Magda (Margaret) Moyes
August 8, 1938 to February 11, 2022
Obituary
Magda’s early life with her parents William and Ruby (née Hull) and brother Bob Paterson in Hornchurch, Essex, was a happy one, if interrupted by the Blitz, and noise of the military base near the local cinema and bomb shelter, where her father was an air raid warden. A bright child, Magda won a scholarship to the Ursuline Convent Grammar School in Brentwood and, upon graduation, like many young women of her generation, went to secretarial school, in Oxford. Hired immediately by the Westminster Bank in Threadneedle Street, Magda worked in their Foreign Office, a very happy time in her life.
At 17, she also started to teach ballroom dance, where one of her callow students was a young John Moyes. Eight years later, they married and moved to Newfoundland for John’s work in the marine business. They were quickly brought into the fold of the St. John’s Players, where they made many fast and lifelong friends, and soon thereafter with theatre people as well as fishermen and their wives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Adopted second Mum to many, maker of muffins with secret ingredients (coconut and chocolate chips) whose amazing smell, combined with Magda’s quiet giggle and hospitality, kept our family friends, young and old, coming back. Elegant and beautiful, Magda created a home with John that reflected all her qualities. Social gatherings always involved excellent food, conversation – and lots of dancing. All were welcome and invited to be their true and best selves at Forest Road.
Boxing Day curries, 56 years and counting, are now her grandchildren’s favourite Christmas event too. And dancing around the dining room table afterwards!
Magda had a long career as personal secretary at the university, working on contract in several Departments, always irreplaceable. Her favourite was Folklore, with Herbert Halpert and John Widdowson. She transcribed and typed two seminal books, More Than 50%, on women’s work in Newfoundland, by Hilda Murray, and Folktales of Newfoundland (Halpert and Widdowson).
Magda leaves to mourn her loving husband of 58 years, John Moyes; her children Louise (Mark), Jonathan, and Rebecca (Terry), and grandchildren Stella & Ava (mother Ann), Gabriel, Kate, and Ash; Sister and brother-in-law Marie and Peter Garner, niece Deb Paterson and extended Paterson and Moyes family in the UK; Special friends Lisa and Donald Hurd, Pauline Sadler and Catherine Maret.
Many thanks to Drs Al Assaed and McIsaac at the Bliss Murphy Centre and their team as well as the nurses and staff at 4 North B HSC.
A private funeral will be held. Interment will be at the Forest Rd Cemetery. A celebration of Magda’s life will follow, in the garden at Forest Road in the summer. Please email celebrationofmagda@gmail.com if you wish to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Magda’s memory may be made to the Dr. H Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation or the Salvation Army.
Sending our sympathies to John and family. We haven’t seen you in a great while since our move to BC but we were so saddened to hear of Magda’s passing. Thinking of you.
John
So sorry to hear of Magda’s passing . Long time since we talked, long time since we were together but Susan and I will always remember our trips to St. John’s and your trips to Prince Edward Island . Magda was a great lady and will surly be missed .
Again, so sorry .
Jim and Susan STAVERT
Dearest John,
I’m late in hearing the upsetting news regarding your loss. Like my own parents who enjoyed such a long and loving relationship I know that your time with Magda was unique and that together you formed a special bond of love, partnership and encouragement. I pray for your strength during this time of healing and hope that you take great comfort in knowing how many people both near and far are holding you and your family close to their hearts during these days. God Bless You.
John Barrett
Sister Kim just informed me of Magda’s passing today, and tears are flowing. She was the sweetest and we always adored her. Love and condolences to all of you from Kim and I.
So sorry to hear about Magda. We really enjoyed meeting you both when we all went to The Crows Nest..
You were such good landlords to our daughter Emily.
Our sincere condolences.
Jenny and Neville
Thinking of you at this sad time John.
My deepest sympathy,
Catherine (Cak) Halliday
I will always treasure the happy times with John and Magda at St.John’s Players parties, and at their house with the running club after practice. Magda’s memory enriches all of us.
David Furlong
Toronto, Feb. 19, 10:30 am
Please include my email:
dfurlong97@gmail.com
Your mom’s obituary is beautiful. Her love and joy lives in you all. Thinking of you as you live with your loss.
Our sincere condolences,
Yvonne Manning and Frank Corbett
My sympathy and condolences to all the Moyes family. She will always be remembered and loved, Thinking of you.
We send our heartfelt condolences to John and his family.Magda was the loving,,kind-hearted centre of so many groups of friends in the university,theatre and arts communities.She will be long remembered and missed.
Michael and Annette Staveley
John and family – so sorry to hear of Magda’s passing…….we are sending much love to you all.
