The Trent community is saddened to learn of the passing of Margaret “Margie” (nee Murduff) Lightbody ’64 – a member of the original class who served as a lifelong leader and volunteer for the University and whose energy, fellowship and expertise helped keep alumni connected for nearly six decades.  

“Margie’s commitment and leadership within the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) is unparalleled as she was a ball of energy who hosted events, coordinated reunions, fundraised, joined committees and delighted in keeping alumni connected,” said Lee Hays, director Alumni Engagement & Services at Trent University. “In the community, Margie was also a trailblazer, generous community member and role model for so many. She will be deeply missed.”

Noted in her obituary, Margie had “over 50 years of involvement with Trent University Board and alumni”. She graduated from Trent (Catharine Parr Traill College) with a B.A. in French and Mathematics and went on to become a well-respected secondary school mathematics teacher. To honour the positive impact she had on her students, an anonymous donor established the Margaret Lightbody Scholarship at Trent University. Margie also served as founding president of the TUAA Peterborough chapter and was the association’s representative to the Board of Governors.

Margie met her late husband Robert Lightbody ’64 – a former Board Chair and founding TUAA member – when they were students together in the original class. They always strived to keep in touch with former classmates and in 1994, Margie played a leadership role in organizing her class’s 30th anniversary reunion, and a 50th reunion in 2014.

In the community, Margie, a cancer survivor, was a member of the Survivors Abreast team in the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival and chaired a $2.5-million campaign to bring radiation services to Peterborough. In 2012, the University honoured her with the Spirit of Trent Award for her dedication to supporting women and their families affected by breast cancer. She also supported other community initiatives including the Osteoporosis Golf Tournament, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation Board, Peterborough Bridge Club, and the Riverpark Village Social Committee.

Alumni House honours all of the couple’s contributions with a plaque that speaks to their lifelong commitment to the University.

The University extends heartfelt sympathies to Margie’s family and friends, and to all who knew her at Trent. In honour of Margie’s contributions to Trent, the University will lower the flag atop the Bata Library to the half-mast position on the day of her visitation.