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Margaret FLECK Obituary

THE REVEREND DOCTOR MARGARET EVELYN FLECK After 86 fulfilling years, Margaret died peacefully with her husband, Jim, holding her hand on Sunday evening, January 6, 2019, Epiphany, and the 34th anniversary of her ordination as a minister. She spent her primary school years in the care of her cousins in Winnipeg. Later she attended Central Collegiate in London, Ontario where she developed choreographic and dancing skills. At the University of Western Ontario, her extracurricular activities included cheerleading and tap dancing in the Purple Patches annual revue. Her love of music and dancing proved to be formative. It was on a Montréal football weekend in 1951 that the cheerleader Margaret met the cymbal-playing band member, Jim. Although he was her third date of the evening, that date started a partnership that included over 65 years of marriage, and gave us Robert (1954), Ellen (1958), David (1959), and Christopher (1969). She presided over the family as they moved to Asia, Europe and the U.S.; that included six houses in eight years in Japan, France, and Boston, followed by 52 years in one house in Toronto. Grandchildren followed; Jamie, Erin, Seymore, parented by Robert and Elaine and co-raised by Gary; Quinn and Devon from David and Yvonne, followed by two adorable great-grands, Marion and Corrina by Jamie and Bruno. When the family returned from Boston to Toronto in 1966, Margaret was solicited by the priest of the St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church to take over a youth group of four young people which she named "DJ's" (Disciples of Jesus) expanding over the next few years to 53. Her group thought calling her Mrs. Fleck was too formal and Margaret was too informal, so they settled on "Flash" to recognize the speed of her movement. That experience started her on a path that lead from the Centre for Christian Studies and the Episcopal Divinity School, to a Master of Divinity and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity at Trinity College, University of Toronto. Ordained in 1984, Margaret served in four parishes and was a volunteer hospital chaplain. She was also deeply involved in Loft Community Services and the Sisterhood of St John the Divine. After her retirement, she carried on as Honourary Associate Priest and as part of the Pastoral Care team at St. Augustine. Margaret lightened up a room with her smile and interacted easily and intuitively with others. Always curious and observant, her travel included 19 years of biking in Europe and many Mediterranean music cruises. Toward the end of her life she faced many difficult medical challenges and felt ready to move on. We will all miss her ebullience, warmth and remarkable generosity of spirit. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 21 at Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. with overflow, if required, in the Fleck Atrium, Rotman School, 105 St. George Street just around the corner. The live streaming link for your browser between 2 and 4 p.m. is mediastream.ic.utoronto.ca/margaretfleck/. Reception following in Seeley Hall to meet the family and reminisce. In lieu of flowers, Margaret would love you to donate to LOFT Community Services at www.loftcs.org.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Jan. 12 to Jan. 22, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Margaret FLECK

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41 Entries

Jenny Shaw

October 7, 2019

I just learned that Margaret Fleck passed away. My condolences to Jim Fleck, Margaret's family and friends.(Take Good Care)!
I met Margaret volunteering at the CFC Garden Party. Her presence will be greatly missed at the Canadian Film Centre events, Toronto Summer Music Festival and Luminato Festival! Grateful for her financial contributions which has helped to make the arts, healthcare and housing more affordable and accessible!

March 21, 2019

March 21, 2019

I just found out about Margaret's passing. I was on the phone to Tafelmusik to order tickets to one of their concert series. And for some reason, I began telling her that I knew that Marg and Jim Fleck were great supporters of their orchestra. And I told her how I knew Marg and Jim. I stood up at their wedding and last year they celebrated their 65th year as a married couple. I had not seen them for a long time but we were to get together this Spring when they returned from Florida. And for some reason the person from whom I was ordering tickets told me that Marg had died. I was very shocked. And I have to admit that I do not read the obituaries in the papers. And so, I want to send my heart felt condolences to Jim and their children. Marg was a beautiful person in every way. I feel so lucky to have known her.