Pearl & Ivan Patten
My late colleague Herbert Halpert spoke often of Magda’s thoughtful and supportive work on Folklore Department projects. To John and Louise, I’m thinking of you at this time; my deepest condolences for your sad loss.
We are so very saddened to hear of Magda’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to John, Louise, Rebecca and Johnathan. Magda was a wonderful person and we have many fond memories of joyful times we spent together over the years.: Sending you all our love.
Wayne and Karen
Rebecca, my condolences to you and your family at your loss. Your mother sounded like a wonderful individual.
My sincere condolences to John and family.
My heart felt condolences to each of you on your loss-Louise, Rebecca, Johnathan and John. My family and I remember Magda with much love. Hugs
Such a thoughtful and well-penned obituary, an appropriate and lovely tribute to a beautiful life. My condolences to John, Louise, Jonathan and Rebecca and all Magda’s family and friends. So very sorry for your loss.
Louise, my sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother.
Take care.
Mona
My heartfelt condolences to you Louise, and your family at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Cindy
My heart tells me she lives on with your passion humour and joy – may there always be a dance in your step. The closure to her treasured journey is deserving of countless curtain calls to be relished in all of nature’s glory.
John anf Family,
I am sorry to hear of Magda’s passing. I remember so well the joyful times I had in your company. My sincere condolences, may she rest in peace.
Sending my condolence to you and your family John RIP Magda
JOHN AND FAMILY OUR CONDOLENCE TO YOU ALL AT THIS TIME IN OUR THOUGHTS. Bridget, Wynyard & Nancy Haynes St. John’s. Also Charles and Sarah Cope Little Baddow Essex UK. R I P Magda
Louise, My condolences on the loss of your dear Mother.
John and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you .
Marilyn Mullins
Rebecca and family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, and by the sounds of things, this is a great loss. What a full life; I wish you comfort in these memories and peace in the love that must have been abundant.
“What the heart gives away is never gone… it is kept in the hearts of others.” Robin St. John
My heartfelt condolences to John, Louise, Jonathan, Becky and all your family at this sad time. Magda was not only a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother to your dynamic family but she was an incredible supporter of the arts and the local community. Sending lots of love and good memories to you all. May she rest peacefully ❤️
Sheilagh
John and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Magda’s illness and now her death. She was always lovely to meet and spend time with. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Our sincerest condolences.
Becky, Louise and family,
So very sorry to hear the sad news. Your lovely tribute to your mom leaves no doubt that you have a boatload of happy memories to help you through this most difficult of times. Sincere condolences.
I would like to give my sincere condolences to John and family on the lost of Magda a very special lady.
John, Becky and your families
Our condolences on Magda’s passing. We remember with gratitude, the many happy times we enjoyed in your company.
Jim Austin and Patricia.
Special condolences to an old Track and Field partner, John!! You have been blessed to have had so many years of a partnership, yet I feel for you at this challenging times.
John,
We were so very sorry to hear of Magda’s passing.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
So very sorry to read this sad news. Deepest sympathy to all the family.
Louise and family. I was so sorry to read this news. My deepest condolences on your mum’s passing. You certainly inherited her love of dancing, I know you will cherish all of your special
Memories of her as you celebrate her life.
John and family
We are saddened to hear of your loss of Magda, a wonderful and lovely lady..
Wayne and Mary-Kaye
John,
Heather and I send our heartfelt condolences. I remember how kind you and Magda were when I attended SJP executive meetings in your home several years ago and how supportive she was of the SJP and its members. She was in the audience for so many productions over the years. Take care and God bless.
Jim Healey
Hi John ,our sincere condolences to you and your family so sorry to hear of Magda’s passing !
Hello John;
Maureen and I were shocked to hear of Magdaè;s passing.
It seems like yesterday when we enjoyed good times with you and Magda at the Murphiys and our place down in FL.
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family..
. John sincere condolences to you and your family. Deepest sympathy.
Kay (Kathleen Stewart) Scott
Dear John and famil,y, I was very saddened to read of Magda’s passing. My late husband Cliff and I enjoyed our visits with you and Magda until we left St. John’s upon retirement in 2005. My deep sympathy and condolences go out to you.
Tricia and I send our condolences to John and your family.
Fred & Tricia Hawksley
John and Family – So sorry to hear of Magda’s passing. Sincere condolences on your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan and I extend our condolences to John on Magda’s passing. We knew John and Magda through mutual acquaintences for many years but really got to know them on a cruise from New York to Puerto Rico a few years back. There were many meals together and very stimulating conversations. Magda was indeed a shining light.
