Remembering Margaret Gear

Margaret Gear led a full life, with generosity and compassion woven throughout it. She demonstrated these traits not only throughout her 96 years, but also in her final wishes. 

As long-time residents of the Town of Cobourg, she and her husband, Dr. Douglas Gear, loved this community. Her family often joked if a role for Town Cheerleader was created, she’d be the first to apply and the perfect person to fill the job.

A caring spirit, Margaret was consistently giving back to this community that meant so much to her. Margaret worked with numerous charitable organizations and was a long-serving member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a recipient of a Paul Harris Award, a June Callwood Award, and an Ontario Volunteer Service Award; and in 2013, was recognized for an incredible 63 years of service with Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Auxiliary.

Over her decades of Auxiliary involvement, Margaret volunteered in the Little Treasure Shop, Dialysis, Palliative Care, and with countless fundraising events for the hospital. If there was no answer at home, family knew she was at the hospital.

Margaret loved working in the Little Treasure Shop at NHH, and especially loved doing the rounds to the in-patient areas with the cart. Her kind nature shone through as she visited with patients bringing smiles and conversation as well as goodies to break up the long days in bed.

In addition to serving her community, Margaret cared for her family. Along with Dr. Gear, she raised 5 children and at the time of her passing, her family had grown to include 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

With Dr. Gear serving most of his career as a physician at Cobourg District Hospital and Margaret volunteering with the Auxiliary, it was clear both valued the health of their community. When Margaret passed away in the spring of 2019, she bequeathed monetary gifts to both NHH Auxiliary and NHH Foundation, furthering her support of our community hospital.

“During her lifetime, Marg served NHH as a volunteer and donor,” expresses NHH Foundation Executive Director, Rhonda Cunningham. “We are honoured she continued to show her support by including our organizations in her final wishes.”

By leaving these gifts in her Will, Margaret’s legacy of caring for others continues even after her passing.