It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Margaret Dawn Whitmore (nee Stuart) in the early hours of September 20, at the age of 94. She and our late father, Gordon Francis Whitmore, were devoted to one another through 67 years of marriage. Mom will be deeply missed by her daughters Christine (Mike), Elinor (Richard) and Merrie (Mike), her adopted daughter, Cara, and her grandchildren Christopher, Carmen, and Malcolm. She was deeply fond of her sisters Fay Halstead (deceased) and Sylvia McDonald, her sister-in-law Margaret Scheneider (Ralph), and their families. She also remained close to the many Taylor cousins here in Canada, her “Irish Cousins” on the Stuart side, and the extended Whitmore clan.

After attaining her teaching certificate and beginning to work in Saskatoon, Mom moved with our dad to New Haven where she worked hard to support them both while he finished his education. They then moved to Toronto, where Mom obtained a BA in Psychology and English. She subsequently obtained her M. Ed. while both working and raising three small children. Through her career she worked as a teacher, a researcher at OISE, a psychometrist, and, ultimately, as a Consultant for the Gifted in Etobicoke.

Outside of her work, Mom shared her variety of talents and interests with us, her children and, later, her grandchildren. She fostered a particular love for the arts and reading. She and dad were dedicated members of the same book club for over 50 years.

Mom was a committed volunteer. She devoted much time to the University Women’s Club, including two terms as their President, and volunteered for many years at the University College Book Sale. Mom was also generous with her home and her time, providing accommodation and support to many friends, children of friends, and colleagues, thus demonstrating her commitment to women and education beyond her work. Her commitment to community involvement remained evident through her final years. Possessing her ARCT in piano, she provided the music at the weekly chapel service at Belmont House until quite recently.

Despite her many achievements, her daughters will remember her first and foremost as a mother who was unfailingly generous. Mom ensured we had access to the arts, education, travel, and many experiences she herself may not have always had access to. We also have many happy memories of spending whole summers as children at the cottage which she and Dad built. Mom taught by example how to live a rich and full life.

After many years living in Toronto, and having enjoyed many travels around the world, she still felt the most at home in Saskatchewan underneath a bowl of sky. We will miss her dearly.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Belmont House, both the retirement home and the LTC wing. Their kindness and support over the last five years made a huge difference in all our lives.

Cremation has occurred through the Mount Pleasant Group. A memorial service is to be held at a future date. In the meantime, please share condolences and memories in the online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The University Women’s Club (Toronto) Scholarship fund. For more information, kindly click on "donations," in the upper right corner of this page.