Since C. M. A. M. A. S. was first founded in 1995, the financial affairs of the club were maintained by just one person, Marsha Brandston. On Saturday February 13th 2010, Marsha lost her eight-month battle with cancer. Marsha readily agreed to take on this position on the Executive when she was first approached. It was recognised that the organisation needed a person who would look on the club's finances as if the belonged to that person, and Marsha fitted the bill perfectly. Throughout the past fifteen years, the monetary affairs of the club have been in good hands, and all members have reason to that Marsha for the stability that she brought to that she brought to C. M. A. M. A. S.
Her news of her passing was only made known to the Executive through an Obituary Notice in "The Toronto Star," on the day of her funeral, which took place at 10:00 a.m. in the morning. Sadly, the only person who was able to attend the funeral as a result was the President. In the eulogy that the rabbi gave, he made lengthy reference to Marsha's love of Meccano, and of her work as Treasurer. He linked five aspects that he saw in Meccano with parallel aspects in life. It was a touching and heart-warming speech.
Marsha will be remembers for many things, particularly her "den mother" approach to all the CMAMAS members who attended the various Meccano shows in and around Toronto. It was always a given that no-one who attended a show ever lacked for food or drink. She also took it upon herself to be the principal salesperson for the sets that were offered to the public for purchase at these shows. She will be missed.
Members who wish to remember Marsha can do so, if they so choose, by making a donation in Marsha's name to the Canadian Cancer Society. The website is www.cancer.ca.
See also, the
Toronto Star Obituary.
Copyright 2010 by CMAMAS.