MARCAR, MARGARET GRACE (nee FELL) In the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, dear friends and her adored poodle Bruno, it is with sadness we announce that Margie died on February 18, 2021 in her 85th year. Margie was the only daughter of the late Charles Percival and Grace Elizabeth Fell and the granddaughter of the late Honourable Albert E. Matthews, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. She was predeceased by her older brother Fraser M. Fell and his wife Margot.
Margie is survived by her cherished daughter Grace (Buttercup) her brothers Albert P. Fell (Christa) and Anthony S. Fell (Shari) and many loved nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Margie, affectionally known as “Mo” to so many, grew up in North Toronto and spent many happy summers at the family cottage, Clovelly, at Windermere on Lake Rosseau. She attended Havergal College where she made dear friends. Following graduation, she attended the University of British Columbia and then went on to study at the Parsons School of Art and Design in NYC, where she graduated with a degree in interior design. She then worked as an interior designer at Simpsons and later with the renowned John Scofield Manuel. In addition to being a talented designer, Margie also had a gift for working with children. In the 1970s she turned her talents to teaching, first at Bayview Glen School and then privately tutoring many fortunate students for more than two decades. In her leisure time, Margie loved to garden, cook and needlepoint and she excelled at all three.
She was a longtime member of the Garden Club of Toronto where she made friends for life, calling themselves “the Dippies” and with whom she spent many joyful lunches and dinners laughing together. The Garden Club of Toronto recognized her talents, bestowing upon Margie many awards for her beautiful flower arrangements. She also created a garden at her home that would rival the best in Toronto, highlighted by her spectacular roses. Margie was a fabulous entertainer and cook. Whether it was a family favourite or a newly discovered Ina Garten recipe, she loved nothing more than filling her table with friends and enjoying good food. Just as she excelled in the culinary arts, Margie’s needlepointing skills were unparalleled; she was a needlewoman extraordinaire. From wall hangings to Christmas decorations and teddy bears, Margie always had a project at hand and many friends and family members were the lucky beneficiaries of her beautiful workmanship. Her creativity and skill knew no bounds and will be forever cherished.
One cannot think of Margie without thinking of her love of dogs, especially poodles of all sizes. Inspired by the toy poodles of her childhood on Park Lane Circle, Margie went on to have seven poodles of her own, each one spoiled and adored. She will also be remembered for her many favourite things, including Neil Diamond, vodka martinis, butterflies, the Caribbean, caviar, Roger Federer and the colour blue. The family wishes to thank Dr. Russell Goldman, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care and The St. Elizabeth Health for their kindness and support over the past year. We also wish to express our deep gratitude to Gabriela Saraiva for her loving care and devotion to Margie for four decades. In lieu of flowers and if desired, a donation may be made in Margie’s memory to the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
A private family service has been held and we hope to have a celebration of Margie’s life at a future date as Covid-19 restrictions allow. Online condolences to the family may be sent to morleybedford.ca.