Ms Margaret O'Gara

Margaret O’Gara, Professor of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, entered the realm of eternal life on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at age 65, after suffering from cancer for two years. She is survived by her husband Michael Vertin, her sister Monica O’Gara (James Cimaglio), her niece Rachel Shattuck (Harlan Harris), her nephew Christopher Cimaglio, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Kathleen Vertin Sharkey (Emmett), James Vertin, Thomas Vertin (Diane), Stephen Vertin (Margaret), Mary Ann Vertin, and John Vertin (Marilyn Rochat), and numerous nieces-in-law and nephews-in-law.

The characteristic aim of Margaret’s 37 years of work as a theologian was to foster dialogue among Christians for the sake of overcoming divisions between the churches. Besides her teaching, research, writing, and extensive public lecturing, she was a member of official ecumenical dialogues in Canada, the United States, and at the international level. She also served as president of the North American Academy of Ecumenists and the Catholic Theological Society of America. Her effectiveness in all these arenas came from a combination of her scholarly rigor, her ability to listen sympathetically, her uncommon energy, and her contagious delight at the growth of mutual understanding and friendship.

Visitation at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, on Wednesday, August 22, from 2 to 9pm, with a prayer service at 7:30pm. Funeral mass at St. Basil’s Church, 50 St. Joseph Street, on Thursday, August 23, at 10:30am. Burial in Breckenridge, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Michael’s College Faculty of Theology would be gratefully received.