MARGARET ELIZABETH "PEGGY" LATIMER

(nee Macdonald) March 30, 1936 – October 28, 2024 "Never to falter, ever to try." After 88 years of a life well lived, Peggy Latimer passed away peacefully, on October 28, 2024, at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto. Beloved wife of the late John (d. 2003); cherished mother of David (Beth), Jeffrey (Larry), and Michael (Candy); devoted "Gigi" to Victoria, Thomas, TJ, Charles, Brooke, Caitlin, and Maddie (and step-grandmother to Chris and Charlie); admiring younger sister to Ann Macintosh; and loving companion to the many dogs she raised who could do no wrong. Margaret Elizabeth Macdonald was born in Toronto on March 30, 1936, to John Kenneth Macdonald and Ina Maude Taylor. An upbringing which included the shadow of the Second World War instilled in Peggy a lifelong sense of resilience and frugality. Her time at Havergal College shaped her spirit, teaching her to "bear through life like a torch in flame." A star athlete, Games Captain, and proud member of the class of '55, Peggy fully embraced the school motto, Vitai Lampada Tradunt, meaning "passing the torch of life." Growing up, Peggy was captivated by the Maple Leafs and in her lifetime witnessed 10 of the team's 13 Stanley Cup victories, always holding out hope for the next one. On the shores of Lake Kashagawigamog at Camp Gay Venture (GV), Peggy grew to become the leader we would all admire and respect. Raised on GV Sunshine was a spirit accompanying her throughout her life, even tapping along to old camp tunes in the weeks leading up to her passing. She returned summer after summer to Lake Kashagawigamog, preferring the camp setting to the family cottage on Lake Rosseau, where sister Ann still resides. Her time at GV notably involved socializing with the boys who summered down the road at a camp called Kilcoo. A fateful party with camp friends merged the paths of John Latimer and Peggy Macdonald, sparking an enduring lifelong partnership of two formidable leaders. Peggy decided against a career at her family business, Confederation Life Insurance Company, instead pursuing a mutual labour of love in purchasing Kilcoo with John in 1956. They then married at Grace Church on-the-Hill in 1961. After assuming her mother-in-law Zetta Greenwood's responsibilities, Peggy began a nearly six-decade career as Kilcoo's business manager, although she was better known as second mother to thousands of campers and staff. Serving porridge, mending wounds, and being a cheerleader was common practice. Though preferring to lead from the background, it was her influence and vision that steered the Camp. Her passion for camping extended to volunteering with the Ontario, Canadian, and International Camping Associations. As well, she dedicated time to Casey House, Covenant House, Jessie's (The June Callwood Centre for Young Women), Nellie's, SickKids, UNICEF, and along with family and some special staff, founded Amici Children's Camp Charity. And then there was bridge club, a cherished gathering filled with Peggy's wonderful friends. She loved to play bridge, and she played a lot. It's not known if that was because of her passion for the game or more likely she just loved being around her most special friends. The family cottage, Long House, built in 1984, became the heartbeat of her growing family's memories. It became a special meeting place for friends and family to break bread, play games, celebrate the new year, and share stories. In the later years, Gigi, as her grandchildren knew her, filled summer days with cruises around Gull Lake on the Geezer Pleaser, rounds of Kilcoo in her Maple Leafs golf cart, and keeping a watchful eye on literally everything as the sun sank beneath the western sky. Above all, Peggy was a remarkable woman who embodied the true meaning of family. She was a special mom and always the rock for her boys growing up on York Valley Crescent. Strong and wise, Peggy was the backbone and true leader of the family and was always there through difficult challenges with compassion, love, and hope in her heart. Whether by plane, train, boat, or automobile, family trips were filled with wonderful destinations, friends, cousins, games, and laughter, with Peggy skillfully mediating any disagreements along the way. The Latimer family would like to thank Elizabeth, Lyn, and Swit, for their enduring care of Peggy, and Dr. Dominic Li for his ongoing support, as well as the caring teams at Michael Garron Hospital and Venvi Leaside. Peggy was her family's strength and stay, and constantly reminded us we'll never walk alone. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. All are welcome. If desired, donations can be made in memory of Peggy to Amici Children's Camp Charity (amicicharity.org). Online condolences and arrangements at newediukfuneralhome.com. Memorial service livestream, available at gracechurchonthehill.ca/margaretlatimer. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Care of Newediuk Funeral Home.