I am a new stuff here in kindyroo,  and sorry to hear that . may god bless her .

To Margarets Family and Gymbaroo Team

Thank you for sharing your mothers life with us all. It was sad to read her Memorial but also fantastic to see that she was still so actively involved with Gymbaroo until she passed away.

My first memories of Margaret was arriving in Australia to do my initial Gymbaroo Training - feeling very nervous, but only for such a short time. Margaret and Harry were there to welcome me into their home and made me feel quickly part of the Gymbaroo Team. The friendships I have gained through Gymabroo I was always treasure.

Margaret vast knowledge of child development balanced with her down to earth practical approach to education was a fantastic inspiration to me. The vast amount of knowledge I gained through my experiences with Gymbaroo has enhanced my ability as a mother and a teacher and have been well utilized for many years in a variety of Early Childhood settings.

Our thought and prayers are with you all, Trish and Paul Robbins

Hi Jane,

You don't know me personally, however I knew your mother well. I first met her in the late eighties and often spoke/met with her when she was in Whitehorse Rd.

I am a developmental psychologist and shared her interest in early child development. Recently my son and daughter-in-law presented me with a beautiful grandchild. As soon as she was 6months old I suggested Gymbaroo to them. I went to the Ashburton/Chadstone centre and met Cheryl. I asked whether she knew Margaret and she told me of Margaret's passing in April. I was both shocked and distressed by this news. I was outside Australia at that time hence knew nothing about Margaret's death.

First and foremost please accept my very belated but deep sympathy. Your mother was not only an institution but a passionate advocate for maximising little children's development through well thought out movements and music. I certainly know of nothing that is anywhere near as good as Gymbaroo. I know her wonderful work will continue to live on and that thousands of little ones have,and will continue to benefit from her practical knowledge and skill through movement and music programs.

I shall remember her always with admiration and affection.

Dr Judith E Paphazy
Counselling & Assessments Associates

I would like to acknowledge the fabulous team at Auckland Mission Bay Gymbaroo.    

Sharon and Debbie have encouraged, supported, praised, taught and cared for both my daughters (Sabine and Claudia) over the course of almost 2 years. 

Without fail, both Sharon and Debbie are enthusiastic and encouraging. They lead the classes with energy and purpose, confident of the journey we are to take for that week. The structure provided offers certainty without being rigid or boring, and my girls are continually excited by the new challenges and games introduced throughout the terms.  

Their consistent attention to detail, I have come to take for granted. The children really do come first and Sharon and Debbie offer an environment in which my girls certainly thrived. I also learnt a lot as well, becoming far more inventive in our home play. Who knew what fun a balloon and fly swat offer, my holey stockings, a bent coat hanger or a simple sheet?!  For 3 terms I attended 2 classes on the same day, with each of my daughters. I can vouch for the fact that no 2 classes are the same. The interaction is tailored to each group and most impressively so is the circuit.  

Margaret, Thank you does not even begin to express my gratitude for the experiences created for my girls through Gymbaroo. It is wonderful to watch them give each other or their ‘babies’ massages. They are confident in their own bodies, love exploring and embrace challenges (knowing it’s ok to hesitate at first). Sharon and Debbie, thank you for empowering, loving and teaching my girls.

To Rob, Jane and the TKG team

We know that you will be missing the bright enthusiastic approach Marg always brought to the task. These flowers from us at Tessarose are to acknowledge our appreciation for all that Marg has done for us, and for her vision that allowed us extend the GymbaROO music programme. She has left a wonderful legacy and we feel very grateful that we have been able work with her and gain from her extensive knowledge. Thank you Marg. We hope these flowers will add a little brightness to your day, as you all adjust to a different time at Toddler Kindy GymbaROO. Our thought and prayers are with you all, from Tessa, Brian and Lyn from Tessarose Productions, New Zealand

My son Andrew, just turned 25 and was among the kids who started off at East Kew.  I went on to do some marketing for Gymbaroo around Australia as Margaret launched new franchises in Perth and Brisbane.  

Margaret was an inspiration to everyone.   As a young mother she taught me a lot.   As a business woman she taught me even more.

