Obituary of Marguerite Vivian Vandinther

MARGUERITE VIVIAN VANDINTHER (NEE ROBAR) Passed on peacefully from Pinecrest Nursing Home on April 5, 2020, at the age of 88. She will be dearly missed by her family, as the cherished mother of Julie (Hal) Montford, adoring grandmother to Michael and Justin, caring sister to surviving siblings Audrey Wilson and Mel Robar, and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Raised in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, she is predeceased by her parents Zenus Forman and Hilda Blanche (Silver) Robar, sisters Millie Hirtle and Shirley Hirtle, brothers Ray, Lester, and Gary Robar, half-sisters Beatrice Silver and Gladys Hubley, and half-brothers Clyde and Reggie Robar. Playing the piano and climbing trees are amongst “Margie’s” lasting childhood memories. Upon graduating from the Bridgewater Commercial School, she was the first in her family to leave Nova Scotia in pursuit of her career. Arriving in Toronto on a Friday, she interviewed once, and began work at a finance company the following Monday. It is in Toronto where Marguerite met and married her husband of 38 years, the late John Joseph Vandinther. Raising their family in Markham and Thornhill, she was counted on for sewing many skating show costumes and canvassing for the Canadian Cancer Society. Family traditions were celebrating special occasions with her closest sister’s family and spending vacations with her missed relatives “down East”. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Bobcaygeon to reside close to her daughter’s family. At “The Edgewater” condominiums, Marguerite enjoyed the company of new neighbours, playing classical music, baking healthy muffins, bowling, and joining a Senior’s Scrabble Club. Most of all, she continued to treasure time with her grandsons and host family occasions. At Pinecrest Nursing Home, she will be remembered as the avid Word Search enthusiast and the BINGO winner who always chose a chocolate prize for her sweet roommate, Jean. She will be forever remembered by her family for her loving support, sincere generosity, feisty determination, and quiet inner strength. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy and memorial donations may be made by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-738-3222. In honouring Marguerite’s life, the family suggests The Canadian Cancer Society, The Ross Memorial Hospital, Pinecrest Nursing Home (Activation Department) or Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund. A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Snarr and Pinecrest’s staff for their tireless commitment to compassionate care and their heroic efforts during the tragic outbreak. Marguerite truly considered Pinecrest to be “home”.