Alice Margaret Maclure (née Blackmore)
Jan 24, 1923 - May 15, 2021
After living a full, active life, Margaret Maclure, aged 98, passed away peacefully at sunrise on May 15, 2021 in Ottawa.
Daughter to Helen Warburton and Alfred Blackmore, Margaret was born in New York City, and grew up in Toronto with her younger sister Eleanor. She attended Forest Hill and Bishop Strachan schools. During the last year of World War II, she served with the Canadian Red Cross Overseas working with blind war veterans at St. Dunstan’s in Church Stretton, England, a year that had lasting fond memories for her. Following her return to Canada, she obtained her diploma in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the University of Toronto, and soon after, in 1949, she married her overseas beau, Group Captain Kenneth Maclure. For the next several decades Margaret was a supportive wife and caring mother, adapting to wherever Kenneth was posted during his career with the RCAF and the Defense Research Board (DRB). Locations included Trenton Air Base; Ottawa; Warsaw, Poland; Victoria, B.C.; and London, England.
Throughout her life Margaret was always active in her personal life: volunteering on church altar guilds, delivering Meals-on-Wheels, remaining connected with the Red Cross Overseas Club, keeping in touch with friends near and far, all the while juggling the activities of maintaining a stable and happy home for her husband and four energetic children. A highlight for her was working as an OT with disabled children at the G.R. Pearkes Clinic in Victoria. After Ken’s retirement in 1979, Margaret helped him establish Circle Sandridge, a pre-vocational program for developmentally disabled adults at the Church of St. Columba in Manor Park in Ottawa. The program has since evolved to become the Y’s Owl Maclure Centre.
Margaret loved being outdoors, whether it was walking the dog, swimming at the Rockcliffe pond, X-country skiing in Gatineau Park, skating on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal or tending her garden. She also enjoyed many memorable family picnics and camping trips. The shores of Thetis Island, B.C. and of Cattle Point in Victoria were two of her favourite locations. In the last years of her life, whatever the season, and up until almost her last day, she enjoyed walks around Porter Island in Ottawa where she lived, savouring the fresh air and the views of the Rideau River.
Also known affectionately as ‘Mum’, ‘Nana', or ‘Bibi’, Margaret will be deeply missed by her children Richard (Ottawa), Malcolm (Victoria), Margaret-Anne (Montreal) and Rowena (Toronto), by their respective spouses Sumaya, Patricia, and Michael, and by her grandchildren Chloe, Adrian, Liam, Sara and Malaika. She will also be missed by her sister Eleanor Burchill (Guelph), and by nieces Wendy, Patty and Heather.
The family wish to thank the staff of the Garry J. Armstrong Residence and the Rockcliffe Retirement Residence, as well as Margaret’s caregivers Nelly, Zawede, Ajette and Alaa, for contributing to her quality of life in her last years. The family is especially grateful to Margaret’s primary caregiver, Irene Mbowa, for her exceptional care and devotion.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Margaret’s favourite charities: Y’s Owl Maclure Centre, Canadian Red Cross, and/or Doctors Without Borders. A memorial service will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Ottawa, in late June, specific date/time to be determined.
Margaret’s ashes will rest beside those of her cherished husband, Kenneth Maclure, in the peaceful St. Margaret’s cemetery on Thetis Island, BC.
Livre de visiteurs
Gail Burgess
Wendy Nicholson
A well-written, lovely tribute to a remarkable lady. You will be missed, Auntie Margaret.
Anne Francis
I was so saddened to see in the newspaper this morning that Margaret had passed away, but what a wonderful, long life she had. She and her family were friends of my parents' in the 1970s, when they were stationed in London and we in Oslo, Norway. They visited us there, and kindly hosted me for a half-term holiday when I was at boarding school in southwestern England (and very homesick). I have wonderful memories of that holiday, in particular of Ken taking Rowena and me to see West Side Story on the stage, which was both shocking and thrilling to a 13-year-old who had never seen live theatre. Another fond memory is of Margie-Anne playing piano (Chopin's funeral march, which I still love). More recently, my mother, Wilma Francis (who passed away in 2015), also lived at The Rockcliffe, and we would occasionally see Margaret in the dining room or foyer when we visited. By this time her posture was quite stooped, but her mind was as sharp as ever, and her hair elegantly swept up in a chignon, as always. One day I stopped her to tell her how much her kindness had meant to me so many years ago, and she was incredibly warm and gracious, taking my hand in both of hers and saying lovely things about me and my family. Warm condolences to the family on her passing.
Leighton and Ginette Brown
Condolences to Mrs. Maclure's family and thank you for sharing you beautiful tribute to her. She was a dear friend and a beautiful, inspiring neighbour for many years on Birch Ave. We miss her positive presence and her friendship since she moved from Birch. She was always finding ways to give back to our community and set an amazing example for us to follow. It is nice to think that Margaret is now together with Ken once again.
Guy Tyrwhitt-Drake.
On behalf of my deceased mother Nancy (Lang) Tyrwhitt-Drake and family, please accept our sincere condolences. Margaret and Nancy's friendship started at B.S.S. and continued through many decades through the Red Cross Overseas Club and her family visits to Victoria.
Amal Habani
My condolences to Richard, Sumaya, Sara, and Malaika. Her biography shines as her wonderful soul that will go on forever to all her beloved relatives and friends.
Sarra Deya
What a beautiful tribute. She obviously lived a full and vibrant life and has left a legacy of love and kindness. My deepest condolences to Richard, Sumaya, Sara, Malaika and the rest of the family. I know her loss will leave a big gap in your lives. Sending you love, prayers, and strength. Until I can see you all in person and give you hugs.
Heather Tichenor
Thanks for all your memories of Aunt Margaret and I know you have many more that you will bring to mind in the days and years to come. Also, the beautiful photos. Love and best wishes
Joanna Munroe Luciano
What a lovely tribute to a charming and delightful woman. I came to know Margaret through the Canadian Red Cross. I first met her in 2009, when Red Cross hosted a special event celebrating the Women who served in the Corp overseas. In film, Margaret was one of the nurses interviewed for a documentary produced to share and tell the stories of the amazing women. I maintained correspondence with Margaret came away in awe of her at every visit.
My brothers and I send our deepest condolences to Richard, Malcolm, Margaret Ann and Rowena. Aunt Margaret’s kind outreach when our parents passed was so greatly appreciated. We hope and trust you are surrounding yourselves with wonderful memories.