Reading all the tributes for Marg, brought back what a wonderful powerhouse this woman was.

It was always ever so slightly nervewracking when Marg was heading "down under" to check on her GymbaROO babes in New Zealand. You certainly made sure you really knew the Parent Information theme for that week!

I would be so proud to introduce her to all the classes, especially to a parent with a child of concern.

She would share her wealth of knowledge, and we would be all the richer.

Back in full time Primary teaching and my class still does crocodiles. I can hear Margs voice loud and strong anytime PMP or cross-lateral movements are mentioned.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou for your dedication and wisdom. Innumerable children have benefited from the wonderful legacy you leave.

Leigh Kennedy

Marg always wrote each of us a poem for our birthdays. rarely did we write one for hers. Here is our best "go" at a poem that encapsulates her life in a few verses! We were encouraged by those at her funeral to share this with you all. Thank you to all those who attended the service and joined with us to celebrate her life of family and dedication to the well being of many thousands of children.   Marg will be missed, but she made sure there is a legion of people to carry on her work... and we intend to do this!

On the13^th  feb in ‘29

Marg made her first proclaim.

A habit that she did perfect,

through infamy and fame.

Her early days were int’resting

with father gone to war.

No food, no fuel, no discipline,

it gave her wings to soar.

Life was not bad, she had a pet

Henny Penny was her name.

A chook renowned for laying eggs,

like Marg, was tough and game.

Her nursing years did leave their mark

as we found out last week.

I made her bed, and was clearly told,

“you need to straighten the sheet”

She certainly struck a pot of gold

when Harry she did meet.

Her rock, her joy, her sounding board,

she’d landed on her feet.

A city girl she found herself

mired 6 feet deep in muck.

A country life for 20 years

you may not consider this luck!

Milking cows and having 5 kids,

you’d thought would seal her doom.

But to keep us kids from running wild,

she used the wooden spoon.

To keep the farm from going broke

a teacher, off she went.

Wonthaggi tech did beckon her

she’d found her vital bent.

The battles of her teaching years,

did strengthen her resolve.

So many kids were failing,

the reason she must solve.

Her father died, we moved to town

she searched the world around.

For ways to help the children learn,

and ANSUA she found.

In 1982 you know,

she started GymbaROO.

Her catch cry was that famous line,

“why wait to fail at school?”

We have to thank her for her work

pooh-poohed by many at first.          

A driving force, unstoppable                                                                        

“to help the kids” her thirst.

Marg loved the call of GymbaROO,

loved  family,…… and mint slices

A cappuccino and some cake,

this ode wont list more vices!

Retirement was slow to come,

but she planned a raft of cruises.

She’d thought it was a fabulous way

to heal poor Harry’s bruises

But all good things must end in time

tho' Marg was feeling frisky.

She fated chance by raging on,

line dancing at 80 is risky!

And in the words of GymbaROO

at the end when children sigh.

May God be with you 'til we meet again

goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

We first meet Marg in '95 and have enjoyed a wonderful association with her ever since. Although it was a bit late for our children to attend GymbaROO classes she took the time and interest in our children particularly our son to help us help him achieve better results at school. She has blessed our family in many ways, for which we will be eternally grateful. When we think of Marg we think of the fable of the King who built a new highway through his kingdom. Upon completion of the highway he had a contest, that all could enter, to see who could travel the highway best. People came in all kinds of costumes. Some ran while others dressed up and travelled in beautiful carriages. The one thing that everyone had in common was that they complained of a big pile of rocks in the middle of the highway that made there journey difficult. At the finish line all were gathered to see who would win the prize, when a man walked up to the king all dirty and fatigued and handed him a bag. To the king he said, "As I travelled the highway I came across a pile of rocks that was making the journey very difficult for everyone. I decided that I should move the rocks out of everyone's way. Underneath the pile was this bag of gold that should be returned to its rightful owner". "You are the owner of the gold", said the king. "It is your prize for travelling the highway best.” Everyone was puzzled so the king explained; "He that travels the highway best is he that makes it easier for those who follow". Marg certainly was such a traveller. Her life's journey has made the journey so much easier and enjoyable for those of us who follow.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Harry and family. Marg will be missed by many but by none more than her family we are sure. She lived a full life right to the end, a life worth remembering, and a life to be proud of. We have no doubt that she has been welcomed into the joy of our Lord (Matthew 25:21).

