MARGARET CHAMBERS

MARGARET CHAMBERS With much sadness, the family and friends of Margaret Chambers announce her peaceful passing at Toronto East General Hospital on October 13, 2013 with family at her side. Margaret was less than a week away from her 97th birthday, with all her faculties fully intact. Her loss is deeply felt by many friends from all generations, to whom she was a counsellor, mentor, confessor, colleague, shoulder-to-lean-on and ally, never with judgment, always with wisdom and love. She will be missed by her cousins, Sue Wilson and Marguerite Manshreck-Head and their families, her godchild Elizabeth Randell and her family, life-long friends Cathy Steele, Joc Palm and Dr. Carolyn Bennett and her family, and the multitude of friends that she had cultivated from near and far. Margaret was born on October 18, 1916 in Norwich, Ontario, the only daughter of George and Edith Chambers. The family moved to "The Beach" in Toronto where Margaret lived her entire life. Margaret graduated from Malvern Collegiate in 1934, and with her mother's encouragement, completed her BA in mathematics at Victoria College in 1938. As one of the first six employees at the Co-operators, she became a successful executive, serving the Company for more than twenty-five years. Margaret joined the Venture Club and then the Soroptimist Club for business women where she made many life-long friends. She loved to read the business section in the Globe and Mail, travel the world, play bridge, go to the theatre, attend lectures and warmly host friends at the Granite Club. As a travelling broom salesman, Margaret's father called on the General Store in Sundridge, Ontario, where he learned about the owner's daughter, Mary S. Edgar's new enterprise, Glen Bernard Camp. Margaret attended GBC in her teen years, and believed that it transformed her life. From then on, she did everything in her power to ensure that girls were able to experience the special gift of risk taking and leadership. Margaret Chambers was an example to her many admirers of how to live life long and well. At 96, she still drove her own car, proudly achieved her Master's status as a Contract Bridge player and maintained her positive humour and outlook to the end. She will be remembered for her clear mind, big heart, integrity and grace. Thanks to the Toronto East General Hospital doctors and staff and Dr. Meg Wilson, and special thanks to her caregivers, Loretta MCDonald, Edith Eliesen, Annie Pineda and Scott Daniluk. According to her wishes, there will be a private graveside ceremony, but all whose lives have been touched by her will be welcome at the Granite Club at noon on Saturday, October 19th for lunch and a celebration of her life. Margaret's philanthropy has been important and significant. Victoria University (University of Toronto), Toronto East General Hospital, Women's College Hospital, Jocelyn Palm for Glen Bernard Camp, Canadian Cancer Society and TVO are but a few of the beneficiaries of her generosity. Donations in her honour to any of her favourite charities would be gratefully received.