May 31, 1941 – March 7, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Jean Kaplanis aged 84, on March 7, 2026. In her final moments, of what was a long and courageous battle with the cancer she had endured for the past four years, she was surrounded with the love of her husband and family.
Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, Margaret always lived a vibrant and full life. She loved to tell stories about her childhood life on the Manitoba prairies and her later teen years where she spent summers working at the Narrows gift shop in Sioux Narrows. When detailing stories about her life, she did so with wit and humour, always focusing on positive and happy things. In fact, even while in hospital recently, son John remarked how vivid and accurately she could recount events of her very early life, telling stories about pre-teen friendships and her love of her childhood pet dog, Pixie!
Margaret’s zest for living carried over to building a family with her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Robert. Margaret and Robert married in Thunder Bay and raised two children, John and Lori. Margaret took pride in raising her children, homemaking, cooking and baking, and caring for her family. She also instilled these nurturing traits upon her kids. She is remembered as a gifted artist. She enjoyed painting, crafting, and repairing and creating garments on her trusty Singer sewing machine, always taking tremendous pride in her handiwork. The golden years of her life were spent sharing retirement with her husband Robert at their Silver Islet cottage during summer months. For nearly 25 years of retirement, she and Robert looked forward to escaping Thunder Bay winters by travelling south to relax along the Gulf Coast of Florida where Margaret met many new friends and shared her many passions for life.
Margaret dearly loved her grandchildren, Matthew and Ashleigh. The grandkids spent many summers worth of shenanigans with Nana Marg at the Silver Islet cottage! Her grandchildren would say that she was quite a character, with a wild sense of humour and full of feisty vigor! Indeed, Nana Marg was very special. When things in life seemed dire, she saw opportunity. When the night was dark, she carried us all to the light of the following day. She was always happy and positive, even when she was battling cancer.
Margaret is predeceased by her daughter, Lori. Margaret is survived by her husband, Robert; son, John (Donna); and grandchildren, Matthew (Sarina) and Ashleigh (Evan).
The family of Margaret Kaplanis wish to thank the dedicated nursing staff of the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Treatment Center and the nursing staff of floor section 2B for their incredible care and compassion.
A private family Celebration of Life for Margaret will be held later.
Arrangements have been entrusted to EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
