Margaret passed peacefully on June 12, 2024, in Victoria, BC, at the far too young age of 68.
Predeceased by her father Norman, her mother Evelyn, and her brother David, Margaret leaves behind her husband Colin Kopp, her son Ian (Karolina), daughter Lianne Brown (Ken), and granddaughter Amelia, along with many other relatives in Victoria and Northern Ireland.
Born and raised in Victoria on March 18, 1956, she attended school in Esquimalt and the University of Victoria. Initially interested in languages, she spent most of her career in Information Technology, particularly IT Security for the BC Government. She often said that her staff and the great people she worked with made her time there so worthwhile.
In her retirement, Margaret loved planning that next great travel adventure, including trips to Japan, Southeast Asia, Spain, and Italy. She often spoke of her trip to Japan as being one of her best trips ever and longed to return.
Family and friends were very important to Margaret. She took a keen interest in their lives and made a special effort to always keep in touch. She loved returning to Northern Ireland when she could to catch up with her relatives.
The devastating news of Margaret’s illness in 2023 was met with firm resolve to fight it. She faced her treatments with determination, secure in the love and support of her family.
Margaret is now at peace, finally free from the constant pain which she had endured this past year.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Royal Jubilee Hospital (8 South and 4th floors) and the BC Cancer Agency for their kindness and support. Special thanks to Drs. Otto, Addison, Pearce, Takeda, and Maxwell for their guidance throughout her journey. Also, a special thank you to Michelle Dale for her love and support during this difficult time. It was Margaret’s wish to be at the wedding of her daughter Lianne and through the incredible efforts of her hospital team, they made this possible. Margaret was so happy to witness her daughter’s marriage. It meant so much to her. Thank you. You’re the best!
A celebration of Margaret’s life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer Agency, Ovarian Cancer Canada, the SPCA, or your favourite charity.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Ira and Matthias Hoffecker
-
Neale Patton I have many fond memories of Margaret’s trips back to Northern Ireland and subsequently of my solo and family trips to Canada in more recent years. Margaret’s kindness, enthusiasm, generosity and wit were always evident whenever we caught up. She’ll be so very much missed, but always remembered.
Sending our deepest condolences from the Pattons in London.
Neale, Katie, Georgina & Rory
-
Laurel Worth We are all very sorry to hear the news that Margaret has lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Our friendship with the Patton family goes back many years, with our parents knowing each other in Winnipeg before moving to Victoria……we have many fond memories of going back and forth to each of our parents homes and sharing happy times together. Our sincere condolences. With love and sympathy,
Georgia and Marcia Thorneycroft, Laurie (Bob) Worth
-
Evonne Prentice (Vliet) So sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing. I went to school with her at Shoreline and Esquimalt High. We partnered once on a project and she was way smarter than me! Lovely person. My condolences to her family.
-
Jane Stewart Dear Colin, Ian, Karolina, Lianne, Ken and Amelia,
It was with great sadness that I learned of Margaret’s passing. It was an honour and a pleasure to have had her as a colleague for so many years, I admired her a great deal. I hope memories of happy times will ease the sorry you are all feeling. My sincere condolences to you all.
-
Terry Whitney I am so sorry to hear of Margaret’s passing but thankful she is now at peace. She was a caring, honest person and my heart goes out to Colin and her family and friends who will miss her dearly.
-
Cheryl Hames I had the privilege to work with Margaret. She was always kind and generous. I’m so very sorry that she leaves so soon.
-
Maureen Taylor A beautiful tribute for a beautiful person. Margaret will be truly missed by so many. Sending our condolences to all of her family and friends.
Owen & Maureen Taylor
-
Jacky Sutherland I’ve known Margaret through both happy and hard times. While remembering her many qualities – humour, empathy, intelligence, to name a few, what stands out most throughout the years is humanity – a patient, accepting, caring, and supportive daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and human being whose kindness made the world a better place.
Rest in peace Margaret.With deepest sympathy – Jacky and Keith
-
Keith, Jacky and Renee We will always treasure our wonderful memories with Margaret. She was a kind and generous spirit and she will be dearly missed. Sending our love to Colin, Ian, Lianne, Carolina, Ken, and Amelia.
-
Trish Baylis I am very saddened to read this. Margaret and I grew up together in View Royal along with Norman. I last spoke with her several years ago and through social media. My sincere condolences to her family.
-
Rick and Trish Wells A wonderful lady and a great friend, it was an honor to be involved with Margaret’s wedding to Colin. Very glad I was able to meet Margaret’s parents and family and keep up with the busy Kopp/Patton family life and adventures through those detailed and humorous Christmas newsletters (there was a lot of activities packed into each and every year). Take care Colin, Ian and Lianne and your extended families. Margaret was truly one of the very best and she will live on through all of us.
-
Alex Inch and Sarah Burwell We met our next door neighbours, Margaret, Colin, Ian and Lianne, when we move to Cordova Bay in 2001. They immediately made us feel welcome and at home. While Colin proved to be the master of understated humour, it was Margaret that always made us laugh even more with her witty, and always to the point, comebacks. Classy, yet down to earth, even in her last year, she was an inspiration. A perfect neighbour and fantastic friend, we will miss her.
Alex Inch and Sarah Burwell
Dear Colin, Lianne and Ian,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Margaret was a wonderful friend.
We are thankful to have met you, Colin and Margaret about 20 years ago. Many fond memories were made during the past years. We worked closely together on one project a few years ago and could not have done it without Margaret. Her bright, kind, caring and generous spirit will be greatly missed.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Ira and Matthias with Luca and Lara