Obituary of Margo Ann Spencer

Margo Ann (Master) Spencer, 93, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully Friday October 27, 2023. Born May 29, 1930 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Wellington McKee Master and Alma Marguerita Eliza (Miller) Master. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and vitality, her love of life and family, and her ability to bring joy into any room she entered. She was most truly an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, and friend.

Early on in childhood, Margo developed a love for music which later translated into her becoming a highly accomplished pianist. She attended high school at Walkerville Collegiate, graduating in 1948. She went on to the University of Toronto and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSCN). She was a member of the Victoria Order of Nursing (VON) and skillfully practiced in both Canada and the United States.

Margo met the love of her life, Norm Spencer Jr., at the age of 13 when they took lessons at Zimmerman’s School of Dance. After attending university together, she married her long-time boyfriend and life mate on December 27, 1952 in Windsor. They celebrated 67 years of married life.

Margo worked professionally as a nurse before starting her family in 1956. She then transferred those wonderful nursing qualities of love and caregiving to the raising of her four precious daughters. Margo volunteered many years for the Canadian Cancer Society and served as president of the Essex County Canadian Cancer Society.

Margo learned how to play the game of golf at age 16 at Essex Golf and Country Club. In that same year, she won a mixed twosome golf tournament at Essex and began honing her skill of grace under pressure. She went on to love and play the game for decades, winning many subsequent tournaments. Her golfing highlight came in the 1990’s when playing in a fundraising tournament in western North Carolina (as 1 of only 4 female entrants.) She made a hole-in-one on hole number 7 with her 7 iron! The feat won her an all-expense paid trip to Europe which she and Norm enjoyed tremendously. Together, Norm and Margo traveled in the 70’s to the “Home of Golf” in Scotland and realized every golfer’s dream by playing the renown St. Andrews Links. Margo made lifelong friends and memories through the game of golf and alongside her fun-loving golfing pals, she organized and ran an Invitational Golf Tournament at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville, NC that was enjoyed by hundreds of women for 16 years. In gratitude for her leadership, friends had a brick placed at the World Golf Hall of Fame in Margo’s honor.

Margo was beautiful both inside and out. She began runway modeling in college and continued modeling for women’s clothing shops in Windsor and later in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after moving there in 1973. She eventually became part owner of an East Las Olas shop, Peter Williams – a high end women’s tailored clothier. Margo helped expand the business to additional locations in Naples, FL, Harbor Springs, MI, and Waynesville, NC, all the while enjoying the business venture and the friendships made.

In 1976, Margo returned to school and earned her real estate license. She delighted in selling real estate in Florida, but most especially enjoyed working with her clients and developing fun friendships along the way. Along with a partner, Margo started the Banker’s Real Estate company in the mid 1980’s and worked with it until 2010.

In the fall of 1980, Margo and Norm set out driving to explore the mountains of North Carolina. As they drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the sun began to set, they agreed to stop and stay at the next lighted motel. It turned out to be Marvin’s Motel on Hwy 19 outside of Maggie Valley and a new adventure was about to

begin. Upon awakening the next morning, they saw a sign “Land for Sale” and being always real estate inquisitive they inquired about it. Marvin told them of a cabin for sale up near the top of the road. They ventured up the road, found “The Cabin,” walked out onto the back deck, gazed at the incredible vista and Margo announced, “This is as close to heaven as I will get on this side!” They bought it… sight unseen inside. And thus began the 40+ year story of “Life and Adventures at The Cabin.”

Margo had a way of making everything more beautiful by simply being around it. Her infectious laughter, positive outlook, and love of life blessed everyone she knew. Even plants seemed to flourish under her loving care and she found great joy in growing and gardening and observing the beauty of nature.

Margo and Norm were always adventurers at heart. Having lived in Canada, Florida, North Carolina and Arizona, they had endless stories to share about their many escapades. Margo will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and her smile will forever shine on brightly in heaven.

Margo is survived by daughters Margaret (Denny) DeNarvaez and husband, Oscar, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Pam Smith and husband, Ken, of Charlotte, NC, and Patti Lewis and husband, George, of Orlando, FL; grandchildren Oscar DeNarvaez and wife Tana (great-grandchildren Ava, Oscar and Romeo), Felipe DeNarvaez, Ricky Smith and wife Solany (great-grandchild Luis), Devon Smith and wife Liz, Ben Lewis, and Samantha Lewis; and many more adoring family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Margo is preceded in death by her daughter, Ann Michelle (1959-1980), brother, Robert Master, and her loving husband, Norm Spencer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 12:00pm at St. Stephen UMC in Charlotte, NC. Family will receive guests prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Margo requested memorial gifts be given to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. www.komen.org

Online condolences can be made at HankinsandWhittington.com

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