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In Memoriam

Remember and celebrate the lives of our alumni, faculty, staff and friends.

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Rosalia Messina, Cherished JICS Community Member & U of T Alum

Whether you met Rosalia (Lia) Messina, beloved sister to JICS Principal Richard Messina, recently or have known her all your life, you were instantly touched by her joie de vivre and vibrant spirit. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel better, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Read more about Lia's beautiful life.

Professor Emeritus Ruth Pierson, Faculty

Ruth was a professor at OISE since 1980 and retired in 2001 as a tenured Full Professor in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education with a cross appointment to Theory and Policy Studies. Ruth was the latest passing in a line of major path breaking Canadian feminist scholars who put OISE on the map and influenced generations of younger academics and activists. The list includes Margrit Eichler, Roxana Ng, Alison Prentice, Mary O'Brien, Dorothy Smith, Jeri Dawn Wine, and now Ruth.

Tracey King (Little Shell Woman), Alumna & Friend

OISE alumni leader Tracey King (Linklater), Miigis Kwe (Little Shell Woman), crossed over to the Spirit World on May 21, 2024. She passed peacefully with her son Lucas by her side. Read about Tracey's immense impact in education.

Anne Cassidy, JICS Teacher

Anne dedicated an incredible 23 years to the JICS Lab School, teaching Grade 4 and 5/6. Known for her unwavering commitment, Anne forged deep connections with her students, extending well beyond their graduation. Anne's celebration of life will take place on June 9, 2024.

Dr. Floyd G. Robinson, Faculty, Leader and Friend

Dr. Floyd G. Robinson was the founding head of the Department of Applied Psychology at OISE in 1965 and was a professor of the Institute for more than 25 years.

Professor Srabani Maitra, Alumna

Cherished LHAE alum Professor Srabani Maitra passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness. She completed her PhD in Adult Education and Community Development at OISE and was Professor in Sociology of Adult and Vocational Education at the University of Glasgow. An enthusiastic member of OISE's global alumni community, Srabani will be deeply missed.

Gladys Kachkowski, Staff Member

Gladys was a strong, bold, outspoken, extremely organized woman with a generous heart of gold.

Keren Brathwaite, Alumna & Friend

Dr. Brathwaite was a co-founder, instructor and associate director at the Transitional Year Programme (TYP).

Charles Pascal, Professor Emeritus, Leader, Friend

Professor Emeritus Charles Pascal, a respected OISE faculty member, a former deputy minister of education, and passionate baseball aficionado, died on Apr. 24.

Sylvia McPhee, Alumna, Teacher, Friend

Sylvia developed an interest in education as a teenager which became a lifelong passion.

Madame Helen Vari, OISE Friend

We remember and honour the life of renowned philanthropist and tireless education advocate Madame Helen Vari (1931-2023).

Lauranna Marie Jones, Alumna

Laura was a caring, kind, and independent person who lived a full life.