Contributions to the tribute of Margaret Begner

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Carl and Anita Britten posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario, We would like to extend our condolences on your loss of your wife and mother, Margaret. We have many memories of her from our visits with you at the Inn. We knew her to always have a smile, and she would never be without her good nature. Her ability to provide a relaxing and wonderful dining experience will never be forgotten. May Margaret rest in peace.

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John & Stephanie Lawson posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Stephanie and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of Margaret. We injoyed many years of of meals and service at both Dufferin Inn and Opra Bistro. Margaret was a great pesonality and will be missed.

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Michael, Megan & Elizabeth Estey posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel & Mario:It is with a heavy heart we heard that Margaret has passed on; though finally at peace and without pain but leaving a family full of sadness and grief behind. Our deepest condolences to all at this time. We, my family remembers Margaret as she was an acquaintance & and as well Margarets son and my sister were in dance school for quite some time together. Wonderful memories of Opera Bistro as well - was a fantastic place! She will be missed.Michael, Megan & Elizabeth Estey

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Jan & Don Lalonde posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel & Mario, Even though we are far away at the moment, our thoughts are with you both. It is not the "Years in the Life, it is the "Life in the Years", Margret lived each day to the fullest and at 150%. We will miss her and she will always have a special place in everyone's heart who had the priviledge to know her. We smile when we think of the perfect brunch in our backyard on the perfect day with that ever so special bottle of "Cristal" we shared!! A "Toast to her Life" Jan & Don Lalonde

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Martine & Donnie posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Axel and Mario Our thoughts and prayers are with you...With sincere sympathy Donnie & Martine

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Eve Nolan posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Very sorry to hear of your lost she was a great person and will be missed God Bless you all

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Annetta Gardner posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

To Margaret's Family. I met Margaret several years ago when you first opened the Dufferin Inn. I would meet her walking, sometimes very early in the morning, and some times stopped to chat. Then I would often see her with Mario at Saint's Rest Beech. Mario was just a very little boy then.What a nice, nice lady.I was so sad to read of her passing. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with.

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Glenna Brittain posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario; My deepest sympathy for your loss. A very special person is gone.... It is very difficult to loose a loved one. My heart aches for you. May your hearts find healing in cherished memories of dear Margaret. Love and prayers, Glenna

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Chris Hughes posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario,I was much saddened to hear the news of Margret's passing. I will miss her presence, her spirit, her energy, her extraordinary memory, her amazing desserts, and her remarkable sense of humour more than I can say. I will say, that she made a difference in my life, on many levels, and I will remember her with fondness and much appreciation. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you both and I am very disappointed that I can not attend her memorial. But I can take some solace knowing that you will be surrounded by your family, and the many many friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by her for the better.SincerelyChris Hughes

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Heather and Stephany posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Axel, Mario, and family,Margret truly whetted the appetite of our city, for your glorious food, to be sure, Axel; but also for something deeper. Leading by a willful example, she ignited our region to strive for excellence, and to make every opportunity one in which we hungered for more.Margret inspired an insatiable appetite for Saint John to surpass our potential, and injected an unmatched style into the culture of our community. May we all keep that fire ignited within us, and hear Margret's straight shooter encouragement whenever opportunity looks instead like adversity.Our city rejoices in bittersweet celebration of one of its finest citizens.Thank you for sharing your wonderful wife, mother, and sister with us.Heather&Stephany Peterson, and Harry Veino

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Sue and Ray Williams posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario - we are so saddened to hear of Margaret's passing. She was a wonderful, energetic person who contributed so much to our community. We will be forever grateful for the care and friendship she gave to our family. I know she was very special to "Nanny" for all of her help during the Westside Preschool days. May you have peace in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue and Ray, Tyler, Simon and Ryan.