Anne Howlett, Toronto, ON

Daryl Novak

January 27, 2019

It was such a pleasure to have known Margaret when we spent time together in Naples, Florida. We had looked forward to seeing both Jim and Margaret in Naples this coming April. Her intelligence, faith, sense of family, and many accomplishments were an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. She leaves a long legacy.

Grace Terrett

January 23, 2019

So very sorry and saddened to hear of Flash's passing. Like the other DJs who have written here, she was for me such an inspiration, as well as a safe adult who had a formational influence in my life and faith. Because of her example and encouragement, throughout my life I have dared things I would never have had the courage to try, I have hoped and believed things I could never have imagined. Anything I have been able to hand along to other youth was because she gave all of us so much and I knew that it mattered a lot that an adult took an interest in me when I was a teen and believed in me. I have never laughed and thought and asked and learned as much as I did through those years. My debt to her and "Doc" can never be repaid and my love for the Fleck family is deep. I really can't imagine a world without Flash in it - i expect I just never believed we'd lose her. May the road rise to meet you as God holds you in the palm of his hand, dear Flash and Fleck family. Will do my utmost to be there Monday.

Susie Stewart Sabapathy

January 21, 2019

Many fond memories of visiting Marg and Jim in Toronto with my parents Jim and Judy Stewart. She will be missed greatly by so many. Sending love and support to you Jim and your family during this difficult time.

The Szigeti's Rain Spa & Salon

January 21, 2019

Our condolences to Mr. Fleck and his family for their loss. Mrs. Margaret Fleck was so special to us and she will truly be missed! We always look forward to servicing her as such a long time and good client of Rain. We enjoyed her conversations and hearing the stories she had to share with us. She is such a lovely, positive and beautiful woman! You will always be remembered Mrs. Fleck - we love you!

The Szigeti's & Rain Spa Team

Maria Egervari

January 21, 2019

In the name of the seniors at LOFT Community Services, Dunn Avenue Supportive Housing we are remembering the vibrant, generous human being that Margaret was. She opened her backyard and her heart to our seniors year after year when she hosted her summer parties for us. We will always remember your beautiful spirit! Rest in peace.

Ross Beer

January 21, 2019

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Judy Stewart

January 21, 2019

63 years of so many memories of Margaret and the whole Fleck family.Sad to have lost such a dear friend.I started out as the babysitter and Marg until her death would still refer to me as The Babysitter.
Sorry to miss the funeral but will be watching on livestream from Florida
Love and hugs to Jim and the family

Chris Stewart

January 21, 2019

Ms. Fleck, Thank you for being such a wonderful mentor to so many people that you met.

Dana Colson

January 21, 2019

You will always be with us.
Dana Colson and Team

Jim McMinn

January 20, 2019

It was with great sadness to learn of Margaret's passing. She was a very special woman, always with a warm, gentle smile and a deep concern for others. A Christian committed to putting her faith into action. Since meeting Margaret, over 25 years ago, there are many fond memories that come to mind. At Cana Place (LOFT Community Services) I remember many wonderful conversations, laughter and events. Margaret has a servant's heart and through her faith ministered to the seniors and staff. As the years passed Margaret was supportive in so many causes of LOFT. A vibrant memory was the Fleck Annual Garden Party at your home. It was the social event highlight for LOFT's senior's program for many years. Margaret was always the ultimate host, taking the time to talk with guests, share their stories and make them feel very welcome. It included our joining the dancing around the pool. Knowing Margaret was an honour and a blessing. My sincere condolences to you Jim, and your family.
Jim McMinn

Lorraine & Claude Lamoureux

January 20, 2019

Dear Jim and family, we are currently travelling in Sout Africa, we will miss Margaret's funeral . Accept our sincere condolences. She lived life to the fullest and was a great exemple of someone who kept on giving to everyone she touched. Our prayers are with you and the family. Lorraine & Claude Lamoureux

