June McDougall

June McDougall

Margaret June McDougall, 57, passed peacefully on November 21, 2017 in Toronto after a courageous 13-year battle with metastatic Melanoma. June was born on May 7, 1960 in Toronto. Her mother, Peggy Glassco, née Stoddart, was always supportive of her dreams and gave June the humility, grace, and inner beauty, which helped her successfully balance a hotelier career with motherhood. June's father, Richard (d. 2011), taught her skills that took her to the pinnacle of her profession and leavened them with practicality and humour. Most importantly, he gave June the steely strength and perseverance to defeat her cancer's scourge for so many years. They both loved June very much.
Gayle, her older sister, who, through travelling the world together, gave June an adventurous streak, survives her. She was also June's trusted confidant and they both supported each other emotionally. Younger sister, Lindsay, with whom many words of valuable advice -both in business and life - were shared, also survives her. Her two brothers survive her too; Scott, the elder and Eric, the younger - taught her the value of family first and, most importantly, she learned never to volunteer as a goalie during their street hockey games.
Her three daughters, Jaime, Pippa, Jackie, and husband, Drew, of 30 years, also survive her. They were her anchors at all times. Her daughters were her proudest achievement and she was comforted that all three are on 'positive high-speed trajectories' to make their mark in this world. Drew, her best friend and mensch, picked her up when she stumbled (as did she with him many more times!) and supported her unconditionally in her life's pursuits. They loved each other to the core.
June graduated from Queen's University, Kingston, ON with a B.A. in 1981. She chose to focus her career in the hospitality industry. Beginning as a front desk clerk in Canada, she retired as the Managing Director of Boston and New York's finest hotels. Along the way she worked at Delta Hotels, Ian Schrager Hotels, Interstate, and Starwood hotels across North America. She had the good fortune of working with many great bosses and mentors, which meant she was good at her job. She had an uncommon touch and personal relationship with the thousands who reported to her regardless of position or station in life.
June, to many, was a blessing as she lived an authentic, brave, unthrottled, and very full life. Her life was centered on hard work, athletics, family, and love. She was a lucky person in every way.
June's family wishes to recognize the unstinting work, very generous support, and the inimitable personal touch of Dr. David Hogg. In addition, David's fellow Melanoma oncologists, including Dr, Marcus Butler, and Dr Peter Ferguson are to be thanked. Finally, they wish to recognize Dr. Sangeeta Mehta and her talented, caring, and compassionate colleagues in the Intensive Care Unit at Mt. Sinai.
Visitation will take place at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton St. West from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 24. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 25 at Grace Church on the Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road, A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in June's name (www.thepmcf.ca/Ways-to-Give/Honour-Someone-Special.aspx).