Elizabeth Marion McGirr

Beth McGirr, the indomitable matriarch whose spirit illuminated the lives of those around her, passed away peacefully at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital on February 14, 2024, in her 95th year, surrounded by her loving family. 

Beth was the beloved wife of the late Ormond McGirr and the proud mother of Steven (Shelley), David (Patty), Andrew, and Jane (Jamie). Cherished grandma to—Jeff (Kim), Chris (Himani), Lauren (Tim), Ashleigh (Mike), Matt, Tim (Dana), Justin, Kristen (Amrithal), David (Akanksha), and Christina (Dilshan)—and precious Gigi to—Ellie, Quinn, Finley, Graeme, James, Ryan and Maeve. Beth will be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law Jean and Betty, her nephew and nieces. Predeceased by mother, Lillian; father, George; sister, Fran; brother, Norm; and brothers-in-law Ross and John. 

Born in 1929, Beth grew up in a railway family and had a busy childhood in Barrie, Sundridge, Gravenhurst, Washago and Parry Sound. Summers found her on the shores of Lake Bernard. Beth’s poise and charisma shone through and even led to her coronation as Miss Sundridge in her teen years. Her connection to Sundridge ran deep, as her father’s parents lived on a farm outside of the town, and Beth often came to visit family leaving an indelible impression on her childhood memories. 

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Beth embarked on a career in education, not only imparting knowledge to her students but also instilling in them values of discipline and self-advocacy. She was often heard saying, "Organization is the key to success," a quote that resonated throughout her teachings and beyond. 

Beth's story with Orm began on the dance floors of Sundridge, leading to a marriage that spanned nearly six and a half decades. Together, they traversed the map of Ontario and Quebec, calling Port Credit, Kitchener, Weston, Oakville, Montreal, Hamilton, and Ottawa home. Beth continued to supply teach at Ottawa’s D. Roy Kennedy school, proving herself a force to be reckoned with in the classroom. 

Beyond her dedication to education, Beth found joy in a myriad of pursuits, from bridge, golf and curling with Orm, to painting, word games, quilting, card making and crossword puzzles. Her competitive spirit was perhaps most evident in her dominance as a ruthless Scrabble player, where she left opponents in awe of her lexical prowess. She was also a fervent supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs, her allegiance unwavering even in the face of adversity. In retirement, Beth and Orm cherished life in Sundridge while wintering at Ranchero Village in Florida, where they enjoyed many activities and a close-knit community. 

Yet, it was her role as the heart of the family that truly defined Beth's legacy. Her motto was “Family First”, and nothing pleased her more than family gatherings at the cottages on Lake Bernard. When the family expanded to fill more than one room at dinners, Beth happily moved around to make sure she heard every conversation, every bit of news from the grandkids and to ask her ‘twenty questions’. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the compassionate staff of Muskoka Traditions and Huntsville Hospital, with a special acknowledgment to personal caregiver Darlene, whose presence enriched Beth's final months. In lieu of flowers, donations to Zion United Church Memorial Fund in memory of Elizabeth McGirr (via e-transfer to zucsundridge@gmail.com) or the Huntsville Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. A Service will take place on July 27th at 11 a.m. at Zion United Church, Sundridge followed by a lunch at the Sundridge Legion.

Beth’s memory forever lives on through the love, laughter, and enduring bonds shared among her great-grandchildren, grandchildren and children, a testament to her legacy.