January 20, 2019

Marg Fleck has been a much-loved friend of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine for many years. She became an Associate of our Community in 1993 and as a priest often presided in our chapel. Sometimes in the summer she would invite all the sisters to their home to enjoy the gardens and swim in the pool. This would always be followed by a delicious dinner. She helped us start the Women's Round Table program and chaired the initial meetings. Her wonderful smile was always so welcoming whether she was presiding at the altar or greeting people at the door. You felt as you were the very person she was hoping to see. She will be sorely missed by so many, many people here in the Diocese of Toronto and far beyond. Sister Elizabeth Rolfe-Thomas, ssjd, Reverend Mother, Sisterhood of St. John the Divine

January 19, 2019

Jim, We first learned of Margaret's passing when it was announced at last evening's Tafelmusik performance. It must be so hard being without her. (Your 65 years of marriage beat us by only 3 years!) Best wishes...
Peter and Verity Hobbs

Madoka Hokamura

January 19, 2019

Thank you Auntie Marg for so many fond memories. Sending lots of love to the Fleck family.
Hitoshi & Madoka Hokamura (San Francisco)

George & Linda Elliott

January 18, 2019

Jim,

Please accept our condolences. We share many fond memories of Marg, from times together at Diocesan events to the Womens Round Table dinners at SSJD. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

May she rest In peace and rise in glory.

+George & Linda Elliott

Shelley Ambrose

January 18, 2019

Dear Jim and David and Yvonne and the extended Fleck family - so sorry to hear about the passing of Margaret - she was a lovely, lovely person and we feel privileged to have met her. We know you will miss her and hope you have many, many fond memories to sustain you through this sad time. Truly, Shelley Ambrose and Doug Knight

Phyllis Creighton

January 16, 2019

Margaret was proof that ordaining women to the priesthood brings wondrous gifts to the Anglican Church. Her smile and infectious good humour warmed our hearts and enlivened hope. A friend to so many of us, she will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to Jim and their family in their loss and grief.

Glenn and Sally Ford

January 16, 2019

A wonderful lady... and loved cycling in France too!

John Fraser

January 16, 2019

Dear Jim,
Blessings to you and your wonderful family. Margaret was a wonder and brought many people to an understanding of what faith and service meant in both practical and spiritual ways. She will be missed, of course, but what a heritage and what memories she has left behind to sustain us all!
Take care of your kind and generous self.
John Fraser and Elizabeth MacCallum

Wayne Johnson

January 15, 2019

What a awesome Christian. Love forever!

Gil & Mary Allsop

January 15, 2019

Jim & Family: Mary and I were very sorrow to hear of Margaret's passing. Cam Calder just sent me an e-mail of Margaret's Obituary. She will greatly missed by many. She was an active lady, as were you, over the years since graduation. I remember her fondly as we both were in Purple Patches and we attended games where Marg was an integral part of the cheer leading squad. "Go Mustangs". Too bad you were unable to attend our 65th Reunion last October where would could of at least seen on another one more time. Our own Health and age make it difficult to travel to attend her funeral. May the Grace of the Lord and the fellowship of the Holly Ghost be with her always.
Gil and Mary (nee Hairsine) Allsop

Marg Turner Fleming

January 15, 2019

So sorry to hear of "Flash's" passing. I certainly have fond memories of all the times I spent with her as a member of the D. J.'s. Imagine being able to inspire and guide 50+ teenagers! She had the unique ability to stand back and encourage us to be leaders, but at the same time always offering her support. She was certainly a mentor to aspire to.
My condolences to all of the family. I'm sorry that I will be unable to attend her memorial service, as I will be out of the country. Please know that I will be thinking of all of you.

Ralph Barford

January 14, 2019

Marg was in all our lives the very personification of outreach. Her life touched many. She was a good friend and support for my wife. Stevie over a great many years. Her boundless joy in her callinginspired us all. Sympathy to Jim and all the family. Ralph Barford

Pat Willis

January 13, 2019

Mrs. Fleck had a profound effect on my life. As one of her many devoted DJ's she was not only our fearless leader but she was a mentor, teacher, and friend, not to mention a busy mother of four. She taught me invaluable lessons by example, which I carry to this day. She was a strong female presence in my life. She exposed me to bigger ideas about life, art and culture. Marg inspired me to grow in love and in faithful service. She opened her heart and home to a bunch of teenagers who were looking for something. Marg found us and we found one another. Our adventures included folk masses, outreach, hanging out with the youth at the Hugh Mc Millan Centre, weekends away and of course the fabulous parties.....Marg always lead us somewhere. That time with her was one of a kind, which has left a positive lifetime impression on me. She was joy and light.
Thank you Jim, RJ, Ellen, David and Christopher for sharing your wife and mother with us.
Thank you Flash.

