Live Stream

To view the Live Stream for Meg's funeral service on Friday at 1 pm, ET click here: Meg Dias Funeral Live Stream

The link will open 20 minutes prior to the event. If for some reason the link does not work (due to internet or technical issues), a video will be made available after the event.

Obituary

In loving memory of Margaret Mary "Meg" Dias, born June 6, 1951 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Lord called her home on June 18, 2023.

Meg cared for others with a sense of purpose driven by her devout faith in Jesus Christ. She lived out 1 Thessalonians 5:11 in every encounter: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," taking a particular interest in everyone she met; extending to each individual hospitality, exhortation, and kindness. With her trademark boldness and sincerity, she showed care, provided guidance, and expressed love to her extended family, her neighbours, her friends, her church community, and even strangers.

Firstborn child of Thomas and Margaret Kennedy, Meg's earliest years were spent in the Maryhill neighbourhood of post-war, working-class Glasgow. At the age of ten, the Kennedy family pursued the promise of new opportunities across the Atlantic, settling in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Meg remained in New Jersey until a dashing, Goan car-aficionado from Canada entered her sphere, and his smooth jive dance moves won her over. In 1970, she moved to Canada to pursue her training to become a Montessori teacher, and, ostensibly, to pursue that young Goan fellow, Cecil Dias.

In 1971, Meg married Cecil and they began their life together in Woodstock, Ontario. A few years later, the couple welcomed their firstborn son, Christopher, into their lives, and a year thereafter, a second son, Douglas. They then moved to Etobicoke, and a third son, Joseph, was added to their brood, followed by a daughter, Catharine (Kate). During that time, the family joined Logos Christian Family Church in Mississauga. In 1988, the family of six settled in Oakville, Ontario and, eventually, attended Evangel Pentecostal Church. Meg extended hospitality to others everywhere she went. Sunday dinnertimes often included newcomers to the church or neighbourhood, who were plied with delicious food and questions, each individual receiving Meg's grace and kindness.

While Meg and Cecil's household grew, the broader family also held a pre-eminent place in Meg's heart.  Meg ensured that the bond within the extended Dias and Kennedy families  remained strong.  Road trips to New Jersey to visit Meg's parents, brother, sister, and their families, became a regular feature of family life. Meg was affectionately known as "Auntie Margaret" to all her nieces and nephews, bringing love and laughter, and the occasional hint of Scottish brogue, wherever she went. Holiday celebrations became busier and noisier over the years, and were replete with much-loved traditions.

Meg is predeceased by her husband Cecil (1999). She is survived by her children, Christopher (Michelle), Douglas (Claire), Joseph (Sophie), and Kate (Paul). Meg cherished her grandchildren, James, Aaron, Chloë, Rachel, Evelina, Thomas, Joseph-Jie, Nathan, Jude, Marley, Matthew, and Daniel. She will be remembered by her sister Anne (James) and brother Gerry as a loving older sister, who cared for them deeply. She is predeceased by her grandchildren John and Elizabeth. Her grandchildren will miss their beloved Granny's hugs, her appreciation of their varied musical talents, her words of godly wisdom, her endless supply of Mentos candies, and her enthusiastic Zoom calls.

Meg was a woman who appreciated a good adventure. While she loved her books and book club, she also cast out on many adventures such as world travel with friends and family, and engaged in physical activities such as highland dancing, Zumba classes, and long walks.

A dedicated volunteer, Meg served in a number of ways and places, including the Women's Prison, Forestview Church, Hope Bible Church, Kerr Street Mission, Next Door community outreach and Voice of the Martyrs. She spent many years serving diligently at Ian Anderson House, a hospice in Oakville, providing comfort to the dying and their families. In fact, it was Meg's request to spend her final days at that hospice, which came to fruition.

Throughout Meg's journey with cancer, she found solace in her abiding faith in Jesus. While her body weakened, her spirit grew in strength and hope: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23).

Meg passed away peacefully with her four children at her side.

We celebrate God's grace and a woman whose steadfastness and service left an indelible mark on the lives and hearts of everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday June 22, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Hope Bible Church, 500 Great Lakes Boulevard, Oakville.  Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 23 at 1 pm at the church.