Margaret Lioba Strerz passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by family, after a brief and unexpected illness. She was born on December 3, 1951, in Fulda, Germany. She immigrated to Canada with her mother Elisabeth and her sisters in 1952, following her father John who arrived in Canada in 1951.
Margaret was as a lifelong learner and educator. After completing her studies at Lakehead University and Université de Nancy in France, she became a French immersion teacher with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom as she served as a French Consultant and Coordinator for the School Board. She travelled the region working in math and literacy with the Ministry of Education. Following her retirement she worked as a Contract Lecturer at Lakehead University. She will have a lasting legacy on generations to come and is a reminder to stay curious to those who knew her.
After retirement she focused on practicing meditation and gardening. A visit to her house meant a tour of her gardens and she was always interested about what other's were growing. She was a devoted teacher of meditation and consciousness with The Bright Path and a source of joy and comfort to her fellow meditation practitioners.
It's an understatement to say Margaret was a dog person. She bred, showed, trained and enjoyed the companionship of dogs throughout most of her adult life. Dogs were always welcomed in her home and heart and she spoke often of the dogs she had loved and lost.
Margaret was intelligent and articulate; she spoke 5 languages. She was adventurous and fearless and enjoyed travelling. She was always up for a good time and a chat. Everything she did, she did with passion, enthusiasm and laughter. Margaret connected with people in all the chapters of her life and maintained many close friendships throughout her life.
Margaret leaves behind her son Cesar, whom she loved dearly, her sisters Irene and Edie, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents John and Elisabeth Strerz and her twin brothers who died in infancy.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Margaret's life will take place at a later date.
"I was so happy and grateful to see the sun shining this morning. It brightened my day and lifted my spirits. True blue skies, puffy clouds and a warm breeze re-energized me. My garden is responding well to the abundant rain followed by sunshine. Everything is growing rapidly and I have a 'riot' of colour in my front garden: green, white, blue, orange, yellow, pink, purple and red - all brightened by the morning sun! Sitting on my front deck 'perched' among the shrubs and flowers, I realize that life is indeed good." - Margaret Strerz
