Mrs. Margaret Chapman

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mrs. Margaret Chapman. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Margaret was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Ernest and Edith Dart. Margaret was raised in East York. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Margaret was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Margaret's personality throughout her life.

      Though Margaret was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Margaret was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Margaret worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Margaret was raised with four younger siblings. She had two younger brothers Ray and Steve and younger sister Joan. Margaret and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Margaret was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Margaret was always tactful. One thing Margaret will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Margaret had a number of interests and was an active child. She took tap dancing classes and as a teenager danced on roller skates.

      For Margaret, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Margaret was also adept at details. Margaret was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Margaret was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Margaret cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On June 15, 1946 at the age of 19 after John returned home from the war Margaret married John Wesley Chapman at St. Barnabas Church of Toronto, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Margaret worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Margaret and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Margaret was blessed with three children, two daughters and one son. Lynn, Susan and Brian. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, Wesley, Jeffrey, Melissa, Jason, Jonathon, Christopher, Curtis, Hayley and Adam. Margaret was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Margaret was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Margaret would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Margaret, and she expected the same from those around her. Margaret was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Margaret was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Margaret handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was special order packager for promotions. She was employed for many years in the Laura Secord plant in Scarborough. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Margaret enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were cards, bingo, bowling, cross stitch, shopping and the casino.

      Margaret was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Margaret was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Margaret also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf, curling, baseball and poker.

      Not only did Margaret enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Barbados, Hawaii, Venezuela, Cruising and most recently bus trips.

      Since it was easy for Margaret to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Margaret was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1986. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing cards with her new friends at 121 Ling Road, but her favorite passtime was Casino Rama bus trips. Even in retirement, Margaret stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Margaret passed away on August 7, 2010 at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. Margaret fought a corageous battle with cancer, she was a very strong woman that never gave up. She is survived by Lynn, Susan and Brian, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild Services were held at Giffen-Mack Scarborough Funeral Home. Margaret was laid to rest in Pine Hills Cemetery.

      Margaret was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Margaret was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Mrs. Margaret Chapman.

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CHAPMAN, Margaret (nee Dart). After a courageous battle with cancer at Scarborough Centenary Hospital on Saturday August 7th, 2010 at age 83. Beloved wife of the late John. Loving mother of Lynn (Larry), Susan (Tom), and Brian (Karen). Adored Grandmother of Wesley, Jeffrey, Melissa, Jason, Jonathon, Christopher, Curtis and Hayley. Loving Great-Gramma of Adam. Family and friends are invited to GIFFEN-MACK “SCARBOROUGH” FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 4115 Lawrence Avenue East (just west of Kingston Road) West Hill, 416-281-6800 for visitation on Tuesday from 10:30a.m. to service time. A Funeral Service will be held in our Chapel Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Interment Pine Hills Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.