Morrison Family

I met Marg in 1987 at a job interview for a position at the Essendon Gymbaroo Centre. Her enthusiasm for Gymbaroo was contagious and being a Physical Education teacher I thought this job was going to be easy, after all its only pre-schoolers.

Boy did I get a shock.

Firstly, all the reading, videos and centre visits.

Now I think my children have every problem under the sun.

Yes says Marg but we can fix it.

Gemma with an immature gut, poor eye sight and grumpy disposition

Julia with allergies, eye sight and balance problems

We did the rolling, spinning and turning. Found out about the eyes and finally found out about the osteopaths and chiropractors, as well as paediatricians for food and asthma.

Both did Gymbaroo and Gemma was a participant in The Importance of being 2.3 and 4 years. Foxed everyone with her eye skills!

Marg was always getting the latest research from around the world. It was fantastic to be in the office if something came through as you could try it out immediately. One piece of news about cranial work and the improvement in eye sight was of particular help for my children.

My children are now 19yrs and 22yrs, both at Uni one doing Occupational Therapy and the other Osteopathy.

I had a tough passage through school but my children had a much easier time because of all the work Marg encouraged me to do in their younger years and even later.

Professionally, Marg was extremely generous with her time introducing me to new therapists and their work.

Whilst I haven’t met all Marg’s mentors  I have done courses with Maureen Hawke, Peter Blythe, Sally Goddard, all the various people from Sound Therapy, Carla Hunnerford,  Jack Capon and Jack Evans

Marg and I had our disagreements but she never held a grudge and I consider myself very fortunate to have known her all these years.

Over the last five years she has been training me be a Gymbaroo Consultant,  encouraging me to do courses in Infant Reflexes and their influence on learning and Sound Therapy both of which have been invaluable in the consultancy work.

It is with a heavy heart that she is no longer at the end of a telephone to chat about children and life.

To Harry, thank you for being the unsung hero in this story. The equipment you helped to design and build, the support you gave Marg especially during the litigation.. The friendly face and cuppa when Marg needed to slow down.

To Jane and the boys you had a very special mother who shared her world with millions of people, but the people she cared most for were you, your children and most of all Harry.

With Love Anne

With Margaret's passing, we have lost a great visionary in the world of childhood development. To spend an afternoon with Margaret and listen to her passion and insight was an uplifting experience; one that convinced us to take her teaching program to Thailand which we now use extensively in our school.

Margaret searched for answers to questions nobody else was asking and often developed ideas and exercices contrary to the then popular opinion of the "experts". The lifelong commitment to such a worthy cause leaves an enormous legacy that will continue on through her family and the many teachers who have recognised the wisdom in her philosophy. Our only regret is that we could not see her just one more time to say thank you and that she has made the world that much better for being here.

Marg has been and will always be an awesome inspiration to us.  She was a wealth of knowledge and deep understanding of children and the neurological makeup of the human body.  We feel very privileged to have known her and studied under her.  We will always remember her showing us the sights of Melbourne!  We are praying for all of you!

My deepest sympathy to Harry and all the family. Marg's adventurous and unquenchable spirit caught our imaginations as children and her indefatigable generosity of heart which transcended sentimentality made her very special indeed. She was loved.

