“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Margaret Jane Gamble was born on January 10, 1931, in Ireland to Thomas and Isabell (Spence) Gamble. From humble beginnings, her life would become a remarkable testament to strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. One of seven children—Jesse, Mary, Amy, Stanley, Joe, and Walter—Margaret’s early years were filled with the joys and struggles of a large family with limited means, but abundant love.

As a young child, she attended Ballymacosh Church in Northern Ireland. Her father would carry her across the fields to keep her shoes clean, a simple but powerful memory that highlighted the tenderness of her upbringing. She often shared stories of wartime—darkened windows to hide from bombers, strict rationing, and the strength it took to make do with what little they had. These early experiences instilled in Margaret a lifelong ability to stretch resources and care deeply for others.

From as young as twelve, Margaret was already a caregiver, staying with and tending to her ill grandmother. It was during this time that her deep Christian faith was nurtured—faith that would become the cornerstone of her life. Growing up at the foot of the Irish mountains, Margaret didn’t have much in terms of material wealth, but her memories were rich with love, laughter, and the joy of community.

In her youth, Margaret met Thomas “Tom” William Clarke. They fell in love, despite her parents’ reservations, as she often rode around the countryside on his motorbike. On April 30, 1953, they were married in the Church of Ireland in Derriaghy. Soon after, the couple made the bold decision to immigrate to Canada in search of greater opportunities, despite the heartache of leaving family behind.

They settled in Toronto, where Margaret worked in large department stores. She recalled humorous stories of trying to navigate Canadian currency and even chasing down shoplifters. On February 25, 1957, their first son, Greg, was born. Their growing family returned to Ireland in 1958, purchasing a 40-acre parcel of land in Crevvy, County Down. There, they welcomed their sons Jeff in 1959 and Paul in 1961, completing their family. From the moment they became parents, Margaret and Tom were united in their devotion to raising their boys with strong values: faith, kindness, and a tireless work ethic. While they didn’t have much, they gave everything they could to ensure their sons grew up knowing they were loved beyond measure. They made every decision with their boys’ best interests at heart—from where they lived to the sacrifices they made to provide stability and a sense of belonging. Margaret ensured her boys understood the importance of responsibility, respect, and lending a helping hand.

Margaret’s role as a mother and homemaker extended well beyond her immediate family. She was known for her open-door policy—offering meals, shelter, and comfort to anyone in need. Her belief was firm: if someone came to her, it was Jesus bringing them, and she was to bring them to Him. No one left her home without hearing the question, “Have you accepted Jesus into your life?”

In 1964, the family returned to Canada permanently, settling first in Scarborough and later moving to a farm near Mansfield. While farming, both in Ireland and Canada, Margaret’s resilience and humour shone—whether delivering piglets in pristine white gloves or trying to hide scorched crops from Tom after a mishap. Life with Margaret was often likened to an episode of I Love Lucy—unexpected, heartfelt, and full of laughter.

Later moves took them to Harriston, Mildmay, and eventually Chesley. With each move, Margaret made new friends and nurtured old ones, always turning each house into a warm and loving home. It seemed impossible to go anywhere without her knowing someone, and if she didn’t, she soon would. Her friendships spanned decades and distances, kept alive through letters, calls, and prayers.

In 1961, Margaret lost her mother to cancer. A year later, in 1962, she was “saved”—committing her life fully to Jesus. From that moment forward, faith became her guide. She hosted Fellowship meetings, welcomed traveling missionaries, and brought many to church and to Christ through her kind, persistent witness.

In 1978, Margaret and Tom opened the Morning Star Restaurant in Harriston. It was not just a business but a ministry. She fed the hungry, gave her tips to those in need, and shared the gospel over coffee and hot meals. Her framed food safety certificate proudly hung in her kitchen for years afterward, a symbol of her pride and a loving joke between her and Tom.

Health challenges came in 1990 when Margaret suffered a heart attack, but she credited prayer and faith for helping her recover. The ’90s also brought great joy—taking motorhome trips with her granddaughters Nicole and Sara across North America, building precious memories, and forming friendships in every park they visited.

Margaret embraced being a grandmother with enthusiasm—finally able to indulge in frilly dresses and tea parties. She spoiled her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with Irish breakfasts, crafts made from nylons and socks, and stories pulled from both her Bible and her vibrant imagination.

Later years brought the Clarkes to Hanover, where they downsized but never slowed down. They continued to be active in their community and church, forming bonds with neighbours and watching services online when health made in-person attendance difficult. After Tom’s passing, and as her health declined, her grandchildren stepped in to help with the same love and care she had always given them.

Margaret was a woman of endless patience, fierce determination, and unshakable kindness. Her scones and toffee were legendary. She could sew, knit, and repurpose anything. More importantly, she taught her family that value lies not in what something is—but what it could be.

Margaret believed that all people were good—some just needed help finding their way back. She could gently lead with conviction, never confrontational but always persuasive. Her love knew no bounds—extending to family, friends, neighbours, and strangers alike. To Margaret, everyone was family, and everyone was welcome.

Her Bible, well-worn and well-loved, contained lists of people she prayed for—many of whom never even knew they were being carried in her heart to God. Even after losing her sons, she continued to pray for their friends, never letting anyone fall through the cracks of her love.

To know Margaret was to be known, loved, and accepted. Her home was full of food, hugs, laughter, prayers, and second chances. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met, and her legacy continues in the lessons, love, and light she passed on to all who had the privilege of being part of her remarkable life.

Margaret passed away in Roxas City, Philippines, on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in her 95th year.

Loving wife to her late husband Thomas for 70 years, and mother to Greg (Jacqueline), late Jeffrey, and late Paul. Cherished Granny of Jonathan, Sara (Steve), Barry (Lorna), Nicole (Scott), Krysta, James, Jeff, Kaitlyn, Justin, William, and Nelly, and great-grandmother of Owen, Aubrey, Abby, Jack, Rosie, Lincoln, and Gabriel. Caring sister to her brother Stanley. She was predeceased by her siblings Jesse, Amy, Mary, Walter, Joe, and her parents Thomas and Isabell (Spence) Gamble.

Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. A livestream will be available at service time, and a video recording will be available in the days following the service. Interment in Chesley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hope Community Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.