It is with great sadness that the family of the late Margaret Marie Aylward announces her passing on Friday, September 25th, 2026, at the Bay St. George Long Term Care Home in Stephenville Crossing, at the age of 86, with her loving family by her side.

Born in Corner Brook, she moved to Stephenville as a child, later became a schoolteacher and spent most of her adult life in Port aux Basques. She was the daughter of the late Rose and Cecil Pinsent. Margaret leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her children: Gail (Gary) Butt, Lisa Aylward (Renato), Tina Aylward (Mike), Paul (Kim) Aylward, and Todd (Tammy) Aylward.

She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Kelly Lynn (Chris), Tiffany (Ben), Marco, Alexis, Adam, Lucas, Megan, Jacob, Grant, and Charlie, and her great-grandchildren Noah, Jamie, and Enoch. She also leaves to mourn her sisters Lorraine (Warren) Quinton and Marie Daugherty, and brother Stewart Pinsent (Marilyn), along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Alfred; her partner, Patrick Sheppard; special friend Montford Keeping; her sisters Geraldine DeGrace and Norma O’Quinn; brothers Cecil, Roland, Andrew, and Alex Pinsent; special sister-in-law Mary Aylward; best friend Joan Joyce; and other family members and friends.

Although Margaret's journey with dementia was a difficult one, her family will always choose to remember her for the woman she was before the illness. She was outgoing, full of life, and always ready to have a good time. Margaret loved to travel, dance, play BINGO, and spend time playing cards with her card club. She enjoyed reading, crossword books, crib, and Scrabble. Margaret was a true social butterfly. She had an infectious laugh that could light up a room, and she never needed much encouragement to join in the fun. She had a wonderful zest for life and created many cherished memories with the people she loved. It is these memories of her laughter, her love of fun, and her vibrant personality that her family will carry with them always.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited Margaret during her time in hospital and at the Long-Term Care Home, especially her sister Lorraine and special family friend Michelle Pieroway, who spent many hours by her side providing love and comfort.

Following Margaret’s wishes, cremation will take place, with a private family service to be held in her honour.

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.