Obituary of The Honourable Mabel Van Camp

The Honourable M.M. (Mabel Margaret) Van Camp On Thursday, April 19, 2012, the Honourable M.M. (Mabel) Van Camp passed away at the age of 91 having led a remarkable, distinguished and significant life. Much loved eldest sister of Jessie Gunter, Blackstock, Ontario and the late Wilma Drinkwater and Helen Van Camp. Devoted and very special aunt to Richard Gunter, Chilliwack, BC; Kathy McLaughlin, Algonquin Highlands, ON; John Gunter, Toronto, ON; Susan Bagel, Oshawa, ON; Mary Drinkwater, Bath, ON and Nancy Webb, Ottawa, ON. Supportive and caring great-aunt to Alex, Jessica, Blake, Matthew, David, Michael, Christine, Scott and Simon. Daughter of the late William John Weir and Mary Jane (Smith) Van Camp of Blackstock, ON. In mourning, we also celebrate that her life was so exceptionally well-lived. Graduating from Osgoode Hall and called to the Bar of Ontario in 1947, she became a partner in the firm of Beaudoin, Pepper & Van Camp and was appointed Queen's Council in 1965. Serving with distinction as the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Ontario in 1971, M.M. Van Camp was a role model in the field of law for women. She was honoured as a Judicial Pioneer in the Hall of Honour at the Canadian Judicial Conference in 1995, and in 2003, she was awarded the Order of Ontario. Mabel cared deeply and gave selflessly to family and community throughout her life. She served in leadership capacities as Chancellor and Dean of the Alpha Mu chapter of the Kappa Beta Pi legal sorority, President of the Women's Law Association and President of the Fudger House Chapter of the I.O.D.E. As president of the YWCA, Toronto Association, during the 1960s, her steady leadership led them through the turbulent issues of politics and social justice. She was well-known for her ability to weigh and balance the sometimes disparate demands of the procedural and the moral. On her behalf, the family thanks the many personal support workers who cared for her during her final few years at the Bradgate Arms in Toronto and at the Briargate Retirement Home in Amherstview.

There will be two services held to celebrate Mabel's life. The first service will be held at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St., Toronto on Thursday, May 17th at 7 pm. Reception to follow. The second service will be held at St. John's Anglican Church, Blackstock, ON, on Saturday, May 19th at 2 pm. Reception to follow.

If desired, memorial donations by cheque to Toronto YWCA, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to WAGG FUNERAL HOME, 216 Queen Street in Port Perry (905-985 2171). Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waggfuneralhome.com