Edna Margaret McMillan

After a lengthy battle, at the age of 95, Ted has died. She joined her beloved mother Phyllis and father John (Jack), and her esteemed sister, Greta and their ancestors on July 5, 2011. She died from pneumonia, although it was dementia, probably Alzheimer, that was killing her.

Ted was born in Lambton County and cherished her recollections of life on the farm, driving her father's team and dancing at 'the lake'. Under her mother's exacting tutelage, she won prizes at county fairs. She studied, and later taught, piano.

Upon marrying, Ted moved to Toronto where she spent her adult life. There, from age 28, she cared for her ill husband, Howard ("Mac") who developed Multiple Sclerosis shortly after they wed.

In her refusal to accept the circumscriptions imposed by her husband's disability, Ted, in her own, utterly a-political fashion, pioneered accessibility in 1960's Toronto, insisting and expecting that his wheelchair would be accommodated in theatres, restaurants, friend's homes and at his work. She did her best to protect her family from the realities of his chronic illness.

Following her husband's hospitalization and eventual death, Ted loved travelling in Canada and abroad, including family reunions with her cousins in England, and many happy winters spent in Jamaica with her mother.

Throughout, Ted competed fiercely in many athletic activities, including curling, golf, tennis, and skiing. Her favourite was badminton, and she was a member of the St. Clements ladies' badminton club for over 50 years until forced by failing vision to relinquish this passion. Additionally, Ted enjoyed her years delivering Meals on Wheels and, for more than 50 years, playing cards with her bridge club.

Ted bore the sorrows and disappointments of her life with stoicism and mitigated them with caustic observation. With determination, she accomplished her primary dream of ensuring her daughter's education. She was proud of her independence and guarded it vigorously. Ted was known for her practicality, her stamina, her humour, her acerbic views and her unapologetic opinions which never dimmed even in the face of failing cognition.

Most of Ted's friends and associates have predeceased her: hence, there will be no funeral. However, friends and those wishing to reflect upon Ted's life may do so by contacting her daughter Karen through the Giffen-Mack Funeral Home guest book.

In memoriam donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, 175 Bloor Street East, Suite 700, North Tower, Toronto, ON M4W 3R8, or online at www.mssociety.ca, or through Giffen-Mack.