Margaret Opekar

Margaret Vivien Opekar

04.26.1933 - 08.25.2023

With heavy hearts we share the passing of Margaret Opekar on August 25, 2023.

A cherished mother, grandmother, sister, wife and friend, Margaret was a trailblazer to the end, embracing the world with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. As we bid farewell, we find solace in her 90 years of a life well-lived.

Born in the UK but raised in Egypt until the age of 13, Margaret’s journey led her to the prestigious Oxford University as one of the few women pursuing higher education at the time. It was within those hallowed halls that she met her soulmate, Robert, her husband of 59 years and the love of her life, with whom she would venture to Toronto, Canada - the city that she would call home for the rest of her life.

Margaret valued family above all else and she was the central pillar for our family. Her family gatherings were legendary affairs. She was an incredible cook who was particularly famous for her desserts, which were always abundant and always delectable. In between raising her six children, Margaret dedicated her time to helping others, sitting on the board of Central hospital and volunteering at the Gardner Museum which embodied one of her passions, ceramics. As a woman of diverse tastes, Margaret devoured books like they were candy; was a British TV murder mystery devotee; and, after over 60 years in Canada, was still English to her core, seeing tea as a cornerstone of her diet. She had a vast amount of knowledge which she retained effortlessly, and she adored playing bridge with her friends. Margaret and Robert shared a love of travel, exploring the world hand in hand. Even after Robert passed, Margaret continued to travel the world and her wanderlust knew no bounds - but she also had a gift for finding joy in the small things and she also instilled in her children a deep love of nature.

Her natural intelligence and grace made her someone that people gravitated towards, and her unique blend of kindness and compassion mixed with a gentle, mischievous sense of humour made her one of a kind. She had a knack at making everyone she met feel special and was kind without motivation of recognition or reward, with a gracious inclusiveness that meant no one ever felt left out in her presence.

They don’t make women like Margaret anymore. She was beautiful without being vain; intelligent without being arrogant; kind without being condescending. She had a timeless elegance and generosity of spirit that was from another era. She passed away gently, with dignity and grace, surrounded by family and love. Now it’s time for her to be free and find peace, knowing that her love and spirit will forever be a guiding light in the lives of those she touched.

She is survived by her four sons Richard, Christopher, Robin, and Alex, and her two daughters Vivien and Kate, as well as her six grandchildren. Her adventurous soul, warm heart, and devotion to family will forever be cherished. Here's to you, Margaret – your laughter, love, and cherished memories brightened our lives. May you find eternal peace, aware that your profound love will be missed deeply and felt always.