
Margery was so open,  direct and ready to find the fun in moment,  We shared food, and some stories and played Bocce.  I felt welcomed as a friend and fellow traveler immediately.  Her big smile and shining eyes that  saw all the humanity and beauty in others made her a warm and delightful person to be with.  She  was so interested in other people and the world and took such obvious pleasure from connecting with others. 

Her kindly observation and appreciation of the world and the people around her certainly came through in her art.  From what I saw, the world through Margery's eyes was a beautiful and gracious place, full of love and interesting creations.  I look forward to reading her poetry.

She left the world a better place than as she found it.  The ripples of her kind attention, shared wisdom, and humble gratitude for the gifts she was given and shared with others will continue - quietly, humbly and persistently.  And I think her smile must be stamped deep in the hearts of those who knew her, and even for some who only met her in passing.  You had to smile back and your day would be brighter. 

 As a person who came within her radius, I feel blessed and inspired.  I cannot remember the words she used, but I remember feeling the world looked a little more beautiful as she described what she loved about the blossoms and birds outside her window.   She appreciated nature so much and helped me see it better, in turn, by sharing how she observed it.  
 

Margery left a legacy of love and achievement!

Ever since we emigrated to Canada in 1998 Marg has been a substantial  part of our lives.  A consistently conscientious and faithful friend.
Memories stand out of the closest years when she was our neighbour in the suite next door at Wayside. Always making time to invite us for lunch or tea or to watch the “Great Courses” in the evening.
At this time Margery was in charge of Activities at Wayside and prepared something weekly for everyone.  I’ll never forget the week she arranged to bring in a puppeteer -this was enjoyed by all (no small achievement) even the children in ‘staff residence’ - participated.
I thought Margery was not a fan of physical exercise - but when someone suggested chair exercises she jumped in and bravely demonstrated these too.
Even the move to the condo didn’t stop the kind outreach- Beth, the Church, lunches and phone calls kept us connected.
Apart from this - what I loved most was listening to the ideas she was working on and shared.  I imagine us both still listening and still having a conversation.
Truly “Love never dies.”-1Cor.13
Hope you know what a wonderful friend you were…and what a difference you made.
Faye and Charmian

I met Margery in Ottawa , and  when we moved back to Sackville , New Brunswick there would be a much -appreciated  Christmas card  each year., with some of her artwork on it. She was generous with her 
artistic  work, which we looked forward to seeing.
One summer she and John  and Emily came to visit , as Emily was to attend  Mount Allison.

I remember Marj in our Honors English program at Carleton. A group of us went to the first year of the Stratford Festival, and the photo is of Marj in 1953 at the festival with Irene Lackner. Later, when Marj and John were living in Bell's Corners, she used to invite me and another teacher to lunch at her home - such a nice gesture, but that was always her way - she always thought of others.  

Margery and her two older brothers were avid outdoorsmen. This picture says it all. 

Kate did a series of beautiful portraits of the family in the 1980's at the farm. I remember taking Mom aside from her busy routine and having her focus on these portraits. Assured, strong, present and a woman of her time, Margery lived true to her ideals. She loved us unconditionally. I love the intensity of this portrait. She is present and fully aware of the photographer- me. 
We had fun that day. 

The Herwig family were boaters. Margery loved boating the Rideau River with her brothers. The family had a cottage at Manotick. 

Margery and Kate offered Children's Art classes at Kate's home in Nanaimo in 1996. It was a wonderful experience for all. Margery truly understood how to inspire children. It was a great summer.

Margery and John lived at the farm for 30 years.

Family day at the Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country. The parrots LOVED Mom. Here she is with 4 perched happily on her.

Mom was our rock. No matter where we were or what was happening in our busy lives she was there, quietly praying for each of us. She leaves us with such a legacy of grace, strength and love. Thank you Mom! 


It was a joy to be with you Mom, and help you these latter years. It was fun to make you meals and share memories together at the table. I loved hearing your teaching stories and many adventures. 
I also remember your garden and the squash you would grow. We would eat them all winter. Mom was amazing gardener. I did this painting of mom in her garden at the Farm in Beachburg. 

Love Emily 

Margery was a lovely, kind and very insightful woman. I loved listening to her thoughts on spiritual ideas in particular. She saw the beauty in everything. and came out with some very profound thoughts at times. She will be missed.
 I have read a poem that I find very comforting and so I will share it here.
 

THE ROSE BEYOND THE WALL

Near shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God’s free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.
Onward it crept with added strength
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice’s length
And unfolded itself on the other side.
The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before,
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.
Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
And make our courage faint and fall?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive—
The rose still grows beyond the wall,
Scattering fragrance far and wide
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.
A. L. Frink 





Ottawa, Wednesday 23/2/2022 9h20 

Dear Beth, Kate, Emily and Allison,

My deepest condolences upon hearing the news of your Mum's passing.  You may recall that my wife Susan read Second Reader along with Margery as First.  Almost every Sunday Susan and I would drive your Mum to the church for the service.  Those were memorable times indeed!

And I cannot forget our precious visits to your farm in the Ottawa Valley.  A real slice of a now-passing country way of life!

Your Mum contributed so much to our church during her Ottawa years.  I have such good memories of her.

Blessings to all of you,

John Woodsworth

See poem in seperate e-mail to Beth 23/2/2022

Mom was a wonderful traveller. She finally got to the ancestral home - England - in 2007. Not only was it where her father came from,  but of course England is a literary hotbed of English classics, and it was from books she got to know this land the best. (Although we saw and experienced lots too.)
Here she is at York Minster Cathedral, in York. The next day, our travel diary describes our coach ride over the Yorkshire Moor and down and through Bilsdale, and reads -" I (Beth) was falling in love with the dale as mom sat falling asleep over her book!"

Mom enjoyed celebrations with family. We gathered in her lovely dining room to share many a meal together over the past years. Her love of life inspired  great dinner conversations and her love of books provided incredible stories and fun to share. We miss you mom. 

OBITUARY

Margery K. Gibson

Passed away on 17 FEBRUARY, 2022

First Memorial Funeral Services

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