It's with great sadness that the family of the late Marigold Olga Sparkes announce her passing at Western Memorial Regional Hospital on Friday, December 5 2025 at the age of 81 years.

Leaving to mourn with fond and loving memories is her special friend Pearl Thomas, her special nephew Curtis Thornhill (Lisa)and nieces Carolyn Poulton (Al) and Linda Goodyear. She is also remembered by a large circle of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A heartfelt thank you to her landlords and dear friends, Paul and Leona Taylor who always went above and beyond for Margo.

She was predeceased by her parents Hayward and Edith Sparkes, her sisters Mae, Joyce, Greta and Jean and her brothers Sydney, Willoughby, Derek and Harry.

Margo was affectionately called "Fox" by many and will always be remembered for her infectious smile that put a twinkle in her eyes, her deep commitment to her family and her unwavering support for the Toronto Maple Leaf's. During her retirement her favorite place to be was at her cabin in Howley where she spent 25 wonderful years, a place that always brought joy to her heart and a smile to her face.

Rest easy Aunt Margo - we love you. Hopefully the Toronto Maple Leaf's will win soon and we will keep cheering them on in your honor. The love and joy you shared with all of us will never be forgotten.

Per Marigolds request, cremation will take place, there will be no formal visitation or funeral service at this time, an interment service is to take place at Mount Patricia Cemetery on Thursday, December 11 2025 at 1:00 pm with Major Brian Wheeler officiating. There are no flowers by request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marigolds honour to the Food bank or "just go out and do something nice for someone today"

Eulogy

Margo's early life began on Mount Batten Road, at the top of what was referred to as 'The Valley,' the road she would walk daily to the Corner Brook Public School, in downtown Corner Brook.

She often made fun of herself and how many times she had to repeat various grades, which is ironic given she was as sharp as a tack and quick with humor, almost to the very end.

As she matured while the town was experiencing substantial growth, life centered around the huge Bowater Pulp & Paper mill, however, Hayward her father or Hays as he was affectionately known, had his own plans for development - a general store with his name featured prominently above the front door. Edith, her mother, took care of the books, and is probably where Margo inherited her sunny disposition. Hays is famous for saying he had 12 children but dragged up nine, with Margo being the last survivor. Consequently Margo was predeceased by four brothers; Sidney, Willoughby, Derek, and Harry as well as four sisters; Greta, Joyce, Mae and Jean.

All the Sparkes clan were expected to take turns behind the counter of the store and often through her life, Margo, as a memory exercise, would recount every house on the street and everyone who lived in it during those formative years.

One of Margo's greatest passions was her love of sports. And as futile as it may seem to many of us bystanders, she remained a Maple Leaf's fan to the bitter end. Except when it came to Bobby Orr. Margo, like Don Cherry, believed he was the greatest player to ever play in the National Hockey League.

Not a mere observer however, Margo, often called "Fox", was out tearing up the softball field. Undoubtedly her auburn colored hair was the source of the distinction. The nickname lasted all of her life even when her thick beautiful carrot top turned a snowy white.

Not hard to believe her favorite spot on the field was short stop, probably because she was so short, a subject of much teasing. Her team was Clark Trading Company, and it was so precious to find her uniform in a drawer the other day with big block letters spelling, CLARKS. That and a trophy from a broomball championship win, was prelude to being laid out on the couch every Saturday night to watch Hockey Night in Canada.

Margo so admired Foster Hewitt, the announcer from early sign on coverage who would begin each broadcast, "Hello Canada and hockey fans in the United States and Newfoundland." Margo thought that was the greatest recognition of the provincial past and picked up on it every time Foster could get the words out.

Another famous quote of Foster Hewitt also spoke to Margo's character, "If you cannot play a sport, be one." It was a motto she lived by unwaveringly all of her life.

For years Margo was a member of the Corner Brook Legion, Branch #13, and kept a stool warm there many a Friday night. That was until she realized that a cold beer tasted even better by a campfire at a cabin in Goose Cove on the Howley Lakes. The smile on her face was infectious and stayed there for 25 years until she found the chores too difficult and on one of the saddest days of her life handed over the keys to its new owner.

A biography about Margo would not be complete without mentioning her illustrious career at Western Memorial Hospital. First in Housekeeping and then the Laundry, she made hard work for everyone around her fun. Margo was never one to brag, except for two major accomplishments: She beat everyone's time, including all the men, for processing the fastest load through the new automated loading washer installed in the early 2000's. And most importantly, she had the largest retirement party in the history of any individual employee. That one she never let us forget!

Finally, the last part of her life started gearing down after she retired, and took up a quieter life at Beothuk Crescent apartments off Elizabeth Avenue, where she was easily the most beloved person there. Although her sister Mae, who also resided there, might have had something to say about that. 'Cause to know Margo was to love her. She had a quiet unassuming presence, but look out if there was an obvious injustice. And still be big enough to admit when she was wrong.

Olga Marigold Sparkes was a rare and shining example to us all, how a life lived with a heart full of goodness and kindness can touch many. Rest in peace, beautiful Aunt Margo.

(Eulogy written by her loving neice, Linda Goodyear, as per her request.)