Margaret Anne Perchaluk

Marg passed away after a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer—an unexpected diagnosis, as Marg had never smoked and lived a healthy, active life. Born on March 6, 1954, in Kitchener, Ontario, Marg was a devoted partner, stepmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, teacher, and friend whose kindness, warmth, integrity, determination, and formidable strength touched all who knew her.

Marg is survived by her loving spouse, Susan Gaskin, and her three step-children, Amy Gaskin (Tom McClusky), Katie Gaskin, and Matthew Gaskin, who cherished her steady presence, thoughtful guidance, unwavering support, and love.

She leaves behind her siblings: David Perchaluk (Connie), Carolyn Perchaluk (Graham Gibson), and Susan Kadwell (Pat). Marg was a deeply loved aunt to her nieces and nephews—Scott Perchaluk (Cara), Mark Perchaluk (Jordan), Erin Kadwell (Jake), Ben Kadwell (Steph), Casey Kadwell, and Hunter Gibson (Georgia)—and she took great joy in her great-nieces and great-nephews: Heidi Perchaluk, Logan Perchaluk, JD Kadwell, and Callie Kadwell. She is also survived by her aunt, Jean Morlock, and several cousins who remained an important part of her life.

Marg was predeceased by her parents, Peter and Janet Perchaluk, and by her great-niece, Madison Kadwell.

Marg attended Zion United Church in Kitchener throughout her childhood and held many fond memories of time spent at Silver Lake Summer Camp, first as a camper and later as a camp counsellor. She graduated from Grand River Collegiate High School in 1972, completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Physical Education at McMaster University in 1976, and later earned her Ontario Teaching Certificate from the University of Western Ontario in 1977.

Marg spent most of her teaching career as a high school Physical Education teacher in Mount Forest, retiring from Wellington Heights District Secondary School in 2008. She was fondly known by colleagues as “Perch” and by generations of students as “Ms. Perch.” Marg took great pride in her work as an educator and in the relationships she built with students and staff alike.

A proud feminist and a lesbian, Marg believed deeply in helping women and girls take up space in the world. Throughout her career, she encouraged young people to find their voices, trust their abilities, and live authentically. Within the Upper Grand District School Board, Marg was an advocate for same-sex partner benefits, working persistently to advance fairness, inclusion, and dignity for LGBTQ+ educators and staff.

Marg also found joy and community through music as a longtime member of the Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo–Wellington. It was through the chorus that she met her spouse, Susan, nineteen years ago. Singing reflected Marg’s commitment to community, visibility, and shared voices. After retiring, Marg volunteered her time generously for many years at TIFF and served as a stage manager for several productions at the Guelph Little Theatre.

Marg had a deep love of travel and adventure, embracing the world with curiosity and gratitude. Her journeys took her to India, Africa, Nepal, the Galápagos, Peru, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and many cherished trips to Mexico, Curaçao, and the USA. She also explored her beloved Canada extensively, travelling from coast to coast. Wherever she went, Marg immersed herself in nature—trekking, hiking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and biking—always eager to experience the landscapes and ecosystems of each region.

A lifelong birder and devoted nature lover, Marg delighted in wildlife encounters and patiently sought out animals and birds wherever she travelled. Over her lifetime, Marg recorded an extraordinary 715 bird species, a testament to her curiosity, dedication, and enduring love for the natural world. On many hikes with family and friends, Marg would point out plants, animals, and birds, always willing to share her knowledge with anyone willing to stop and listen.

She spent twenty-six summers with family and friends at her small cabin at Oxbow Lake Community Club, northeast of Huntsville, hiking in Algonquin Park and Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve with her beloved dogs, Sunshine, Maggie, and Spark, or canoeing on the lake. Part of Marg’s legacy includes the love of the outdoors she passed on to many, as well as the canoe paddles she painted for family members and friends—each one individually designed to reflect the person it was made for and bearing her thumbprint on the handle, so that Marg will continue to be “holding hands” with loved ones while they paddle on the water.

Throughout her life, Marg was deeply involved in sports, including soccer, volleyball, hockey, and cross-country skiing. She could often be found at Guelph Lake with her dogs whenever there was enough snow. Marg was also an avid sports fan and was especially excited to witness the start of women’s professional hockey, attending Toronto Sceptres games whenever she could.

During her illness, Marg participated in many programs at Guelph-Wellington Hospice and was deeply grateful for the kindness, love, and support provided to both herself and her partner, Sue. She chose not to go to hospice at the end of her life, preferring to remain at home. This was made possible by the exceptional care provided by Kirsteen Birkett and her team at Guelph-Wellington Home Care, who offered round-the-clock in-home support so that Marg’s wish to die in the comfort of her own home could be honoured. Guelph-Wellington Hospice staff continued to visit Marg at home, and their ongoing support meant the world to Marg and her family.

The family also wishes to thank Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Brodovsky, Dr. Skillen, Care Coordinator Melanie, nurses Shannon and Lesley from Bayshore, and PSWs Lucy, Rose, and Brenda from Paramed for their compassionate care and support throughout Marg’s illness. Marg truly received the best care possible from everyone involved.

Friends of Marg and Sue provided extraordinary support over the past few years—from phone calls, texts, visits, companionship and meals to dog walks and drives to appointments. Thank you to those who kept showing up in whatever way made a difference. You helped keep Marg and Sue propped up when they felt like falling down. Marg will be deeply missed and continue to be loved by so many.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 11 from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph. A Memorial Service will take place in the chapel at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception. Marg wanted everyone to come in whatever makes them comfortable—funeral black, bright rainbow colours, purple (Marg’s favourite colour), or a favourite sports jersey—whatever feels right to honour and remember her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Guelph-Wellington Hospice, the Bruce Trail, Guelph Public Library, the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, or any charity of your choosing.