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The Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-06-03, Page 4Page A4 - Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, June 3, 2009 Comniunity pillar, Edward remembered as teacher to many Daws Sykes signal -star publisher There literally wasn't a corner of the community that wasn't brightened by the cheery disposition, guiding hand and charming smile of Madeleine Edward. The former high school teacher, who literally taught generations of young people in Goderich over several Madeleine Edward decades, and a lady who dedicated much of her life to church and community service, died peacefully at home Wednesday, May 27. She was 96. As a "child of the manse" and pre- deceased by her parents, Rev. D.J. and Madeleine Lane, she was raised in -Grand Grand Valley, Hanover and Wallaceburg. After graduation from the University of Toronto and O.C.E., she began teaching high school in Goder- ich. She continued her love of learning with a music degree from Western Con- servatory and Ontario `specialist' des- ignations in English. A natural and encouraging teacher, Madeleine retired from teaching after the war to raise her family; but returned to her first love and the halls of GDCI for several decades as a supply teacher, mentoring the children of many of her first students. Her interests were diverse but it was her sense of compassion for people and genuine caring for the betterment of the community, that earned Madeleine de- served accolades for her selfless dedi- cation to community service. "She was an inspiration to the com- munity and was simply a very inspiring person," Mayor Deb Shewfelt said in recognizing the contribution of Edward to the greater community. "She made the town a real community and was al- ways involved. She was a special -per- son in the community." It was love of family, church, educa- Photo by Dave Sykes Faith was an important part of Madeleine Edward's life and she shared a special spiritual moment with*Rev. Bill Thorneloe during the Ecumenical. Worship Service at the GDCI All Years Reunion on Sunday, July 9, 2000. Edward was an enthusiastic and inspiring member of the reunion organizing committee at age 90. A teacher by profession, she leaves a rich legacy of learning and indomitable community spirit. tion and music that fuelled the ener- getic and charming lady and inspired others to contribute on their own level. Through all of her community involve- ment, her unfailing interest in others and her faith was always the guiding factor. "Madeleine's faith was so much of who she was. She did not pull it out on Sundays or when she felt that she needed to. It was an integral part of her being, and she continued to study and explore that faith and belief in God throughout her life," Knox Presbyterian Church As- sistant Minister Mary Jane Bisset said. "She had an interest in so much of the life of Knox Presbyterian Church, its governance, its people, its little ones. If I were asked to put a face on Knox Presbyterian Church, one strong face would be Madeleine Edward." It was that genuine interest in people of all ages that endeared Madeline to generations and it was an unbridled pas- sion for music that manifested itself in a lengthy participation in a local choir. A charter member of the MacKay Cho- risters, formed in 1983, Edward contin- ued to practice and sing with the group well into her 90s. Director and choir organizer, Irla Stewart, now of London, will always remember Madeleine's enthusiasm and "love of music." "She was always a delightful person. She had a habit of letting out this little giggle whenever something touched her," Stewart remembered. "Madeleine was a charter member of the Choristers and she had a good voice and was such a quick learner. She was there every Thursday for our trips and was singing until a few years ago. She had lots of enthusiasm and was always bright and cheery." And that enthusiasm that Madeleine brought to her endeavors extended be- yond music and she injected her per- sonality and passion into every commu- nity project. She joined the Maple Leaf Chapter of IODE in 1944, served as regent of the group in 1960-61 and was given a life membership in 2001. She served the IODE for a remarkable 65 years. "Her service record really speaks for itself,' Regent Nancy Hughes said. "She was granted a life membership in rec- ognition of her inspiration to us. She was a guiding light and pointed us in the right direction. She was the force behind our community connection but she always said 'that's what we're here for.' Many people in town will fondly re- member Madeleine as our 'local icon' Judy Martens, organizer of the GDCI All Years Reunion in 2000 said in re- membering the energy the lady exhib- ited in assisting with the town -wide event at age 90. "She was a remarkable lady in the true sense of the word," she said. "Mad- eleine enjoyed telling stories about peo- ple she knew in the community, then she would giggle, say something nice about them and go on to another story. I smile when I think of Maddy. Her en- thusiasm and keen interest in helping with the reunion was inspiring to all of us on the committee. She was 90 then! I am thankful for having known Mad- eleine." She was predeceased by her husband, Clayton, in 1986. In addition to raising their family, they supported one another in church and community activities and the family fuel business. Edward is survived by her sons David (Joan) of Cambridge, Donald and Lin- da of Goderich; grandchildren Laurie, David, Daniel, Catherine and Graham and great grandchildren Owen, Sierra, Madelyn and nephew Peter Lane and family of Montreal. Funeral service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich on Tuesday, June 2. McGee Motors thriving as automaker gets scaled down in US From page 1 we are quite relieved to still be a local deal- er," Ken McGee, president of McGee Mo- tors said. "We had the largest sales 'month in May that I can ever remember for total new units sold. It's amazing. Our service staff is working overtime and we have full staff on overtime to get caught up. In fact we need additional technicians." GM will move forward with four core brands, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, while the Pontiac models will be phased out in 2010. "It's sad to see a recognized and well - liked nameplate, known for styling and performance, phased out," McGee said. "But buyers will have lots of choices as Buick and GMAC offer more models." The carmaker is expected to launch its electric Volt model in the 2011 model year and it has generated great interest in the Camaro brand as well as a line of hybrid models. For McGee Motors, celebrating 80 years of service to the motoring public in Goder- ich, the prospect of a fourth generation of the McGee family running the operation has grown considerably. The car company, Ken McGee reasons, will emerge a stron- ger company through the restructuring process. "I am totally convinced that General Motors will emerge a stronger company in time," he said. "They are getting smarter at what they do and bring to market and they have a history of great style," he said. "They know they have to change and do things in a different way but the future of GM is here in Goderich for a long time." The McGees made an important com- mitment to the town when they put up the new dealership on Suncoast Drive and McGee hopes the public will support the government's effort to keep the auto in- dustry viable. In Canada, one in seven jobs is tied to the auto industry and dealerships in small towns play a vital role in the local economy. Letter -writer calls alleged falsification 'disgusting' From page 1 ter, and that the resulting decision was based on incorrect information. "I find it disgusting," he said in his letter. "That some may be using fraudulent infor- mation to justify their position." In Goderich's comprehensive land re- view, created late last year, the amount of available or potential industrial land listed is slightly more than 28 hectares he said. However, planner Joyce Wilson pointed out the difference is serviced or serviceable land owned by the town is actually more in the neighbourhood of 2.7 hectares. "Other parcels are not owned by the town or not optioned or serviced," she said. Councillor Heather Lyons called for a more public process on the matter, how- ever, with the ministry already replying to the public objections, the point was deemed moot. "We've . got the bill to show you how much we've spent on the public process," said clerk -administrator Larry McCabe. "The ministry said we don't need the full EA. That horse is out of the barn"