Obituary of Margaret Catharine Campbell (Vermue)
On Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2024, at University Hospital LHSC, Margaret at the age of 92, passed away peacefully with her sons Allan and David by her side. Dementia lessened her contact with family and friends over the last decade, however she continued to enjoy listening to music, looking at flowers, milkshakes and being with her cat Petunia.
Margaret Catharine Campbell was born in Strathroy, Ontario on July 10, 1932. Predeceased by her parents William Allan and Ena (Christena) (nee McNeil) Campbell. She had two brothers who served in the RCAF overseas, Allan William Campbell (Viola) KIA France 1944 and Kenneth Duncan Campbell (Georgia Clair) of Houghton, MI, USA. Survived by cousins Neil (Riky) McNeill and Ann Hillary (nee McNeill) and two nieces Martha and Georgia Clair.
In the 1950’s Margaret enrolled at H.B. Beal Technical School secretarial studies and she also worked part-time as a secretary, even though she knew that her heart was keen in wanting to study ballet, art and music. At Beal she met her lifelong friend Lois who was studying down the hall in the art department. Seeing this world of art opened her eyes, ears and mind, as her secretarial experience revealed that her true love was not keying a typewriter, but sitting behind the keys of the piano.
Determined, she refocused to follow her true love of piano studying at the Western Ontario Conservatory of Music under the training of Sister Callistus, completing her music diploma. With the monies she saved during her secretarial days, she purchased her own piano in 1956 and commenced teaching. Her parents renovated the family home on Caradoc Street, enclosing their front porch to accommodate their daughter’s new grand piano and start her teaching career.
Teaching soon led her to befriending a large Dutch family from Lambeth whose nine siblings were all very musical. The second son, Henk Vermue, who shared a great love of music, became her husband for the next 25 years. Their marriage produced the composition of two sons. She educated and exposed the world of arts to her sons including ballet, opera, theatre, visual arts and many visits to the Stratford Festival.
She continued her pursuit of musical studies with a degree in music at the University of Western Ontario. The colleagues from her days at UWO kept her invigorated and inspired with many remaining friends for life; Dr. Bratuz, Carol, Cathy, George, Gilles, Lisa, Steven plus many more. She continued teaching music from her home for over fifty years before retiring.
Endless thanks to the many Doctors, Nurses, Coordinators and PSWs who assisted and cared for mom in the latter years of her life where gravity and Dementia both became challenging.
Margret has been cremated and no funeral service is planned per her wishes. There will be a celebration of life, art, flowers and music at a later date. Until then, remember the good times gone by, listen to Chopin performed by Jan Lisiecki, and be kind to your family and animals. Pet your cats (and dogs) and love them.