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Sue and Ray Williams posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario, We are so saddened to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was a wonderful, energetic person who gave so much to our community. We will be forever grateful for her friendship and the kindness and helpfulness she gave to our family during the Westside Preschool years. I know Nanny and Tyler appreciated and enjoyed spending time with her and Mario. We wish you peace at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue and Ray, Tyler, Simon and Ryan

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The Comeau Family posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with Axel and Mario at this time of prfound loss. It is so difficult to lose a wife, mother, and friend.. Margaret was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She certainly made entertaining in Saint John such an enjoyable thing. She was also so caring to so many people and did countless acts of kindness for many of those in need. We will miss her forever......................

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Ted Asbridge posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

To Axel and Mario, I know words cannot help at this time, and how sad we all are but please know what a special lady Margret was to all of us. I’ll admit that she was a “force” in our business and I was slightly scared and always very much in awe of her for sure… The years flew by and she was always there to count on for anything, always a laugh or a story. We Scorpios have to stick together eh! I enjoyed many birthday cakes she created for me. I’ll treasure our last wine and cheese nibble shared with you both in November at the inn, snuggled in the front room… my thoughts are with you both at this time… ted

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Margaret Leahey Bailey posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Written By Margaret Leahey Bailey After Attending Margret's Funeral Today, January 9th, 2014Lisa Hrabluk what a great wordsmith you are...Lisa you put it perfectly--"One final lunch with Margret." The Funeral was such a very special celebration of Margret's life. My heart broke for Axel and Mario. But I hope they were able to feel all the love in that beautiful Assumption Church on the West Side of Saint John (my Dad's childhood Church)...It was packed with people who loved Margret, Axel and Mario...Margret could not have had a better son or a better husband...And her sister Gerta (from Germany) was there too. Monsignor Brian Sheen, was exceptional, as always...I just thank God I went to her Funeral. It was very hard but I am so grateful I went. It meant so very much. And how very classy of Axel and Mario to greet all the mourners as they arrived at the Church and to thank them, as they left after the Funeral Mass. They were caring about us, when they were hurting so very much. I will never forget that. And I will never forget Margret. No one will Mario.

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Dave Ryan posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Axel & Mario,So saddened by your loss. Thank you for sharing Margret with our community. Her contributions and the hard work of you all taught many of us how to do things right. We have learned much from Margret. Our world shares the pain of your loss, but as Margret would do, we will stand tall to support and celebrate her life.

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Melissa Richards posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

I worked for Margaret and Axel in my early 20’s at the Dufferin Inn and the Opera Bistro. Although Margaret and I never spoke after I left the Bistro, I have always held a fondness for her. She had an insatiable ambition, she knew what she wanted and she wasn’t scared to go for it! She was an inspiration to every woman in business. I never got to thank Margaret for everything that she did for me but I hope that she understood how much I valued my time working for her.Please accept my heartfelt condolences Axel and Mario. My heart goes out to you during this unthinkably difficult time.Sincerely,Melissa Richards

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Cathy Taylor posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Our city has lost a passionate, innovative woman who made our city a better place to work and play. Our loss pales in comparison to yours. My heart is heavy for you both and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Joshua Thomson posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

So sorry to hear of the passing of Margaret Begner, former owner of The Opera Bistro on Prince William Street. I remember meeting her through networking in the Uptown when I managed Olivier Soaps in the City Market. Always so pleasant and nice to me. Your restaurant was lovely. My heart goes out to her family. Thank you.

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Mary Gallant posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

My sincere condolences to Margaret's family. I remember many years ago her son Mario and my son Aaron attended pre-school together. She was one of the most gracious and kind lady I have ever met, always encouraging, always had a wonderful smile, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.Sincerely,Mary Gallant and family, Airdrie, Alberta

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Jasmine Mosher posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario,We are truly saddened to hear about your loss and we send you our deepest condolences. Margaret was truly dedicated, kind-hearted and very passionate about hospitality and tourism. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, friends and members of the community. Sincerely,Jasmine Mosher & the staff at the Best Western PLUS Saint John

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Lisa and Mark Bettle posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Axel and Mario, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Margret was always very kind to our family and we have some fond memories of the times we spent together. God bless you during this difficult time.

