In Memoriam

1943-2023

Diane was born in Montreal but lived most of her life in Toronto. She graduated from York University with a degree in English and continued her love of learning and volunteering by tutoring students and running workshops for adults with learning disabilities at Frontier College.

After retiring from her administrative position at Nesbitt Burns, she discovered the Academy for Lifelong Learning Toronto,  where she enrolled in workshops in literature, art, science and technology.

She met an Academy member at one of our Spring Talks and they enjoyed their years together. Her son, Jeffrey, has written a heartfelt tribute to Diane that you can find at lives@globeandmail/diane smith.

October 22, 1943 – May 5, 2023

1946-2023

George Davies was a kind, gentle and insightful person who cared for the needs of others.  Through the many roles that he played as a professional, colleague, friend, and family man, he was highly regarded as someone with integrity, a strategic thinker who was not afraid to speak up defending the truth.

George was a valued member of the Academy’s Economist readers’ workshop.

Born in North Bay, July 10, 1946, George took pride in growing up in various communities throughout Ontario, including Toronto. After graduating from the University of Toronto, majoring in Economics and Political Science, he gave up scholarship offers for graduate studies (John Hopkins and Michigan University) and volunteered to work in Tanzania for the Canadian University Services Overseas on regional economic development and planning. The experience kickstarted his life-long dedication to serve others.

After working for more than 40 years in the public and private sectors, George retired in 2013. He enjoyed travelling, reading and participating at various interest groups (such as his beloved book club).

This is as excerpt from a longer document provided by George’s wife, Suk.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Don Cooper on October 23, 2023. We venture to guess that all participants in the Rule Breakers in the Arts workshop 2022-2023 will recall Don Cooper and his very personal presentation about the sculptor Donatello. Don might be best described as the finest type of Academy member – interested in different ideas, in discussion with colleagues, and willing to try something new.

When he joined our workshop Don knew nothing about Zoom presentations but loved art and held happy memories of his and his wife’s visit to Florence, Italy. Sharon and I wondered what would become of his presentation on Donatello. He charmed, and even surprised, all of us with his very personal slant on a rule breaker. Instead of voluminous research data, Don talked quietly about the position of the soft hands on Donatello’s St. George, a position that was a break with traditional sculpture. He spoke of his experience of being gobsmacked and crying when he first viewed David (above) at the Bargello museum. Don framed his encounter with David into a presentation on how and why Donatello was a rule breaker in the arts. He left us with a comment to discuss: “David’s body structure reinforces that victory is not always overwhelming strength.”

Don Cooper was one of the good guys and we are all happy he’d taken a chance and joined our workshop.

Don died, peacefully in his sleep at Delmanor Aurora, at age 91. He will be missed.

To read the full obituary go to www.humphreymiles.com.

by Patti Stoll and Sharon Harris

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Karen Snelson in her 79th year, on September 8th, 2023, peacefully at home after a brief illness.

Karen had a great sense of adventure, as she travelled the world, she loved to try different foods and learn all about the countries she explored. Karen also had a passion for figure skating, she would travel all over Canada to watch skate Canada as well as North Americas Grand Prix of figure skating. Karen also had a love of her city as she would bike ride and take many walks along all the trails of Toronto. Karen was a devoted grandma to her grandchildren’s activities, she loved to watch them dance, cheer, hockey, field hockey and soccer.

https://www.echovita.com/ca/obituaries/on/toronto/karen-snelson-16906151

It was sad news to hear that Wally Posner had died November 18, 2022. Wally is perhaps best remembered by the Academy as the facilitator of the Jazz Appreciation workshop. As his health declined, he handed the reins over to Frank Richmond, but his continued presence as “facilitator emeritus” was felt and the title well deserved.

Rhona Wolpert remembers Wally as a wonderful participant and a lovely man: “I knew him from the Jazz workshop and Art, particularly South African art,“ she said. “He was a docent at the AGO and I loved being welcomed by him on visits there.“

Jeff Bitteen says that he knew Wally from many years’ participation in the Jazz Appreciation workshop at the Academy. In Wally’s last few years Jeff worked closely with him on his presentations and they shared drinks and lunches together. “Wally was a real mensch, a gentleman and a gentle man” says Jeff.

He will be missed by all of us at the Academy.

by Linda Tu

We regret to inform you that on August 8, 2023, at the age of 81, Janet Roblin passed away after a brief illness.

Janet spent her career as a high school teacher, teaching history, English and English as a second language.  After retirement, she remained very active, travelling, golfing, skiing, bowling and reading. She became a member of the Academy for Lifelong Learning Toronto where she participated in many workshops, often as a facilitator.

Janet’s outgoing personality, generosity and acts of kindness will be missed by many. A private gravesite ceremony will be held at a later date.

To access the full obituary go to:

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/28676018/janet-roblin

by Tanya Long

It is with sadness that Andrew and his siblings announce that their mother, Penelope, passed away peacefully on 5 June 2023 at Kensington Gardens Hospice in Toronto.

