Margaret Anne Dawber passed away on May 6th, 2023 at Amica Bronte Harbour in Oakville at the age of 88. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 62 years, Mark, daughters Andrea and Teresa (Tess), son-in-law Dan Kleiman, and grandson Jacob Kleiman.

Margaret was born in her grandmother’s sweet shop in Brixton, and raised in south London, England. She grew up with her parents, Percy and Peggy Cole, and her grandmother Annie “Apple Annie” Jacobs. She spent a year in Switzerland as an Au Pair before travelling to Montreal in 1960, where she met Mark. She moved with her young family to Bermuda in 1966 for three years and Wilmington, Delaware for another year, before settling in Ontario in 1970, residing in Woodstock, London, and the Toronto area.

Her pets were like family to her and included her rescue cat Charlie, and four boxers over 40 years – Beau Brummel, Barney, Bentley, and Brandy. Initially, she was reluctant to bring Beau as a 9-week puppy into her home with the demands of raising two young daughters, but within 24 hours, they were inseparable. She and Beau went everywhere together, including shopping and out to tea in Bermuda.

Margaret had a keen interest in textiles and colours. Sewing, weaving, and gardening were her creative outlets. She sewed outfits for all occasions, including formal events, graduations, and figure skating dresses for her daughters. Margaret was very adept in the kitchen and enjoyed hosting many luncheon and dinner gatherings.

She was an avid tennis player for many years and took up golf in the 1990’s with the Valley Ladies section of Lambton Golf Club. She won several golf events, including the Ladies’ championship trophy in 2000. She enjoyed playing the Valley course with her friends and introducing her grandson Jacob to golf. Over the years, she and Mark played many great courses in North America, Europe, Britain and Ireland.

Margaret loved the performing arts, and especially enjoyed attending the theatre and concerts. In her later years, she continued to enjoy visiting with friends, working on jigsaw puzzles, looking at photographs, listening to jazz and the music of her youth, and having stories read to her (anything with animals). The family thanks the staff at Amica Bronte Harbour for their tender care provided to Margaret this last year.

Margaret will be remembered by her bright smile, commonsense approach to life, and her devotion to family and friends. A service is planned for Tuesday, May 23rd at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street W. Toronto. Friends may visit from 2:00-3:00 PM. There will be a Service of Remembrance from 3:00-3:45 PM with a reception to follow. For those who may wish to make a donation in memory of Margaret, please consider the Boxer Rescue Ontario or the SPCA.