HARCHE, Margaret

HARCHE, Margaret - With great sadness we announce the passing of Margaret Harche on April 19, 2012 in Penticton, British Columbia in her 88th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Kurt and her brothers, Ernest, Ronald and George. Survived by her sister, Mitzi Spink of Cornwall, England. Loving mother of Christel Forty (Timothy) of Naramata, BC, John (Joellen) of Houston, Texas, Ann Clarke (Phillip) of Kamloops, BC, Geoffrey (Arlene) of Calgary, Alberta and Timothy (Joni) of Oakville, Ontario. Loved by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Born and raised in Cheltenham, England, Margaret had a drive and determination to succeed and a well-defined view of life's important values. Through her many years of teaching in England and for the Sudbury Board of Education she was a woman ahead of her time. She possessed a sharp mind, quick wit, a strong sense of fairness and refused to settle for second best. She was a tower of strength. She served on many committees with the Federation of Women Teachers Association of Ontario and helped reduce some of the 'glass ceilings' facing women teachers in the 1970's. Margaret contributed to the community on many levels. She was co- founder of the Sudbury Philharmonic Society and served on senior citizen committees through local and provincial bodies. She was a founding member and Chairman of the Council on Aging Network in Ontario and Chaired the Ontario International Year of the Older Person Enabling Committee in 1998. Margaret was proud of the many acknowledgments she received for her contributions including being awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2002. After retiring, she realized her wish of experiencing Western Canada, living in Calgary, Kamloops and Penticton. She has left a legacy that will be remembered by the children and all those that knew her. In accordance with her wishes, a cremation has taken place. Those wishing to remember her may make a donation to World Vision or a charity of their choice. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family through Everden Rust Funeral Services at www.everdenrust.com.