It is with great sadness we share the news that Margaret Gebara (née Jiryes) passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in the comforting presence of her loved ones.

Margaret leaves behind her loving daughters, Randa and Serene, and her devoted sons, Alfred "Freddy" and Joseph "Karim." She is also deeply mourned by her dear sisters, Aniseh (Jiryes) Kutteh and Mona (Jiryes) Feghali, and her dear brother, Salim (Jiryes), as well as countless friends and extended family who were touched by her kindness and warmth.

Born on October 30, 1950, in Jounieh, Lebanon, Margaret spent her early years in Beirut, Marjeyoun, and Baghdad. The daughter of Amin and Violet Jiryes, she came from a loving family whose business networks spanned continents, connecting South America to Haifa and the wider Middle East. Her roots reflected her family's rich heritage: her father hailed from the biblical town of Nazareth, Palestine and her mother from Marjeyoun, Lebanon. From this foundation, Margaret carried forward a spirit of resilience and grace that defined her life.

Margaret pursued her education at Beirut University College (now the Lebanese American University), where she trained to become a teacher. At 21, she married the love of her life Amal, a close family friend, and together they began a life filled with love and community in Beirut. As the Lebanese Civil War shattered the peace of their homeland, Margaret and Amal relocated to Liverpool, England, where they welcomed their two daughters. There, Margaret embraced the joys and challenges of being a young mother far from home, nurturing her family with love and dedication.

When calm briefly returned to Lebanon, the family moved back to Beirut, where Margaret gave birth to twin boys. Despite the renewed violence of the civil war, Margaret’s devotion to her children, along with the help of her supportive extended family, created a haven of warmth and security—a cherished 'safe bubble' of love amid the turmoil. Ultimately, the family sought stability and opportunity in Canada, where Margaret and Amal began anew, raising four children far from the support networks of their homeland.
The move was challenging, but Margaret and Amal’s resilience and unwavering determination helped her family build a new life in Canada. She was forever grateful for the opportunities, stability, and sense of belonging their new home provided, and she came to deeply cherish the life they built here together.

In Canada, Margaret worked as a substitute teacher with the Catholic school board, balancing her career with the demands of motherhood. When her son Joseph was diagnosed with autism, she dedicated herself to his care, ensuring he received the best possible support. Over time, as her children grew, Margaret pursued full-time teaching, earning respect and admiration at Annunciation Catholic School, where she taught for many years.

In her retirement, Margaret’s life remained devoted to her family and those she loved. She spent her time caring for her aging mother, her husband Amal, and her special needs son Joseph “Karim”. In the last few years, as Joseph’s health deteriorated, Margaret refused to give up on him, tirelessly advocating for his health and dedicating herself to ensuring he received the best possible care. Alongside these responsibilities, she still found joy in moments with family and friends, attending social gatherings, and remaining active in her community. She cherished life’s simple pleasures, such as cooking, gardening, hosting gatherings, and connecting with loved ones.

Margaret will be remembered as a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a compassionate teacher who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She now rests in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband Amal, her parents Amin and Violet, and the many cherished family members and friends who passed before her, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, kindness and unceasing love.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to:
- Arthritis Research Canada
---- https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/donate


Livestream will begin at 1:30pm and the link will appear above, beside Margaret's portrait. The recording will become available on December 29th and found under the media tab.