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Kim Banks posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Axel, We are so saddened to learn of Margret's passing, and we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you, Mario and other family members! I will always remember how Jessica used to want to go in on her off hours, and get one of Margret's famous creme brulees - like everything in Opera Bistro, it was amazing!! Margret always took such great care of us whenever we came in for meals! Jessica enjoyed her time at the Bistro, and she felt so sad when she found out that Margret had passed away - it's just hard to believe!!! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. With sincere sympathy, Jim, Kim and Jessica Banks.

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Rosi Jory posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

THANKS, MARGARET, for having been such a SUPERB Saint Johner! Rosi Jory

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Melissa Robinson/Timothy Palmer posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

So sorry to hear of Margaret's passing...she was a big part of the uptown in Saint John.... she will be missed for sure. She did great work in our community.Sorry for your loss.Condolences to all her family and friends.Melissa and Tim

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Bill and Shirley Walsh posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Please except our condolences,Thoughts and prayers go out to all.

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Beate and Uwe Kuester posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Margret. Our deepest sympathy to both of you. May the Lord provide you with peace and comfort. We will be here for you both if you need anything. Lots of love Beate and Uwe, Florian, Maria and Georg Fackelmann

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Brenda &STACIE Smith posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

TO Axel & Mario, I knew your mother through my daughter .MARIO WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HERI am so shocked Axel and MARIO , hear of her passing .She was nice lady .Be thinking of you and in my prayers. Brenda & Stacie Smith

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Elizabeth posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

.....so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My prayers are with you both.....sincerely, Elizabeth

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Peggy Gallant posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Mario and Axel, My thought and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult journey. The loss of a loved one is always hard but the memories are never forgotten. Peggy Gallant (Martello Convenience)

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Peggy Gallant posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Mario and Axel, My thought and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult journey. The loss of a loved one is always hard but the memories are never forgotten. Peggy Gallant (Martello Convenience)

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Xinran Wang posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Axel and Mario,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I recalled the time we were working together. There were so many valuable experiences I learned from her. I am thinking of both of you and her for the whole day today. She and her wisdom will be in my mind forever! Xinran

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Scott & Alana Randell posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Axel and Mario, Our hearts go out to you both. Alana, Scott , Jarrett & Chad Randell

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Paul & Rubye Leger posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario We are so saddened to learn of the death of Margaret. She was truly a good person and such a hard working woman. She will be missed. I wish there was something we could say or do that would be of some comfort to you. We have known your family since Mario was a baby and we appreciate the contact that we have had with you over the years. Please feel free to call on us if there is anything we can do for you. We will miss her friendship. I am sorry that we will be unable to join you for the celebration Mass of her life but Paul has a medical appointment that he must keep on that day and I am sure that you will understand that.We will be in touch.Love Paul and Rubye

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Hayes family posted a condolence

Monday, January 6, 2014

Axel and Mario,We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will never forget Margaret and all that she has done for her friends and community. She truly had a generous spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. Brian, Lynn, Meghan and Julie Hayes

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Paula and Ehab Radwan posted a condolence

Monday, January 6, 2014

Axel & Mario, We send you our deepest sympathies at this time. What a kind and generous person Margaret was. Her wisdom will stay with us forever. We will keep you in our prayers. Paula & Ehab RadwanManagement & staff of Taste Of Egypt

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Pat Joas posted a condolence

Monday, January 6, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario,I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. Margret was a true and splendid friend to me. She was also a wonderful colleague--making our forays into "Books at the Bistro" both fun and fantastic when shared with her. I am grateful for happy times spent together, and remain in awe of her humour, constant intellectual curiosity, and seemingly boundless energy. She was a source of joy for many people, but she loved her family most dearly. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.Sincerely,Pat Joas

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Pat Lively posted a condolence

Monday, January 6, 2014

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. With deepest sympathies Pat Lively

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Karen Powell posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

I have been involved in food in Sj for years and Margaret was a gem, she left her mark on SJ, it will never forget her. She was a great lady!

