Obituary of Margherita (Margo) Welsman

Margo Welsman 1926-2016 Margherita (Margo) Elizabeth Welsman (née Lobraico), wife of the late George Welsman, died peacefully at home on Thursday, September 29, 2016. She will be deeply missed by her children John (Cherie), Paul (Sandra), Carol (Pat) and Michael, and her grandchildren, Amy (Alex), Sophie, James and Andrew. Margo will be remembered always for her caring and welcoming heart, her lively wit, her style, her passion for music and her abiding love for her family. Born in Toronto in 1926, Margo was the last surviving child of the late Joseph Anthony Lobraico and Edith Elizabeth Cullen Lobraico and was predeceased by brothers Paul Andre and Joseph Bernard. She attended St. Joseph’s Convent School and after graduating, studied piano under the direction of the renowned Alberto Guerrero. Margo was an accomplished and beautiful pianist. Having achieved her ARCT diploma, she went on to build a private piano teaching practice with more than 30 students. In 1954 Margo married George Welsman, her beloved partner of 54 years. They shared a love of many things but particularly music, and they actively encouraged the musical talents of their four children. In later years, some of Margo’s happiest hours were spent listening to them all playing and singing together. Margo was a formidable bridge player. She was a long standing member of Kate Buckman’s Bridge Studio and the Monday Bridge Club, as well as an active member of the Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto. Her life was enriched by her involvement in the Garden Club, in tennis, skiing and the study of the art of needlepoint. Margo and George enjoyed 40 summers with their children and grandchildren at their Lake Joseph cottage in Muskoka, and many winters on Marco Island in Florida. Her last years were happily spent at the Dunfield Retirement Residence among dear old friends and many new cherished ones. The family would like to thank Margo’s dedicated caregivers, Daisy, Yvonne, Indra, Gaitri and Lovelyn, cardiologist Dr. Richard James, the team from the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, the CCAC, and the nursing staff of the Dunfield Residence. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2016. A private funeral Mass will be held. If desired, donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, 610 University Avenue, Toronto M5G 2M9, directed to Myeloma Research Fund would be greatly appreciated. Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.