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Virginia Morse Stead, Alumna

²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ remembers proud alumna Dr. Virginia Morse Stead who was passionate about education, earning her EdD degree and becoming the founding book series editor for Equity in Higher Education Theory, Policy, & Praxis.

Donald (Don) Galbraith, Faculty

²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ is sad to share the passing of former faculty member Donald (Don) Galbraith. He retired in 2004 and worked in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 30, 2025.

William Babátúndé Thomas, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ alumnus

MEd graduate William Babátúndé Thomas, remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 87. He will be forever missed.

Sylvia Shun Wah Lim, Staff Member

²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ remembers Sylvia who worked in the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Library print shop for many years. ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ student Joshua Lim shares that his grandmother Sylvia passed away peacefully in her 85th year with a full heart knowing she had her family by her side.

Donald G. Fleming, Alumnus

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Grant Fleming, a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, teacher, mentor, friend and alumnus of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

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 ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ 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 ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ 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

²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ 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 ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ 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 ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ and was Professor in Sociology of Adult and Vocational Education at the University of Glasgow. An enthusiastic member of ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½'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.