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Margaret Leahey Bailey posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

It is so hard to lose someone who was truly loved and who really meant so much to so many, just because of the person she was...Not because of fame, wealth or political position. But because she cared. It really was a privilege to know Margret and her wonderful husband Axel and loving son Mario. Saint John mourns with you. Margret was the best at everything she did and she did so much for so many. We will remember her with such love and gratitude. Margret took the time to care and as a result, everyone cared about her. She will NEVER be forgotten and she will ALWAYS be missed.Sincerely,Margaret Leahey BaileyRothesay, NB

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Terry Albright posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Margaret had a great social conscience. I recall several times when she provided food for the men's homeless shelter. I would like to extend deepest condolences to Axel and Mario.she will be very missed.

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Catherine S.& Bridget Mc. posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Axel and Mario, you are much in our thoughts at this difficult time. We are so happy to have had the joy of knowing Margret and you both over these past years. Margret will be greatly missed for her humour, charm and joy in life. Thinking of you with loveCatherine &Bridget

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Lori Weir posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario,Whether in meetings or at one of your spectacular restaurants; what struck me about Margaret - her clarity about what needed to be done, and her willingness to do it. One one occasion I asked Margaret to support an event I was involved with. Rather than making a donation, or telling me to hit the street, Margaret baked the most amazing cake that I was able to raffle as part of a silent auction. This cake made money. What really impressed me though was her willingness to take this on, when she had her hands full to overflowing. Generous and capable. When I'd encounter Margaret and her family was around; what struck me was the unmistakable look of adoration. Axel and Mario, although I don't know your family well; I know how much she loved you both.I am very sorry for your tremendous loss. Wishing you moments of happiness and strength in the days ahead.

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Chris & Deb Boudreau posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Dear Axel and Mario,Our hearts are so heavy and sad on Margret's passing. She was one of the most honest, hardworking committed people that we had the pleasure of knowing. Her contributions to this city were many and her generosity second to none. Her committement and love to you both unwavering. We enjoyed many dinners at both the Dufferin Inn and Opera Bistro and the gift of Margret. We wish you both strength and grace as you journey through this most difficult time.

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Dee Stubbs-Lee posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Rest in peace, Margret. We will miss you.Dee Stubbs-Lee and Jeff Lee

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Margaret & Gregory Zed posted a condolence

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Axel and Mario,We share in your unthinkable loss. Margret was an outstanding human being who cared so much for her family and community. Together you raised the standard for fine dining in the city and you raised a really wonderful son. She was always thinking about those less fortunate and was very charitable. Margret was always so kind to my family when they were visiting and my Dad really looked forward to seeing her when he came to visit. Margret was so sweet when she made him his own special plate of chanterelles. Despite his Alzheimer's disease, he hasn't forgotton that simple act of kindness, that was Margret. We will miss her so much. She was truly loved and will always be remembered. Cherish your memories and know that she left a legacy in this city that cannot be matched. Maggie and Gregory Zed

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Bernard & Elizabeth Cormier posted a condolence

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Dear Axel, Mario, and Family,Elizabeth and I were very saddened to learn of Margret's passing and send you our heartfelt sympathies and condolences for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Margret from our many visits to the Dufferin Inn, Food Festivals, and Opera Bistro. She was one of the most creative contributors for the good of our city and she will certainly be missed by so many who knew her. We are all fortunate that she entered our lives with her irreplaceable personality and humour. Our caring thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.Someone so special can never be forgotten.Most sincerely,Bernie & Elizabeth

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Pat & Marg posted a condolence

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Dear Axel & Mario,Our sincere condolences on the death of your Wife and your Mother, Margret. She has had a tough fight and now she is at peace. I don't think we knew of a harder & dedicated worker nor a more generous and involved individual. Cherish your good memories of her and remember her strengths. Personally,Pat & Marg (Gallagher)

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Susan Fullerton posted a condolence

Saturday, January 4, 2014

To Axel, Mario and all of Margret's family;Our sincere condolences to you all. Margret will be truly missed here in Saint John. Our hearts go out to you.SincerelyEdward McLean, Susan Fullerton, Management and Staff of Chipman Hill Suites

Margaret Begner

1955 - 2014

Mass of Christian Burial

Reception