Obituary of Margery Helen Mcleod
On November 1 2022, Margery Helen Mcleod passed away peacefully at Christie Gardens. She was in her 98th year. Margery was a truly remarkable woman and the much-loved matriarch of her large family. Daughter of the late Norman and Maude McLeod, Margery was the eldest of three and dear sister to Bruce (Joyce) and Ian (Anne, predeceased). She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and will live forever in the hearts of her five children John (Denise), David, Flora (Bob), Tim and Sarah. Margery was particularly close with her grandchildren - Caitlin, Campbell, Osa, Kiyo, Jennifer, Jillian, Rory and Georgia. She played an immense role in their lives until her last days.
Margery began her education at Bishop Strachan School in Toronto. Graduating in 1943, her time at BSS sparked a lifelong love of learning. Margery would go on to earn a degree from the University of Toronto, attend Teachers College in the early 1970s and pursue Later Life Learning courses at University of Toronto for many years. Her love of learning was intrinsically tied to music. Margery was an accomplished pianist and earned an Associate Diploma (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music and won the Vida Coatsworth Prize. She was a highly respected music and piano teacher in school rooms and living rooms across Toronto for many years. She shared her passion for music with her children and her grandchildren, whom she regularly took to concerts at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. Her love of learning was especially evident as she grew older and continued to embark on music and art trips to Europe.
Margery spent her summers on Lake Rosseau, in Muskoka, where she carefully constructed her instantly recognizable golf swing and, as she grew older played bridge with old friends. She made regular walks through Port Carling (where she knew everyone) and spent many nights reading by the fire. The cottage kept the memory of her cherished parents alive and became the site of many memories for her children and grandchildren. We will remember her dinner parties - whether in Muskoka or in Toronto. The table extended into the hall, where hapless guests would come to learn that they would be changing seats after every course. Singing at the table was highly encouraged, very contagious and often accompanied by an impromptu piano recital. Later in the evening, the “Little Green Apples” album might be playing on the old record player.
Margery practiced a strong Christian faith throughout her life. Growing up at Deer Park United Church in Toronto, and later at Grace Church on-the-Hill in Toronto and Port Carling United Church in the summers. She prayed every night - at length and by name - for her family, for each of her children and grandchildren. For every event in their life, and, if they were travelling, even for the airline pilots.
Margery’s wide circle of friends began to form at a very young age, and she would continue to make them until the day she passed away. Many thanks to Phuong, Tendon, Olinda, Michelle, Lobsang, Maria and the team at Christie Gardens for their care and support over the last few years.
A private family service was held on November 5th. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 9, 2022 at Grace Church on-the-Hill 300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations in Margery’s name can be made to the Salvation Army. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
"Absent from the body. Present with the Lord”
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