May God bless her and keep her.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  We only met your mother once, about a month ago – in fact, she was leaving for Adelaide just after the last time I spoke to her on the phone.  She had emailed a letter to our kinesiologist, Brendan O’Hara, who she knew well and was going to work with to treat James.  Poor thing was concerned that the email had bounced back and she couldn’t work out why.  I promised to pass the letter on for her so she could get on with her trip to Adelaide without any further worries.  We, too, are quite saddened by this sudden news.  We participated in a Gymbaroo program when James was younger and knew nothing of Margaret.  Having met her we saw instantly that she was a wonderfully, delightful woman with so much still to give to the world, even at her age.  Such an inspiration!!! She was wonderful with our son, and us, for that short time we spent together.  James loved her, despite having just met her, and we so looked forward to working with her and gaining the benefits of her mountain of knowledge and lovely, kind and fun personality.  Unfortunately, God had other ideas.  We had an inkling that something was not right when our phone call was not answered.  The last email was more to confirm our fears.  We haven’t told James yet …   As for his treatment, we are not concerned and don’t feel sorry at all.  We feel privileged to have worked with her even for only two hours.  The things she told us to do are already working and Brendan can probably help us out with the Sound Therapy.

You know, sometimes special people come into your life, if only briefly, and make a certain impression.  Margaret was one of those special people.  We thank God every day for people like her who give so much of themselves to help families like ourselves with not much more than personal satisfaction as a reward.  I can only imagine what kind of grief you, her daughter, are going through – because however dear she was to us as strangers she would have been a thousand times over to you.  Even though we have never met you, know that we are thinking of you and your family at this terrible time.  Be proud of her and who she was and be grateful that you had someone so special as your mother. 

Dear Rob and Family, We share both your sorrow at her loss and the wonderful assurance of God's claim on her life and promise for the future. The impact of her life for good awaits eternity to be fully realised. It has always been a privelege to provide the support we have been allowed to give through the initiative of your mother. Be assured of our prayers as you say your farewells and adjust to life without her.

We are very grateful to have met Marg and we remember the wonderful days we have spent with her in Melbourne and in Budapest. We have learned so much from her, not only for business but even much more for life. We miss her and love her!

Zsofi and Fabian

We owe yhou a great deal, margaret.  God Speed

Bob Williams

OEP Foundation

Our thoughts in the West of Sydney NSW are with you and your families.  You can rest assure that Marg's work will continue to help many children and their families.  She has left a legacy that will not be forgotten.  May she have peace in the fact that she has had an effect on so many.  We need to continue this great work now and beyond.  I am pretty sure that she will have plenty to say in the world above and will continue to influence those of us she has left behind.

May she rest in peace and for us to continue spreading her work and commitment to our children.

We are all very sorry to hear Marg's passing away. I know she has gone to a better place. It would be such an accomplishment to create something that her memory will go on forever. I would to thank her for giving us the knowledge to make a difference in our lives.

She will always have a special place in our hearts. I feel very privilaged to have met her.

We love you very very much.

I am so very sorry to hear of Marg's death. It is so hard to imagine that the incredible energy and creativity she had is not there now. The way you describe how she decided to leave this world is so in keeping too with how she lived her life. She was an amazing person and I am so very privilaged to have met her.

 She influenced my life a great deal - mostly by being such an example of how to stick to your guns when you know what you are doing is right and good. I have tried to follow this (without the her level of energy or confidence) but she definitely made quite an impact on me and my life since I met her.

She achieved so much and I know the family is very proud of her achievements. You say that perhaps the education service in Victoria/Australia will not be so sorry to hear of her demise but her work has influenced what we have here in some of Scotland's schools and nurseries and long may that continue to grow. I have been using her brilliant videos only this month with nursey staff.

I shall always have vivid memories of my visit to Kew and of meeting Marg and can only wish all the family much love at this sad time,

With kindest regards

 We are obviously very shocked and saddened to hear the sad news.  I myself have only met Marg the once and that was when she was here in Adelaide in the hospital.  She amazed me, that she had just had open heart surgery and seemed in such good spirits, still asking loads of questions and still wanting to learn more about sound therapy, I feel fortunate to have been able to have met her.    I have forwarded the news on to Tracey who is away doing TLP training at the moment, she is also deeply saddened.  We pass on our condolences to you and the family.  What a wonderful lady, her knowledge and warmth will be so sadly missed. 

Warm wishes and regards

Wishing you love and best wishes on your journey to the next life.

Saying Thank You doesn't seem to be nearly enough to say for the knowledge, enthusiasm and support that you gave me many years ago. You have been inspirational in getting so many people helping children with learning difficulties and developmental delay. May you and Jean get together and help from above!