events and loved a good debate.  She will be deeply missed.

Many thanks to Melanie and Judy Tellier and the entire NOVA Hudson team for their loving and compassionate care. Without their wonderful care, Margaret would not have been able to remain in her home where she lived for over 60 years.

Donations in Margaret’s memory can be made to Nova Hudson  www.novahudson.com or to St. James Anglican Church We Rise Again GoFundMe

A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on May 18th, 2024, at 2:30 pm at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Hudson, Quebec.