Margaret's Memorial

In February of 2012, cancer affected our family in a major way. Both my dad and his sister, Margaret, were fighting cancer simultaneously. So intertwined were their battles that while my dad was unconscious during surgery, his sister passed away.

Every year, as a way to remember Margaret, her husband hosts a memorial mass. Were she still alive, she would have had 9 grandchildren now.

Margaret was a wonderful woman and a major role model for everyone in her family. Having her first child at a young age, she put her full education plans on pause to raise her family. At the age of 50 she got her PhD in mathematics and was immediately hired to be a professor at York University. She was an advocate for women's rights, was an early leader with La Leche League in Toronto, and she raised five children who all grew up to be successful in their respected industries.

She met Larry, her husband, when they were kids. They spent 43 years happily married, and even though 7 years have passed, his love for her has never changed.

Preserving her legacy, Larry started the ‘The Margaret Sinclair Memorial Award Recognizing Innovation and Excellence in Mathematics Education.' Unlike other titles that prioritize years of study, hers honours those who have made significant impacts in the lives of their students. Innovation, enthusiasm, support, kindness, and initiative are among the traits that she shares with the seven recipients to date, and thanks to Larry and The Fields Institute, more classroom heroes will be honoured for years to come.