Penelope was born in Colombo, in the then British crown colony of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). She was the second of six siblings and was evacuated from the UK to the USA for the duration of the Second World War with her two pre-war siblings.

Penelope had been a member of the Academy for many years. She used her knowledge of Sri Lanka and her many travels in several presentations in a variety of workshops, always presented with flare and understanding. Penelope`s gentle manner and care for others made her a valuable member of the Academy.  She took to the latest technology in aids for hearing loss and was always ready to share knowledge about what she found helpful.

She was always cheerful and fun to spend time with. I, among many others, have missed her during her absence from the Academy.

There will be an on-line memorial service for her in late October.

by Linda Tu

It is with sadness that Andrew and his siblings announce that their mother, Penelope, passed away peacefully on 5 June 2023 at Kensington Gardens Hospice in Toronto.

Penelope was born in Colombo, in the then British crown colony of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). She was the second of six siblings and was evacuated from the UK to the USA for the duration of the Second World War with her two pre-war siblings.

Penelope had been a member of the Academy for many years. She used her knowledge of Sri Lanka and her many travels in several presentations in a variety of workshops, always presented with flare and understanding. Penelope`s gentle manner and care for others made her a valuable member of the Academy.  She took to the latest technology in aids for hearing loss and was always ready to share knowledge about what she found helpful.

She was always cheerful and fun to spend time with. I, among many others, have missed her during her absence from the Academy.

Memorial service for Penelope Ann Tyndale, 20 November 1934 – 5 June 2023 on 28 October 2023, at 4pm Eastern Daylight Time Service: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85116494124 More information at Caring Bridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/penelopetyndale

by Linda Tu

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Irene Maher on July 11th, 2023, after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

Janet was predeceased by her wonderful mother, Barbara, and will be deeply missed by her beloved daughter, Joanne, her son-in-law, Fedor, her cat, Jess, her brothers John and Tony and their families, and her numerous good friends.

Born on October 6th, 1943, in Binghamton, New York, Janet always loved to read and to analyze literature. She pursued degrees in English literature, initially at Harpur College in upstate New York, and then at the University of Toronto and York University. Later on, she embarked on a career as a professor at Seneca College and at the University of Shanghai. Janet particularly loved the writings and novels of Virginia Woolf. After her retirement, she joined the Academy where she co-facilitated workshops on T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf  and actively participated in other workshops.

Janet loved biking and working out at the YMCA. She loved celebrating holidays and decorating her home with mementos that she found on her travels. She was a gracious and generous host. She had an exceptional talent for forming and sustaining lasting friendships. She also loved to travel, which she did extensively.

She fought cancer with nobility and grace. Her legacy is that she positively affected all who met her by encouraging them to be who they are and to live their lives well. She will be deeply missed by all.

To view the complete obituary, click the link below:

https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/theglobeandmail/name/janet-maher-obit?id=52513911.

Tanya Long, with thanks to Joanne Maher.

Associate Academy member Ksenija Klinger passed away suddenly just after Christmas as the result of heart surgery. Born in Korcula, Croatia,  and a graduate architect from Zagreb  University, Ksenija came to Toronto in the mid 1960s with her husband and young daughter, and  began an illustrious career as an urban planner, working as both a Senior Planner for the Metropolitan Planning Dept and a private planning consultant. She had boundless enthusiasm for her new country and embraced everything from the arts and design world to the Canadian wilderness. In her retirement she was an active member in a number of associations, most notably the William Morris Society and University Women. She was also a talented craftswoman, sewing and selling sophisticated creations she made from imported fine fabrics. At the Academy she enjoyed courses in the arts, politics and gardening. Most of all, she was a charming, generous and warm friend who embraced life.

Linda Tu

Arnold (Arne) Bowers died on January 14^th in Hamilton. Those members of the Academy who were lucky enough to get a coveted spot in the Literature Into Film workshop that Arne facilitated for several years in the earlier days of the academy will remember his prodigious knowledge of the film world.  He was so gracious in his hospitality at his home where he showed the class films from his collection.  He was also known for his intricately knitted sweaters.

Arne was president of the Academy in the early 2000`s and was an articulate and vigorous promoter of the Academy.

The published obituary can be found in the Star, https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/thestar/name/arnold-bowers-obituary?pid=20365376

Linda Tu

We are very sad to tell you that Liz Guccione died, at home, Wednesday evening, December 14th after courageously dealing with the toll of cancer.

During one of the last conversations that Adele Robertson had with her, Liz said. “I am looking forward to getting back to the Academy.”

Liz took on several roles in the Academy, including chairing the talks committee and being a facilitator,

Liz was a vibrant, wonderful. smart, active person. She loved the Academy; she was terrific in her leadership in Democrats and Donuts and was involved in many book clubs…a great friend. We know the Academy will recognize her wonderful self. She will be missed.

It is our understanding there will be a memorial service in the Spring or Summer of 2023.

Linda Tu