THUNDER BAY — Margaret Jean Ayer marked a remarkable milestone Friday: her 100th birthday.
The centenarian celebrated her extraordinary life surrounded by four generations of family.
“It means the world to me,” said Margaret, “I’ve never seen all of them together like this before. It’s wonderful.”
Born in Hamilton in 1925, Margaret (née Goudey) forged an uncommon path for women of her era. She earned both an Honours B.A. and an M.A. in textile chemistry and home economics from the University of Toronto, along with a Teacher’s Certificate from the Ontario College of Education.
“She said her courses were like engineering, with all the sciences,” said her great-granddaughter Anna Seibel, now a chemical engineering student. “I’m not doing the home ec part, but I am doing the chemistry part, and I think it’s really cool how she did that too.”
Fran Seibel, Margaret’s grandson, recalls her academic challenges: “She found the science of home economics fascinating but difficult. Many of her classmates couldn’t complete the course because of its heavy scientific demands.”
In 1948, Margaret married Edwin “Ed” Benjamin Ayer (1925–2017), and together they embarked on a life filled with adventure, education, and service. Early in their marriage, they moved to Northern Ontario, where Ed worked in forestry while Margaret raised their children living in remote bush camps, often without electricity or running water.
Settling near what is now Thunder Bay, the couple built and operated the Town and Country Motel and planted over 20,000 trees, establishing one of Ontario’s first certified Christmas tree farms.
“Margaret used a cupboard drawer as a crib for her daughter so they could plant trees,” said grandson Franz Seibel. “They were rugged Northern Ontario people who loved contributing by planting trees.”
Margaret’s connection to education continued when, from 1959 to 1969, she taught at Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay. Anna, a former student of the school, appreciated hearing her great-grandmother’s stories.
“It’s cool how she went there when it was first built. Even describing the building now, she says it’s mostly the same. I like her stories about Hammarskjold and her teaching.”
She taught economics and home economics, sharing practical skills such as cooking, sewing, and budgeting. Her teaching combined scientific rigour with creativity, inspiring many students.
Beyond teaching, Margaret nurtured a lifelong passion for painting. Self-taught since childhood, she said, “Since I was about 10, I’ve been drawing and painting. I never took any serious lessons, I just taught myself.”
Her preferred medium is watercolour, capturing landscapes and scenes from her extensive travels.
Great-granddaughter Kate Seibel recalls the creative environment in Margaret’s home. “When I was little, her basement was full of paintbrushes and cups of paint water. It was amazing being surrounded by all her paintings.”
In the 1970s, Margaret and Ed moved to Bimini, Bahamas, to manage the Buccaneer Point Hotel and Marina. Later, they lived in Burma (now Myanmar), where Ed consulted on forestry projects, and Margaret painted vibrant Burmese life and landscapes.
Reflecting on her travels, Margaret said: "My favourite memory was probably India. We travelled from north to south, and they treated us so well. I loved every part of it.”
Great-granddaughter Grace McNab sums up Margaret’s spirit: “No matter where you are or what situation you’re in, it’s important to make the best of it, have fun, and stay close to those around you. Family will always be there."
Between 1989 and 2002, the Ayers volunteered internationally with the Canadian International Development Agency and U.S.-based Improving Economies for Stronger Communities, consulting on hotel management in over 20 developing countries. They shared their expertise until age and insurance restrictions brought their travels to a close.
Today, Margaret is a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and twin sister. Her family’s admiration and love reflect a life defined by resilience, adventure, and creativity.