Dear John, Rebecca, Louise & Jonathan & families:
I was saddened to learn of Magda’s (your Mom’s) passing. She fought the good fight and now she is at peace. I met Magda a few times and always found her to be such a delightful and warm person.. Cherish the many wonderful memories and hold them close to your heart. They will get you through this difficult time.
Hugs!
Dear John, family and all Magda’s friends. It is such a sad time for all. Magda was a shining light, and had that sweet smiling face i recall at the Nest. She will be always missed. i’m sure Vera was there to greet her.
A lifetime ago we were once neighbours in Wedgewood Park. My mom and I extend our condolences to the Moyse family (and extended families), May Magda RIP and her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. 🙏🏻
Johnson sorry for your lost it been a while since I saw you .You were always a regular at the barber shop in the Avalon Mall and Magda would often come with you
We were deeply saddened to hear of
Magda’s passing. She was a wonderful and gracious person. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
So sorry to hear of Magda’s passing.Our sincere condolences to you all at this sad time
Andrew and Sue Crichton
An absolutely lovely woman – thinking of you all,
Jennifer Curran & John Graham
My condolences to John and Louise.
To John and family,
I wish to extend my sympathy to you all on the passing of Magda. I have wonderful memories of her at the Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club and what a gracious and fun loving lady she was. I recall with a smile watching Magda and John dancing to live music and the great enjoyment they had doing so.
Magda will be missed by so many and May She Rest In Peace.
My condolences to all of the Moyes family. What a full and interesting life Magda lived! She will surely be well remembered by family and friends. Thinking of you at this time.
Dear John and family
I am so sorry to hear of Magda’s passing. She will be missed.
My memories are of talking to her in the Crow’s Nest and how I was always reminded of home.
Please take care
With love Catherine xx
John and family – so very sad to hear of Magda’ s passing – sending warm wishes from across the ocean!
My deepest sympathy to you all Lovingly, Muffet.
Hello all, once again: Just wanted to leave another note to let you know we are thinking of you today and always. Memories of growing up together. Memories of visits between Wedgewood Park, and Pleasantville, then Forest Road and Radio Range Road. Trips around Newfoundland together. Memories of families intertwined. To John, Becky, Louise, and Jonathan, as well as to my own parents, who have lost such a dear friend I send my love and support. I do my best to be at the memorial, whenever it is arranged. Love from Rob and Celia in Toronto.
Becky, Louise, Jonathan and families
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.. Thinking of you all.
Toby and Colin
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife John. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time..
Sincerely,
Wendy Zdebiak
The world has lost a charming lady and your family a delightful member. My thoughts are with you and with Magda whom we will remember fondly.
John and family
We are deeply saddened to hear of Magda’s passing. Thinking of you and family. You have our sincere condolences.
Catherine and Niall
John and family,
Ginny and I were so sorry to learn of Magda’s passing. Many fond memories of dinners at Frog Pond with the Swedes. I knew she had not been well recently but it is always sad at the end. We want you all to know we are thinking of you and send our deepest sympathies. With much love to all
To John and Family, So sad to hear of Magda’s passing.. You are in our hearts and minds.
To John and Family, So sad to hear of Magda’s passing.. You are in our hearts and minds.
It is with a heavy heart that I read the news of her passing. Such a bright light and warm soul. I always admired the shining love between John and Magda. It was (and is) palpable to anyone who shared a room with them. Such a wonderful life lived and such a wondrous family raised. How lucky were we all that they chose Newfoundland. Sincere condolences from Melissa and I.
Dear John,
Very sorry to read of the passing of your dear wife Magda.. My sincere condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Vernon Petten
John & Family:
Bette & I are so sorry for your loss with the death of your beloved Magda. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to all.
Yours friends at RCS, Eric & Bette
Our deepest condolences, John and family. Magda was a pleasant, welcoming and interesting member of the Crow’s Nest family of friends. All who knew her will miss her.
John, Louise, Jonathan, Rebecca and families,
Thinking of all of you and sending my sincere condolences on the loss of dear Magda.
I always enjoyed being in her company, and she will be missed.
Jane
John and family, we are so sorry for your loss.
John ,
My condolences to you and your family,
John, I’m so sorry to hear of Magda’s passing. I remember her at the Crow’s Nest as being so friendly and sweet. May all your wonderful memories of her comfort you at this time.
My sincerest condolences to John and
family. We will miss her at the Crow’s Nest!
Dear John and family.
Very sorry to here of your wife and mother’s passing. Please accept our heart felt condolences .
Jim and Evelyn King
Very very sorry to hear that wonderful lovely beautiful kind Magda has left us. Thinking of you all. Love Bruce
John and family….. I am so sorry for your loss…. My thought today are of seeing you guys dancing at the Crow’s Nest, now I find out she taught you how to dance John!!!
