Margaret Proctor

1920 - 2020

Margaret (Leonard) Proctor died December 19, 2020 at Broadmead in Cockeysville, Maryland where she had lived for the past 20 years. Born July 13, 1920 in Tientsin, China to Charles A. and Elna Leonard, Margaret arrived in the United States at age seven with Chinese as her first language. She grew up in Norfolk, Virginia but her China connections ran deep, and she was among the first to visit when China opened up for American tourists in the 1970s. She attended Sweet Briar College and graduated from Erskine College in Boston.

After her marriage to William T. Baker of Norfolk in 1942, Margaret spent most of her adult life in Baltimore and Ruxton raising a family but with many other interest and activities. As a newcomer, she was active in the Junior League, the Hardy Garden Club and served as president of the Hamilton street Club. She followed her passion for the arts to the Baltimore Museum of Art where for many years she was active on numerous projects that have worked to improve the Museum to this day including the Sales and Rental gallery and running the Museum's gift shop.

After some years as a widow in the late 1970's, Margaret married the late Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Kenneth C. Proctor and embarked with him on a number of international voyages often spending time in various locations staying in apartments which allowed her to become part of the local community. She loved to meet new people and expand her knowledge. After Judge Proctor's death in 1997, Margaret continued to travel the world often on trips arranged by the Elder Hostel organization. An avid reader, she always had a long list of places to see and art to investigate.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Campbell (Van) Whisnand of Naples, Florida and grandsons, Tyler (Suki) and great-grandsons Cole and Hayden of San Francisco and Carter (Laura) and great-granddaughter Addie and great-grandson Baker of Richmond. She is also survived by step-son Donald (Judith) Proctor of Ruxton, and their children and grandchildren.

In her family, Margaret's passing marks the last of her generation. Her love for her family and care for their future education will always be a shining bright light in their collective memories of her in the years ahead.

A Mass will be said at a later date at the Catholic Community of St. Francis Xavier in Hunt Valley. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Margaret's name may be made to the Broadmead Foundation, 13801 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030.