Margaret Elizabeth McCullough (née Needham)
May 19, 2022
At University Hospital, on Thursday, May 19, 2022, now resting and at peace, Margaret Elizabeth (née Needham) McCullough, passed away in her 94th year. Predeceased by her husband, William “Bill” McCullough (2003). Cherished and very much-loved mother to her only son, Mark McCullough. Sister to Thomas J. (Loretta M.) Needham and aunt to their children, Lorraine (Mike) Miniley, and Vicky McNaughton. Predeceased by her brother-in-law, Bob and sister-in-law Beryl McCullough, she will be missed by their children, Michael (Sharon) McCullough, and Bobbie (Paul) Smuck. Margaret was a great-aunt to several nieces and nephews.
Margaret was born in London, Ontario, and grew up in former London Township, on Highbury Avenue North, at the former Needham Farm on the East side near the 11 Mile Road. She really did have a very active life. She worked at the former municipality of London Township in Arva, London Life, Prince Andrew Public School, and Filson & Robson Auctioneers. She was very active in the life of the former Bethel Presbyterian Church at Richmond Street and 11 Mile Road as the organist/choir director, Sunday school teacher/superintendent, president of the Women’s Missionary Society/Ladies Aid Group/elder and presbytery representative. She was a current member of St. George’s Presbyterian Church, London. Margaret was active as a member and president of the Women’s Missionary Society group at New St. James Presbyterian Church, London, and was a member and president of the Women’s Missionary Society at a regional level (presbyterial). She was secretary for the southwest region of the group (synodical). Margaret was one of the original leaders for the 1st Bryanston Beavers Scouting Group. Her pride and joy for 57 years was being the Cemetery Manager at St. John’s Cemetery, Arva, she started out with a very small box of receipts, an oil cloth map, an old felt-covered registry book and developed the cemetery to what it is today. Stepping in to be an officiant, counsellor and coordinator, everyone from clients, funeral directors, vault companies, monument companies and other cemetery related companies appreciated her kindness, compassion and history knowledge.
Visitation will be held at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. where the celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Keith McKee of St. George’s Presbyterian Church, London and Rev. Wendy Mencel of St. John the Divine, Arva, officiating. For those unable to attend, the family welcomes you to participate in the service via livestream here: Funeral Service for Margaret Elizabeth McCullough. If desired, donations in memory of Margaret may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, St. George’s Presbyterian Church, London or St. John’s Cemetery, Arva. We would like to say many thanks to the nurses, medical staff and doctors of the 4th floor at University Hospital for their dedication and tireless work, it is very much appreciated.
Leave a tribute for Margaret Elizabeth McCullough (née Needham)
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Margaret has always been very kind to me, like a grandmother. I am very sad to hear of her passing, but glad that she lived such an amazing, fulfilling life. My condolences go out to her son, Mark. He did so much for his mother and I know that made her life that much more special. I am so sorry for your loss, Mark.
Mark, I am sending you and your family my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother, Marg. Marg was a remarkable parent, friend and leader in the Prince Andrew School community. It was an honour and privilege to teach you and work with your mother and family. You are in my thoughts at this time. Sincerely, Paula Gregory (Barrett)
I was so very sorry to read of Marg's passing. I got to know her through the presbytery of London. She had a quiet wisdom, gentle sense of humour and deep faith that was a gift to our denomination.
Mark, we were saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. She will be remembered as a lovely active lady who lived a very busy and productive lifestyle. You will miss her but be comforted to know she lived a long life. Cherish your memories of your mother.
Mark, please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your beloved Mother. She was a special lady, beloved by so many. She was always such a supportive and caring friend. I’m sure you will miss her terribly. I hope you find comfort in knowing that she is at peace in God’s eternal rest. May your memories bring you joy and may you always experience the presence of her love. God bless.
So sorry to learn of Margaret’s passing. She was an exceptional lady and her legacy will live on in the kindness and generosity she has shown throughout her lifetime. Sending condolences to the family. Sincerely Brenda Roberts
Mark We were sad to hear your Mom had passed away .She was a wonderful lady .Our most sincere sympathy to you .Hans and Marie Ewald
Dear Mark, Tom & Loretta, We were saddened to learn of Margaret’s death. She was a special lady and will be missed. May your many memories help to bring you comfort. We will be keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Bob & Adele McCallum
To the McCullough & Needham families; Our sincere condolences to everyone at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to Mark, Tom & Loretta & family on the passing of Margaret. She used her talents to benefit many organizations. Reflect on the many happy memories you all shared with her.
Dear Mark, and Needham and McCullough Families, Margaret’s steady and longtime friendship with our family will be remembered and missed. Our cheerful chats, her sincere interest in others, her experienced advice, her wonderful ‘gift of music’, and her true sense of community spirit will continue to serve as inspiration. What a blessing Margaret has been in our lives…thank you for sharing her with us. ❤️ Sincerely, Paul and Kim, Gary, Nancy and Bruce, David and Joan, Jane and Steven, and John
Mark you have my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom. I remember your Mom as a Beaver leader with my Mom and her dedication to her community.
To Mark and Tom and Loretta Needham and Family: We are sorry to read of the loss of Margaret. She was a fine lady who dedicated her life to her family and to her community. May God bless you all at this sad time. Sincere Sympathy Jim and Shelley McKeen
Having spoken with Marg for well over 20 years regarding arranging funeral services and interments, I can certainly say she is missed! Marg was feisty, self-assured, knowledgeable and very caring. Sincere condolences to Mark: your Mom was a well-respected member of the London and area funeral services community. She often went above-and-beyond when family members requested 'different' services, or times, for their loved ones. Marg respected their wishes and always did her utmost to facilitate their requests.
Services for Margaret Elizabeth McCullough (née Needham)
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
May 24, 2022 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
May 24, 2022 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Northview Funeral Chapel
1490 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario
May 25, 2022 11:00 am
Make a donation
To donate to St. John’s Cemetery, Arva, please mail your cheque to:
St. John’s Cemetery
207 Sunnyside Drive
London, Ontario
N5X 3R1
On the memo line of your cheque, please indicate that it is in memory of Margaret McCullough.
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to St. John's Cemetery - Arva.
~ George and Jean Hutson