Obituary of Madge Bruce

MADGE BRUCE

(nee MacPhail)

Madge passed away on September 8, 2022, at 98 years old. Predeceased by Shirley, her younger sister, Madge will be deeply missed by her surviving husband of 68 years, Wally Bruce, and her children, Rob (Liz Hamilton) and Nancy (Brian Athey), as well as her grandsons, Andrew, Fraser, Alistair, Gordon, Robbie and Ty, and their partners and friends.

Madge was born on March 26, 1924, in rural Hornepayne, and grew up in Capreol, near Sudbury, Ontario. She spoke fondly of the community and sports of her youth – the summer swimming and the winter skiing and skating on the river that ran behind her home. While reserved at times, Madge had a playful personality and memorable intellect. Of quick wit, Madge could summon a ready retort in any conversation. She showcased her intellect early, graduating high school at 16, earning a scholarship to the Loretto Abbey School in Toronto to advance her studies.

In 1953, she met a dashing young geological engineer. Madge and Wally were married in 1955, and the very next day moved to Bathurst, New Brunswick in support of Wally’s mining career.  The growing family eventually moved back to Toronto, where Madge excelled at raising two active children with Wally often away on business. Together, Madge and Wally entertained well – hosting legendary limerick and charade parties. They actively travelled and their adventures took them to Europe, Australia and across Canada.

Madge was a lifelong learner, completing her BA in English at University of Toronto at the age of 55. She then trained as a librarian and worked at U of T, Seneca College and Scarborough Grace Hospital. She volunteered for more than ten years at the library at the Toronto Botanical Gardens. She continued to attend lectures at Glendon College well into her ‘90s.

Although her life was long and full, she will be sorely missed. Visitation will take place at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville), on Wednesday, September 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A private family service and burial will follow. Condolences at www.humphreymiles.com will be forwarded to the family. If desired, a charitable donation would be welcomed at the Alzheimer Society of Canada.