Magda always looked so happy …. And that smile , when you guys were dancing…. That’s my memory xx
John and family, very sorry to hear of Magda’s passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you thru this difficult time.
Dave and Linda Dewling
Sending Love and hugs to John, Louise, Jonathan, Rebecca, and all the family. We will miss Grandma so much. We wish we were there with you. XOXO
I mourn along with you in these challenging days and weeks to come. When a life has been so thoroughly celebrated and lived, you can’t help but smile. She has given to all of us so much of her time, her hugs and her joy. I was so excited to be invited to the Boxing Day curries, it was an honour to see all of the people the family bought together – so many generations at the same table. And the music and singing and dancing – so amazing! She is part of my story and I will miss her!
What a moving and wonderful tribute to someone who was clearly a lover of life. Her smile in the photo you have chosen for the tribute says so much about her. The last 15 months have been difficult for the Moyes, as you have been there for your mom’s struggle, but what a blessing to have had the bond of family to support her – and each other. Rebecca, your Canadian Heritage family has followed this struggle with love and sincere empathy, and we are heartbroken at your mom’s passing. We share your sorrow, and PCH staff across Atlantic Canada and beyond extend hugs of support. Our most sincere condolences to you all.
To John and family,
Our thoughts are with you today as you mourn the loss of your lovely wife, mother and grandmother. May your warm memories help you through this difficult time.
Ken and Katie Pittman
Dear John,Louise, Jonathan and Becky,
Deepest sympathy for your loss of Magda, a beautiful soul.
I remember that beautiful long dark hair in the the late 60’s when I babysat for her and John. Loved bumping into her and John years later for a chat. Cherish your memories of a beautiful wife, mother and grand mother.
Angela Coleman Gibbons
To John and Family,
So saddened to learn of Magda’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences at this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..
John, Louise, Johnnie and Becky and families
Thinking of you all. Lots of lovely memories of Magda and Moyes clan.
Heather, Andrew and Tess
Sincerest Condolences John and Family..
Dear John, Louise, Rebecca, and Jonathan,
I am so sorry for your loss. Magda was a ray of light in this world. We are all blessed to have known her. My deepest condolences to you all.
So sorry to hear the sad news , our condolences to John and all the family. It is many years since we have got together but we have many happy memories of those times with John and Magda
Ken and Gillian Corbett
So sorry to hear this news. Thoughts and sympathies to John, Louise and Becky. And a wonderful idea to celebrate when summer comes (and Covid goes)
Marilyn
John, Louise, Jonathan and Rebecca,
So sorry to hear of Magda’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts .
Dear John, Becky, Louise and Jonathan. Sending love and condolences to you and all your family for your loss.. Magda was always so warm and welcoming to me and to so many others. Her smile and vibrancy will be missed. Love Ellen, Dave and family
Dear John and family, so sorry to hear this news, Magda will be sadly missed. Thinking of you love Carol xx
Much love from our family to yours..
Sending my love to your family during this time.
Love Jessica ( Phil’s daughter )
My Dear Louise and Family, So sorry to hear you have lost your beloved mother, my deepest condolences to you all.
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
My condolences , thinking of you at this time and sending hugs and dance steps to you all, in your Moms memory 🙏🙏
John and family:
So sorry to learn about Magda’s passing, Our deepest condolences.
My thoughts are with you all.. A family so rich in love, talent and caring ,such as yours ,is a testament to the amazing matriarch your mother and wife has been . I am thinking of you all and am sure the many wonderful happy memories and the bond between you all will carry you through this very sad parting of ways.. Sending you all a warm hug , my love and my sincere condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincere condolences to the entire family. I’m so very sorry to hear this.
John and family:
So sorry to learn about Magda’s passing. We pray that your sadness will be overcome by pride and everlasting admiration for your beautiful wife and mother. She was a wonderful person who will always live in your hearts..
Please accept our sincere condolences.
David & Gwen Alcock
I’m so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to the whole Moyes family. .
My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Magda was a beautiful and kind lady. So sorry for your loss.
John and family, so sorry to here of your wife/ mothers passing. We shared a lot fun when you both attended Auctions. May she rest in peace.
Ah hell. Its so sad to hear of the beautiful Magda’s trip to beyond the mortal coil. I know that a part of her spirit will be floating over the white cliffs of Dover (perhaps disguised as a blue bird? ) and another glowing part of her soul over Quidi Vidi and Forest Road (in the guise of a wandering Kittiwake perhaps?) where John can gaze up and smile his love to her.
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you all.
Dearest Magda, we will miss your bright light. Our sincerest condolences to you John, and to Louise, Rebecca and Jonathon. Our heart goes out to you all. We are thinking of you.