In Loving Memory of

Margaret McCulloch

16th November 1948 - 13th April 2026

Margaret's story starts on November 16, 1948, when she was born in Sydney to parents Ray and Reta McCulloch.

She spent most of her childhood in Tasmania before moving to Melbourne for University. At 22 Margaret married her first husband Brian Candler and moved to Canberra. They eventually seperated, and in her late twenties Margaret went on to meet her future husband Dennis and his children Sean, Andrew and Fiona.

They married soon after and traveled around Europe before Alison arrived in 1980 and Ross in 1985. Margaret worked as a teacher before joining the Department of Education, working on education policy. Margaret and Dennis made the family home in Lyons for more than 30 years, before moving to O'Connor in 2014.

In later life Margaret engaged with her love of French language through the Alliance, and also founded Pain Support ACT to help people with chronic pain. She loved being 'Grandmarg' to all her grandchildren.

Margaret is loved by family and friends alike. She will be missed and always remembered. We invite you to help keep her story alive by sharing a memory or reflection.

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Guestbook

My sincere condolences to Margaret’s family.
Margaret was a lovely student and I cherish the fond memories of her enthusiasm in learning French and the kind person she was .

Stéphanie, her teacher
at Alliance française.

SP
Stephanie Pouliquin May 04, 2026 12:26 PM

Sending your all Margaret's family and friends derp condolences. She was a wonderful human being and demonstrated kindness, grace and wisdom. She will be missed.

CB
Carolyn Bigg May 03, 2026 05:04 PM

I am unendingly thankful to Margaret for making Ross my oldest friend. In the face of what I hear was significant protest, she told little Ross that he had to have the new kid over for a playdate when I arrived in year 4, Hughes primary school. Later, when scared and unable to sleep while staying over at their Lyons home, terrified of a 'door', high in the wall of Ross's room, leading to who knows where (just a storage space I believe), and with Ross snoring, she rubbed my back and sat with me until I fell alseep. She was a kind and beautiful person, ever missed.

NS
Nicholas Studdert May 03, 2026 12:07 PM

My Margaret
A radiant smile
brilliant blue eyes
Gentle but strong
Loving and caring
Elegant but restrained
Rational and Analytical
Artistic and creative
Meticulous and precise
A multifaceted jewel
Of unplumbed depths
and wonderful delights
Memories
So many memories
How to set out
Her time with me
Surely cathartic
And so pervasive
In my very bones
I would that
I deserved her more
I was so fortunate
To be so blessed
She gave so much
And will be missed
By many
I did my best
To care for her
But am left feeling
Not quite good enough
She deserved so much
And asked so little
Gone
But not forgotten

DM
Dennis Mclennan Apr 29, 2026 12:15 PM

There really are no words that could convey the magnitude or impact of this loss to our family.

I called Margaret my "special mother" rather than stepmother.

She was indeed a very special, rare woman.
On the surface so calm and pleasant.
Yet those who knew her well knew she had a fine, sharp mind and a fiery spirit when she saw injustice.

In response to the years Margaret suffered chronic pain and all the injustice around it ~ she became an advocate for all who suffered.

It was my good fortune to have Margaret as my special mother.

Margaret and Dad loved to travel together ~ as they did all things together.
The photos I have shared are from their last journey to Western Australia to spend time with this side of the family.

It is how I will remember Margaret.
Full of life and love and family.

No more pain now.
Rest in peace Margaret.

FM
Fiona Mclennan Apr 28, 2026 09:53 AM

Memorial Service

Venue: Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Date: May 03, 2026 01:30 PM
Location: National Arboretum, Forest Drive, ACT 2611
Service details:

A celebration Margaret's life will be held at the National Arboretum Margaret Whitlam pavilion on Sunday 3rd May. The doors will be open from 1:00pm, with formalities commencing at 1:30pm.

Tea, coffee and afternoon tea will be provided following the ceremony.

Parking is limited at the pavilion itself, so attendees are recommended to park at the main Arboretum car park and walk across.

Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in, no need for black attire.

Charity Donation

If you’d like to donate to charity on behalf of Margaret and their family, they’ve suggested donating to the charity below.
Charity: Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)