Obituary of Margaret Depew

Margaret Fudger Depew (nee McPherson) March 13, 1923-June 12, 2014 Margie was the daughter of Eunice King McPherson and Norman Batten McPherson of Rosedale, Toronto. Their family home at 9 Cluny Drive was part of the Sherriff Jarvis farm (There is a plaque on the wall outside the house noting this history). She had four sisters: Mary (deceased), Ruth (deceased), Anne and Catharine of Toronto. She was married to John H. H. Depew, town solicitor and lawyer in Oakville (deceased in 1984). They had four children: Jane Lett (Patrick), Tom, Peter (deceased) and Sarah (deceased). She adored her grandchildren Victoria Brock (Colin), Andrew Lett (Sue), Cameron Depew, Tristram Lett (Eva); and Eleonora, John and Alexander Depew. She has had more fun with her precious Lett/ Brock great grandchildren (Teagan and Fraser Brock, as well as Leah, Hanna and Jamie Lett). Mum was one of the very early residents at Russell Hill Retirement Residence and it was truly her "latter years" home. She felt she was very fortunate to be there. The environment and dining room, along with her care have been extraordinary. She spent her mornings in the Bistro playing scrabble and often went for a long walk in the park with her caregivers once in a wheelchair. So often, I have heard her and other residents say how lucky they are to be living in such a wonderful place! Fortunately, there were regular clothing sales in the Bistro to satisfy her love of shopping, when we could not get up to Bayview mall! Mum's family history in Ontario and Canada is fascinating and something she took a great interest in. George McPherson fought at Corunna in 1813. After the war of 1812 he was stationed Paris where he met and married Margaret MacDonald (Mum's namesake). A later George (uncle to Mum) gave her Margaret's antique shawl, which she cherished. Mum's grandfather was William David McPherson, a Toronto lawyer and member of the Ontario Legislature. He practised law with 3 of his sons, one of them being her father, Norman. She will be buried in the McPherson plot at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, as she hoped and requested. Norman McPherson married Eunice King Fudger, daughter of Harris Fudger who was CEO and major shareholder of the former Robert Simpson Co, in addition to being a very generous but private philanthropist to charities and hospitals in Toronto. He founded and supported the Sherbourne Street Club, which housed and provided a safe haven for young ladies working in downtown Toronto, especially Simpson's. Eventually, the house was demolished and evolved into what is now Fudger House. The Fudgers had a special family retreat called Barrymede in Clarkson on Lake Ontario . This is now the Rattray estate housing community and Rattray Marsh (formerly the Barrymede Marsh, where sister Mary rests). This was a large, beautiful house where the family kept horses for awhile and enjoyed the beach including the marsh. They spent most summers there, which held many fond childhood memories for Mum's generation. The old house remains, as do the gates, although another house called Bexhill on the grounds has been replaced with newer houses. Mum was a very talented and creative soul. I am grateful to her for passing along these skills. She was an excellent cook and loved large dinner parties in Oakville. Mum went to St. Clements School, Glen Bernard Camp and graduated from Trinity College (Uof T). She had always volunteered for charities, especially for the Red Cross during WWII, read for the CNIB, set up a daycare for the Oakville Maycourt Club. She had a long and interesting life and fought strongly to recover from many health issues later on. La Grande Dame will be missed by all. Thank you for all that cared for her.