Mary-Beth Marshall (nee) Magee

January 13, 2019

As a member of the St. Augustine's D.J.'s, I was well acquainted with "Flash". Her smile truly did light up a room and she was a remarkable mentor for a young teen. Her presence on Earth will be missed but I know she's on to greater things!

Mickey Cohen

January 13, 2019

Dear Jim
Judi and I were so saddened to learn about Margaret. She was a very special person and she will be sorely missed by all of us who knew her and whom she touched.
We have very warm memories of our arrival back in Toronto in the mid 80s and the welcoming hand that you and Margaret extended to us. As the years passed, our admiration for her grew more.
Our deepest condolences to you and the family
Judi and Mickey Cohen

January 12, 2019

To the bright light that will forever shine over everyone whose lives she has touched. I remember the time I lived with you and Jim fondly and the care and concern you had for me.
Sending Jim, and the whole family my deepest condolences and surrounding you with love and light on your healing journey!

Teresa Renee

Manuela West

January 12, 2019

My condolences to Mr Fleck and his family for their loss.

Pat Dewhirst

January 12, 2019

I have very fond memories of Margaret as my friend, my priest and my guide in so many ways, at Church of the Annunciation in North York.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant!

January 12, 2019

Marg Fleck was one of the most kind and funniest ladies Barb and I had the privilege to know. She broke some hard ground as an Anglican priest and we appreciated and loved her spirit at Church of the Annunciation. Thanks Marg for all you instilled in me. Jim, Barb and I send our love to you and your family. Marg was one of the greatest!!

John Saul

January 12, 2019

To the Fleck family: I have very fond memories of "Flash" as being such a positive inspiration and mentor to me and the rest of her DJ flock at St, Augustine's. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of such a passionate soul.
John
J.R.(John) Saul
Collingwood Ontario

Edita and Graeme Page

January 12, 2019

We will miss Margaret's wisdom and sense of humour,her unending commitment to helping fellow human beings and her joy of living.
Our sincerest condolences to Jim and family.

Tony Baker

January 12, 2019

Etched into my memory is the warm night in Los Angeles in January 2010 when Marg regaled us with tales of her time as a cheerleader at the University of Western Ontario. We had six people (including the Flecks' friends from Japan) crammed into our five seater rental car as we prowled around downtown L.A., trying to find our way from the Disney Concert Hall (where Jim had treated us to a wonderful evening of Tafelmusik's music) to our hotel. Marg sat on the centre console (with no seat belt). She told us of how she met Jim, who had some emerging musical acumen : he played the cymbals in the University band. And on and on. I had trouble concentrating on the driving, so funny were her stories. Both Barbara and I are going to miss her smiling face so much. What a gal Marg was.
- Tony Baker (and Barbara Astman).

January 12, 2019

Etched into my memory is the warm night in Los Angeles in January 2010 when Marg regaled us with tales of her time as a cheerleader at the University of Western Ontario. We had six people (including the Flecks' friends from Japan) crammed into our five seater rental car as we prowled around downtown L.A., trying to find our way from the Disney Concert Hall (where Jim had treated us to a wonderful evening of Tafelmusik's music) to our hotel. Marg sat on the centre console (with no seat belt). She told us of how she met Jim, who had some emerging musical acumen : he played the cymbals in the University band. And on and on. I had trouble concentrating on the driving, so funny were her stories. Both Barbara and I are going to miss her smiling face so much. What a gal Marg was.
- Tony Baker (and Barbara Astman).

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results

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