Obituary of Margaret Robinson

Surrounded by her family, Margaret Robinson (nee Colquhoun) passed away peacefully at home on September 25, 2013 at the age of 84. Beloved wife of John for 60 wonderful years. Loving Mom of Tom (Jane) Robinson of Churchill ON, Paul (Arlette) Robinson of Houston, Texas, Lisa LaPorte of Seaforth ON and Lorelei (Brent) Lingard of Bayfield ON. Devoted grandma of Richard, James and Sarah Robinson, Justin (Amanda) and Jonathan Riley, and Connor and Graeme Lingard. Proud great-grandma of Dawson and Haylee Riley. Margaret was born in Staffa ON to Isabel and Elmer Colquhoun. The 8th of 12 children, Margaret is survived by her sisters, Audrey Hepburn of Stratford ON and Isabel Theedom of Calgary AB, and her brother Tom Colquhoun of Clinton ON. Margaret's energy and commitment were legendary in both her family and her community. She will be best remembered, though, for her dedication to education. As a student in 1947, she was the only one of her grade 13 class in Clinton to go to university; in 1951, her hard work and love of learning won her the gold medal for top marks in her graduating class at the University of Western Ontario. Years later, in her 50s, she completed a Masters of English jointly at the University of Windsor ON and the University of Warwick UK. She encouraged her children to follow their dreams and provided the education to make those dreams a reality. Her profound belief in the value of education extended to her grandchildren, who are benefitting now from the plans she set up to support their postsecondary education. Margaret's educational legacy extends well beyond her family. She influenced hundreds of students in her role as a dedicated teacher for over 30 years, predominantly at Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS) in Clinton ON. Best remembered as an English teacher who inspired her students' very best, she also served as Department Head, taught Physical Education, coached girls' sports teams, and supervised the school yearbook. Margaret was a teacher who attracted both love and respect, as her teaching style was shaped by her values of hard work, perseverance, excellence, fairness and courage. She would support anyone willing to work hard, regardless of background or innate ability; many students recall gratefully her ability to spot a young person's potential and help guide them onto a path to success. She touched so many lives; we honor her memory and we are grateful for her time with us. Visitation is at FALCONER FUNERAL HOME, Clinton ON on Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, September 30 at St. Andrews United Church, Bayfield ON, after which interment of ashes will take place at Bayfield Cemetery. Following interment, a luncheon will be served in the Bayfield Town Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the English award in Margaret's name at Central Huron Secondary School would be appreciated by the family; these donations may be made through Falconer Funeral Home.