Alice Margery Leffler (nee Lasser)
October 10, 1922 – November 15, 2016
A much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Marge passed away peacefully following a short illness. Pre-deceased by all of her siblings and by Cliff, her devoted husband of 53 years, she leaves her last remaining sister-in-law, Barbara Lasser; four children – Mark (Lin), Gordon (Charlotte), Paul (Anne-Marie) and Janice (Dennis); six grandchildren – Tristin (Craig), Todd (Leanna), Brennan, Darren(Stephanie), Miranda (Cole) and Nicholas; and six great grandchildren - Zachary, Hazel, Ella, Evan, George and Jack.
Born in Vancouver and raised in Squamish, Marge was a proud citizen of Parksville for 71 years, and was named chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1978 for her work in the community. She was a founding member in 1975 of what is now the Parksville and District Historical Society, serving in all offices of the Society including four years as president. She was instrumental in saving the 1912 Knox United Church and establishing Craig Heritage Park in 1982, which would become home to the Parksville Museum & Archives. In 1991 she was presented with the Award of Merit by the Museums Association of BC for her long-time service in preservation of the history of Parksville and area and her work in establishing and maintaining the heritage museum. A self-taught historian, Marge authored Parksville & Then Some, a collection of stories and vignettes describing the historical beginnings of Parksville and its surrounding communities. Originally printed in 1999, a new edition of the book, with additional stories, was published in 2015.
Proud of her service in the Royal Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division) from 1943-45, Marge joined the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 49, upon settling in Parksville with Cliff. In October 2015 she was honoured for 70 years of service with the auxiliary. True to form, when asked the secret to her longevity she said, ” It helps to keep busy.”
Marge’s loving family and many friends mourn her passing, but honour her devotion to family, love of life and commitment to her community. She will be deeply missed though happily remembered by all who knew her. The family wishes to thank the staff of Stanford Place and George Derby Centre for their compassionate care of Marge.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marge’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Knox United Church will be welcome.
A memorial service for Marge will be held Saturday, December 3rd, 1:00 pm at Knox United ChURCH, 345 Pym Street, Parksville.