It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Elizabeth Casella (nee Headrick) on 9th August 2021 (aged 90 years) with her husband Luigi and daughter Emilia by her side at One Kenton Place. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her son John, daughter-in-law Bon and three granddaughters Vanessa, Sabreena and Madilynn who live in Thailand, her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law in Italy and Canada, her nieces and nephews in Italy and Canada, and many friends whose lives she graciously touched. She was predeceased by her brothers Ross of White Lake, Ont., and Bob of Quesnel, BC.

Margaret and Luigi enjoyed a loving marriage of over 59 years. Margaret and Luigi Casella were married in Ottawa on 19th May 1962. Margaret was born at White Lake, Ontario in December 1930, approx. 55 miles west of Ottawa. Margaret went to high school in Arnprior, 0nt. and finished a Bachelor of Arts at Carlton University. Then, went on to complete a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Toronto.

Margaret had a strong and independent spirit, growing up actively on a farm with close connections to her Scottish roots. She eventually moved to the capital cities of both Canada and Ontario to pursue her university and career goals, as well as spending tenures in New York City and Boston. After starting a family, she dedicated great devotion and compassion to making sure her loved ones were well provided for, continuously educated, and supported to achieve successful careers.

Margaret was an avid gardener, mushroom picker and culinarian. She also traveled to all corners of the world, together with her loving husband and whenever possible with her daughter and son. She also shared a great appreciation for theatre, music and arts, which included her own natural flare for artistry and fashion. Margaret learned to speak Italian fluently, which was well used in visits with Luigi’s large family in Italy, as well as family friends and patients of St. Michael’s Hospital where he practiced and taught for more than 60 years. She also volunteered for many years with the St. Michael’s Hospital Women's Auxiliary, including serving as President, as well as giving time to many University of Toronto events and alumni activities.

In honour of Margret's memory and in lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Margaret Casella Ontario Graduate Scholarship at the School of Social Work by clicking the 'donations' tab on the top right-hand corner of this web page, or by contacting the University of Toronto Donations Management at 416-978-0811.