Margaret Traviss

At Lake of the Woods District Hospital early evening Tuesday, September 6, 2022, peacefully and with her family by her side, our Mom, Margaret E. Traviss began her final journey to be with the love of her life, our Father, Ernest.

Mom was born in Winnipeg, MB Grace Hospital on January 3rd, 1941. Her parents moved to Thunder Bay (Port Arthur) when she was 9 months old. She grew up on Carrie Street and attended Pine St. Elementary School and Hillcrest High School. Upon graduation, she began her career with Cochrane and Dunlop and eventually worked for the Royal Bank of Canada for over 30 years, retiring in 1993.

She married Ernest Traviss in 1965 and had 2 children, Lynn Ellen and Russell and built a happy home in Thunder Bay (Port Arthur) where they lived for many years. Their home was always the place to hang out. Family & friends were always welcome, and much fun was had by all.

Mom was active with the Thunder Bay Figure Skating Club (Port Arthur), sat on the Board for many years eventually becoming president of the organization. She volunteered with the Northern Ontario section and was on the original committee that brought the annual event “Thunder Bay Open” competition to the area, an event that is still running today.

Mom moved to Sioux Lookout in 1993 and worked at Sioux Pharmacy before working for Child and Family Services as a driver and also supervised visits with children and their parents. She excelled at this and was loved by everyone she was in contact with.

Sewing was another passion of hers. She sewed beautiful clothes for herself and her daughter – sometimes even making matching outfits. She also sewed many skating dresses and Ice Show costumes for many skaters over the years. Later in life she took up quilting and was part of a group that prepared quilts for the homeless and palliative care homes in Kenora.

She is survived by her daughter Lynn-Ellen Thompson (Bob) of Kenora, son Russell (Lori), step-son Ricky, grandchildren Kate-Lynn Seaman (Mike) of Tonawanda NY, Brittany Woychyshyn (Cory) of Kenora, Kyle and Kailey Traviss, step-grandchildren Derek Thompson (Alana) of Beaverton, Myles Thompson of Kenora, brother Clifford Paul (Theresa), sister Edna Mae Nakonechny (Alan) of St. Catharines, brother Leonard Paul of Edmonton as well as many nieces & nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Clifford & Ellen Paul, step-sister Jean and brother-in-laws George Smith and Lloyd Lawrence and step-son Darcy.

She loved all of her children and grandchildren dearly. Each one was very special to her and she was so very proud of all of them and their achievements. In both Sioux Lookout and Kenora she developed strong friendships and many fantastic memories over the years. She looked forward to visiting with her coffee gang from Parkview, even though she has missed these times the last couple of years.

Thank you to all her caregivers including the staff at LWDH, Dr. Noack for her care and compassion over the years and to Leah Lynch Park Place for always checking in on her and making sure all was good.

We are going to celebrate her life on Saturday, October 8th Graveside Service at Riverside Cemetary Thunder Bay, ON followed by "A Celebration Party" a party mom had been planning for a few weeks will take place following the service.