It was with deep regret that Vanier learned of the passing of our colleague Margaret (Meg) Sircom, a teacher in the English department since 2001. She passed away in Nova Scotia on January 23, 2011 of breast cancer at the age of 43. Meg Sircom was a native of the Maritimes and the family relocated to the Annapolis Valley when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2008.

Meg was an involved and dedicated teacher and her presence will be missed in the Department and in the College. She was a force in Montreal’s creative writing community and a very active member of the department Guest Speakers committee. She is survived by her husband, Andy Brown, two young sons, her parents, sisters and their families. Burial has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Valley Hospice Foundation or the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, c/o Serenity Lindsay Funeral Homes, 568 Main Street, Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 1E7.

Full obituary from the funeral home in Nova Scotia:

Margaret Anne (Meg) Sircom, 43, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, died peacefully January 23rd, 2011, at the Valley Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Meg grew up in Hantsport, NS, and attended Horton High, Universite Ste. Anne and King’s College University. She traveled extensively in her 20s, to India with Canada World Youth, to Japan and Korea to teach English, and throughout much of Asia. She spent her summers tree-planting in British Columbia where she developed a love of the outdoors and concern for the environment, which she carried with her throughout her life.

In 1993, Meg obtained a bachelor of History from the Liberal Arts College at Concordia University, and in 2000 she received an MA in English from the same University, then became a teacher of English at Vanier College in Montreal. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2008 she returned with her family to the Annapolis Valley.

Meg had a quirky, independent spirit that was wholly original. Wherever she went in the world, people were drawn to her wry wit, gentle charisma, and overwhelming love of humanity. As a result, she cultivated a vast range of friends, all of whom have been inspired by her grace while facing her illness.

Meg is survived by her husband, Andy Brown; children Milo and Angus; parents Robert and Hilary Sircom; sisters Elizabeth (Arnaud Beghin), Kate, and Gillian (Marc-Andre Tremblay); nephews and niece Charlemagne, Sophie and Ivan Tremblay, and Mowbray Beghin. Burial has taken place.

Family and friends were invited to a celebration of Meg’s life at Churchill House (The Hantsport Memorial Community Centre) on Saturday, January 29th, at 2:00 P.M. The family wishes to thank the compassionate doctors, nurses and other staff at the Valley Regional Hospital and the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre who provided such outstanding care to Meg. They also wish to thank the many neighbours and friends whose support has meant so much to them at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation or the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation or the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Serenity Lindsay Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 568 Main St., Wolfville, NS B4P 1E7, (902) 542-4656

Click for Meg’s page on the funeral home website.

Posted in 2010-2019