Margaretta (Gretta) Hanson Ogden

Born and raised in Carthage, New York with parents Anita and 'Ole' Hanson, Gretta completed a Bachelor of Arts at Alfred University then began her professional career at organizations like the YWCA in Rochester, NY. Her first big purchase as a young adult was a baby blue Triumph TR3 convertible.

During a trip to visit her brother Bob (d. 1996) working in Edmonton, Alberta she met and became engaged to William Ogden. The Triumph was left behind and so began her life in Canada.

'Gret' and Will (d. 2011) raised their family across the country - in Edmonton, Halifax and finally Toronto, where they could be closer to both sets of grandparents. While she didn't have the option to maintain dual citizenship in those days and quickly became a patriot of Canada, Gretta remained truly American-Canadian as did the family. Holidays and summer vacations were spent crossing the St Lawrence River to visit her hometown - always with the dogs too. Also regularly welcoming U.S. family and friends the other way to enjoy time at the family's cottage on Ontario's Four Mile Lake.

After years of extensive volunteer work, Gretta become a teaching assistant with the North York School Board. For over 15 years, her patient approach and quick wit paved the way for dozens of elementary-aged children to improve their reading and writing.

Retirement came with a move to Ontario's Prince Edward County - a return to her small town roots and more opportunity to read, garden and hang out with their last two dogs. Gretta made her final move to Ottawa to enjoy more time with her beloved grandsons.

Mom to Allan, Dan and Meg (Mark Hovorka). Gran to Evan and Andrei. Dear aunt, cousin and friend to many on both sides of the border.

The family would like to thank Queensway Carleton Hospital's Acute Care for the Elderly unit for their wonderful care through Gretta's final days. Also Extendicare Starwood and Colonel By Retirement Residence for their support through recent years.

As per her wishes, private family memorial arrangements, including at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, to be made at a future date.

If desired, donations may be made in Gretta's memory to the Salvation Army - an organization for which she volunteered over many years then continued to support.