Remembering Marianne Enns, Viola Wallace, and Margaret Steingart
With both sadness and gratitude, we remember recent losses among us, and celebrate the lives of Marianne Enns, Viola Wallace, and Margaret Steingart, valued members of The Silver Lake community. Marianne, Viola, and Margaret shared their time, care, and generosity in ways that reflected the spirit of hospitality, service, and connection that we cherish at camp. Their presence helped strengthen a community where people feel welcomed, supported, and known, and they will be deeply missed.
Marianne Enns
Marianne was a generous long-time donor and a faithful volunteer whose service blessed Silver Lake for many years. She spent countless hours in the kitchen, helping to feed work weekend crews and also serving during summer camps. Camp was a very special place for Marianne, and it was there that many long-lasting friendships began and were sustained over time.
Marianne was also part of the annual Hamilton Mennonite Church retreat for many years, often requesting to give back to camp with a special work project around the site. Through her commitment and steady generosity, Marianne helped create a spirit of welcome and care that will not be forgotten.
Marianne’s love for camp was passed down to her two sons (Rob & Tom) and her four grandchildren, who attended Silver Lake as campers or staff over the years. Her husband Ed is also a long-time volunteer and has been instrumental in many building projects over the years.
Viola Wallace
Viola was a generous donor and a devoted volunteer whose connection to camp was marked by years of faithful service. She continued to volunteer in the kitchen into her mid-nineties, offering her time and care in a way that inspired many. It brought Viola great joy to watch her grandchildren, Kara & Henry, embrace camp life each summer. Viola was also a Grand Hike participant and fundraiser since 2021, including a walk around Rockway Gardens for the annual event.
Viola was the mother of former director Karen Cornies, and her support of camp extended beyond family connection into active and meaningful involvement. Her generosity, energy, and willingness to serve left a lasting impression on the camp community.
Margaret Steingart
Margaret Steingart, known to many as Margie, was a beloved volunteer in the camp kitchen who brought joy and warmth through her service. She was always involved in making her signature desserts, buns, and vereniki, and always baked something special that wasn’t on the usual camp menu — a real treat for camp staff.
Outside of the summer months, Margaret often helped lead the kitchen with her sister Betty Penner at the annual Smorg fundraiser at Linwell Church.
Margaret saw camp as a place for all generations. She would carefully plan her weeks at camp to coincide with when her grandchildren were campers, making camp a place for the whole family. She loved Silver Lake and what it meant to her family.
