Margaret Anne Duchart McHale

Margaret Anne Duchart McHale passed away on March 11, 2017 at her home in Sarasota FL. She was a gracious lady of integrity and wisdom, blessed with a sense of fairness and compassion. Margaret was born on Sept. 20, 1930 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of John Bain Duchart and Anne McCullough Duchart, and later settled in Fort Erie, Ontario. Margaret came to Miami, FL in 1962 and soon began a professional career, serving as medical secretary to two specialists who practiced there. She later served as executive secretary to the head of Belcher Oil Co., an energy firm founded by a family of Miami pioneers. This was followed by similar duties for an investor in Florida real estate and businesses. She later went on to become a successful realtor and real estate investor on her own. She passed many pleasant hours acting as a docent for the famed Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. There she conducted tours of this landmark Miami mansion and its extensive surrounding lands. In 1981 she married William McHale and the couple settled in Coral Gables, FL. They later moved to St. Louis, MO where Margaret continued volunteer work and made many new friends. While there she broadened her long standing interest in antiques, in an historic city filled with artifacts of the past. The couple came to Sarasota in 1993. In time, Margaret made her dreams a reality. She opened Queen Anne's Lace Antiques shop in Gulf Gate. It was her pride and joy and a success. Here she shared with many a love for things of beauty. One visitor arrived at her shop, looked around and then praised her for imaginative displays, inviting inventory and a peaceful atmosphere. He was the then chief executive of R. H. Macy. She eventually retired and spent delightful times with family and friends and her ever-faithful Scottish Terrier, Fiona, who was a joyful reminder of her Scottish heritage. She is survived by her husband of 35 loving years, William McHale; her brothers William and Douglas, Fort Erie, Ontario; a stepson William McHale III, stepdaughters, Elise McHale and Dorothy McHale, all of the Miami area; nieces Margaret Anne Duchart, Tracy Lynn Duchart Richer; nephews Scott Bain Duchart and Steven Foster, and several grandnieces and grandnephews, all of Canada. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son David and stepdaughter Emily McHale and many loving friends. Graveside Service will be held at a later date at Sarasota National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Toale Brothers. The family appreciates your visit to share memories of Margaret via ToaleBrothers.com.

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Margaret Anne Duchart McHale

September 20, 1930 - March 11, 2017