January 19, 1934 - April 23, 2020
With great sadness we announce the passing of Margaret (Marg) Saunders Geisler (Reid) on Thursday April 23rd, 2020. Much loved and cherished wife of John Geisler (predeceased), proud mother of Mary (Steven) Turner and Donald (Katherine) Geisler. Devoted and doting grandmother of Michael (Julia), Katherine, Jessica, Jocelyn and James. Leaving to mourn, her sister Mary (predeceased John) Robertson.
Marg was born in Kitchener, Ontario on January 19, 1934, to Margaret and Gordon Reid. She spoke fondly of many extended family events during her childhood and teens with close cousins in Guelph (Sutherland’s) and Port Elgin. Part way through her schooling at the University of Toronto, Victoria College, she was smitten with a fellow student, John Geisler. Following the completion of her Bachelor’s of Arts degree and further Town Planning certificate, she married John. She began a career with the City of North York, in the Town Planning Department where she excelled in planning an ever-expanding Toronto in the 1960’s. Her work focused on a new type of indoor mall called “Yorkdale”. Marg and John enjoyed singing and performing in the York Minstrels Musical Theatre productions. Daughter Mary, and son Don were born in Toronto. The family moved to King City, north of Toronto, where Marg pursued her interest in helping others through the King City United Church committees and choir, Boy Scouts, her love of music, playing piano and gardening.
Marg found a connection in the Girl Guides of Canada, initially at the local level, then provincial and finally as the Public Relations Director at the national level. She continued to be engaged with Girl Guides and received recognition for 50 years of service to the Girl Guides of Canada in 2019.
Her husband John retired from his legal practice in 1998, and they began a new chapter in life moving to Olds, Alberta. The move to Olds, provided an opportunity for Marg to volunteer on the public relations committee for the Alberta Senior’s Games, continued service with the Girl Guides, and later work with the Olds and District Hospice Palliative Care Society. Giving back to the community was always important to Marg. She always enjoyed stories and meaningful conversations with family and friends. Marg was an avid football fan and never missed a CFL game.
Marg’s greatest joys were to keep current with family, learning to connect with grandchildren on the computer, following their interests and supporting them as they grew. She was very proud of them and was keen to share their latest news and current endeavors.
Marg enjoyed her last years at Seasons, Olds where she was an avid participant in most activities, particularly the Resident Council, and loved to create daily messages of encouragement on her message board for others. The staff and residents of Seasons Olds were a true gift which she treasured every day. Life was Good.
The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care she received from Dr. Duong, the caring staff at the Wild Rose Medical Centre, and at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre.
A public celebration of Marg’s life may occur later as COVID-19 restrictions are reduced. If desired, Memorial donations may be made to the “Kids Help Phone” (Kidshelpphone.ca), Marg’s charity of choice.
