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MARGARET TOBIN 1945 - 2014 Desire to make a better world. Belief in infinite possibility. Transformation of consciousness. These are the values that Margaret Tobin embraced and reflected in the colorful mosaic that was her life. She passed peacefully on December 21, leaving a rich and lasting legacy by which to remember and celebrate her! For over three decades Margaret worked as a Social Worker and Associate Professor/Counsellor at the University of Manitoba, pioneering numerous programs supporting single parents, mature students, students with special needs, and members of First Nations communities. She co-created a powerful eight week program entitled "Explorations of the Self" which she ran 23 times before her retirement in 2005. In honour of her fierce advocacy, dedication, and leadership in the field of Social Work in Manitoba, Margaret received the Distinguished Social Worker Award from the Canadian Association of Social Workers in 2005. In 2000 Margaret co-founded the Spirit's Call Choir, recently renamed Margaret's Choir. What started in a workshop of a small group of people who had come to believe that they couldn't sing, flourished into a non-audition community choir of 160 plus voices raising money for worthy causes by performing two benefit concerts each year to sold-out houses. While raising over $180,000 (to date) for local and global organizations, for Margaret it was about offering a supportive environment for reclaiming and honouring each person's voice, an opportunity to promote harmony as a group, and an expression of hope for the wider world. For her contribution to the community through Spirit's Call, Margaret was a recipient of the Winnipeg's Most Beautiful Women Award in 2011. By her wide and diverse circle of friends, Margaret will be remembered for her boundless energy, her unbridled enthusiasm, and the depths of her loving and generous spirit. She simply lit up the room with a style and flair all her own. A person of many passions, she delighted in world travel while remaining a loyal participant in the local arts scene including live theater, film, concerts, the Folk and Fringe Festivals, art exhibits, and the ballet. A self-proclaimed "foodie", Margaret frequented local restaurants, showing up with equal ardor at the tables of her friends who never entertained a more eager diner. Always up for an adventure, Margaret could be counted on to pack the essentials for providing margaritas on the excursion. The pleasure she took in the physical world was matched only by her devotion to her spiritual path, inspiring her participation in and commitment to workshops and sojourns led by the Way of the Heart. Margaret savored every aspect and season of her life, facing her long struggle with cancer with amazing heart, courage and grace. Nothing meant more to Margaret than the people she loved: her daughter Minna Louise Tobin Goulet, the light of her life; her brother Stephen Tobin of Vancouver, BC; the cherished Basement Girls (you know you are); her fellow choir members; The Way of the Heart community; and her many close friends whom she treated and regarded as family. We will keep Margaret's memory alive by holding her close in spirit, her song remaining forever in our hearts. Margaret's family and friends wish to express deep gratitude for the wonderful care provided by CancerCare of Winnipeg, the Riverview Palliative Unit, and the staff of Grace Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Gates on Sunday, January 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations made be on-line at umanitoba.ca/giving to the Margaret Tobin Bursary for Single Parents in Social Work (204-474-9195), or to a charity of your choice. Bardal Funeral Home 204-774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2014
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I had the honour of meeting Margaret when she was setting up the bursary at the U of M. Her warmth and caring was just so deeply part of her. I saw her many times over the years and it always felt as though no time had passed and we met as good friends. She will be missed and she will be remembered. My belated condolences to all who loved her, I have only just learned of her passing today. Sincerely, Beth Proven - Posted by: Beth Proven (UM colleague) on: May 11, 2015
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When we sang by phone to Margaret Nov 2014 while at The Way of the Heart Life Mission gathering she was close to spirit. I met Margaret through my labyrinth work and it remained our connection even when met up in other areas. She danced with life and left behind a brilliant light; what a great role model. Sending her family healing light. - Posted by: Rose Flaig () on: Mar 23, 2015
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How lucky I was to have met and travelled with Mags in my formative years. To have found such a joyful, generous, reliable, inspiring and tolerant friend through the sheer luck of being allocated neighbouring rooms in London 37 years ago is a blessing I've been thankful for ever since. Sing with the angels, Mags. My thoughts are with you, Minna. - Posted by: Cathy Cornish (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2015
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I will be with you Mina and all of Margaret's friends tomorrow as I was with Margaret as she passed. I am certain that Margaret's energy, life force and love will continue to live on in us and through us. Connected in harmony, love and in the spirit of a community. Forever changed by knowing and sharing Margaret's time and life. MaryLee Alexander. - Posted by: MaryLee Alexander (Friend - Women's Group) on: Jan 10, 2015
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My sincere condolences to Margaret's family & friends. She will be missed. - Posted by: Jane Lastra (UM Colleague) on: Jan 06, 2015
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Margaret was an inspiration to many and I feel blessed to have known her. Her bright and enthusiastic presence could fill a room and certainly filled many hearts. She will be missed. - Posted by: Joy Stadnichuk (Friend) on: Jan 05, 2015
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My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Margaret's family. - Posted by: Lynn Smith (UM Colleague) on: Jan 02, 2015
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Dear Margaret’s family – I first met Margaret at a spiritual retreat with TWOTH in August 2011. I remember her sitting in the early morning sun on a bench and seemed to be meditating. She was so peaceful and heart filled that I was drawn to share this with her later that morning. Over the years as I became inspired to bring the practices of TWOTH to social workers in Alberta, Margaret was there to support me even to the extent of flying to Calgary to co-facilitate a session with Social Workers. She was a passionate woman with a fabulous sense of humor, a social justice advocate and friend. Margaret touched many people’s hearts and lives; may the lasting memories she has left you support you in this time of grief and transition, Blessings - Posted by: Mary Arbique Vogel (The Way of The Heart team member) on: Dec 31, 2014
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I met Margaret 11 years ago when I was looking for a way to raise money for refugee sponsorship. I read about the Spirit's Call choir in the newspaper, and wrote her a letter. Her enthusiastic response and her visit spawned a partnership that lasted 7 years and benefited NEST (North End Sponsorship Team) enormously. There are refugee families in Winnipeg who have been blessed by the funds raised at Margaret's concerts. We shared an affinity for harmony in music and in the world, a characteristic she voiced at every one of her/our concerts. We are truly grateful. - Posted by: Elisabeth Margaret Kunkel (friend) on: Dec 29, 2014
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Deepest Sympathy to family - Posted by: Iona McPhvee (Friend and retired member of her choir(4yrs)) on: Dec 27, 2014
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I never knew a more loving, trusted friend. The world has lost a jewel, but the heavens have gained an angel. - Posted by: Denise Bissonnette (Friend) on: Dec 27, 2014
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Margaret was an inspiration and a mentor to many of us. We will keep her memory and consensus building attitude alive as we keep her choir going and growing so that more people can experience the joys of personal, choral and global harmonies. - Posted by: Geoff Taylor (Fellow Dreamer) on: Dec 27, 2014