In Memoriam 2022

February 5, 2023

This list recognizes and remembers those members of the Canadian librarianship community who died in 2022.

(This incomplete list was compiled primarily from newspaper obituaries. If you know someone we have missed, please let us know at info@librarianship.ca)

Updated: February 6, 2023

Tyrone Vincent Acoose
“Tyrone attended Camrose University and took a library course in Calgary.”

Mavis Adams
“Mavis worked for many years at Wentworth Libraries as Administrative Assistant to the Chief LibrarianAfter Wentworth Libraries was amalgamated with Dundas Library and Hamilton Public Library, Mavis served on the Board of HPL.”
(submitted by Leslie Muirhead)

Sharon Adams (née Roberts)
“When in Labrador, Sharon worked with the Iron Ore Company of Canada, and as a librarian within the school system and at the town library. Later, the family moved to Ontario and Sharon became the Curator of the Champlain Trail Museum in Pembroke.”

Joan Adamson
“Joan was a librarian in Port Lambton and worked at CIBC in Sombra and Sarnia.”

Mary Aitken
“Mary worked as a teacher and librarian but law school called to her and she graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1980.”

Kathryn Allaby
“As the boys grew older, she started working at the Harriet Irving Library at UNB – a job she enjoyed very much.”

Alice Elizabeth Allen
“Alice earned her B.A. in English Literature at Queens University in Kingston, B. Ed. at Nipissing University in North Bay and Library Science Specialist at the University of Toronto.”

Shirley Allen (née Home)
A librarian, Shirley attended McGill and the University of Toronto, and worked for the National Film Board.

Joyce Allick
“Joyce was very proud to be the librarian at Teck-Centennial Library for many years.”

Jeannine Allum
“After working 3 years with the Institute of Geological Sciences, Tony took a job with the International Nickle Company of Canada. The family moved to Oakville, Ontario. From 1978 Jeannine worked at the Oakville-Trafalgar Library to help her children through university. Tony retired in 1990 and Jeannine in 1998.”

Lydia Andrie
“While in Moose Jaw she worked at the Exchange Café, the Union Hospital, and finally the Palliser Regional Library until her retirement.”

Wavey Anthony (née Winsor)
“She held different jobs such as working at the Globe and Mail in Toronto and as a librarian in Marathon.”

Christine Edna Backhaus (née Donlevy)
“She specialized in research, was celebrated at the Legislature and was the head Librarian in Camrose.”

Janice Ball
“Many will remember her as a friendly and helpful librarian from her time at the Peterborough Public Library and De La Fosse Branch, where she worked for over 25 years. An avid reader, she was always ready with the perfect recommendation.”

Beverly Ann Bard
“Beverly was born on February 16, 1957 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Pine Falls. She moved to Lanark County in the early 1980s and worked at the Canadian Library Association until she retired in 2014.”

Joanne Leslie Barnes
“Eventually Joan’s love of literature led her to go back to college in her 40s to become a library technician, a career she continued with until retirement.”

Dorene Barron (née Cain)
“Dorene was a librarian at the University of Windsor for 19 ½ years”

Shirley Louise Bartlett
“She loved working with children both as a Sunday school teacher as well as other church programs. She was also a public-school teacher and her love for both led her to a position in the research department at Kitchener Public Library.”

Linda Nell Bazuk
“Linda was born and raised in Winnipeg and had a long career with the Winnipeg School Division as a Library Technician until her retirement.”

Therese Beblow
“librarian for a short time at Lestock School”

Margaret “Ruth” Bennett (née Fogerty)
“An enthusiastic, and devoted children’s librarian before her retirement, Ruth took pleasure in reading, and instilled the same love in many.”

Sister Marie Benoit CSJ
“In 1988 Sister Marie returned to Wainwright and worked as a library assistant for 11 years.”

Phylis Joyce Bettig (née Janzen)
“She also worked as an elementary school librarian for a number of years in Winnipeg.”

Janice Bick
“Raised in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, she studied music at Mount Allison University, N.B. and library science at UBC. Her career as a public and children’s librarian (1969-2000) took her to Thunder Bay, Ontario where she met and married John.”

David Bissell
“Retired from a long career with Coutts Library Services Ltd..”

Mildred Jean Black (nee Weatherbee)
“Jean received her Ontario teaching certificate and supply taught in Carleton Place. James was born just before Ted was reassigned back to Shearwater, Nova Scotia in 1960. Ted was ultimately transferred back to Ottawa in 1964, where they once again settled in Carleton Place. Jean resumed supply teaching at Caldwell Street Public School and also worked in the library there. She really enjoyed library work and initially volunteered at the town library, but later decided to make a career of it, so she took several courses in Kingston and became the assistant librarian specializing in children’s books at the Carleton Place Public Library. She was in Halifax, Nova Scotia at a reunion of the teacher’s college when the Carleton Place library was targeted by arsonists in 1972. She assisted Janet French, the head librarian at the time, to rebuild the library. She worked at the library until 1995 and continued as a volunteer until 2019.”

James George Blanchard
“He did his undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and although he was a librarian by trade, it was his work preserving Winnipeg’s history that earned him local celebrity. He worked at the Winnipeg Public Library, the Canadian Grain Commission, as Director of Public Library Services for the province, and as Head of Reference Services at Elizabeth Dafoe Library at the University of Manitoba. After his 2014 retirement, he was named Librarian Emeritus at the University of Manitoba. He was a mentor to young librarians, president of the Manitoba Historical Society, an ESL teacher to children and adults. He went to comedy festivals, watched James Bond films with Ben, attended MHS dinners and hosted talks and launches for his books.”

Fay Blostein
“At first in Manitoba, then in Ontario, Fay taught literature and other subjects, acted in and directed several plays and at some point became a librarian – not the cliché guard-dog but a teacher-librarian. She became a specialist in the then-underappreciated genre of young adult fiction, writing three books on the subject, and maintained that she never met a kid she couldn’t turn on to reading. Later, as a professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Education, she taught her imaginative ideas on school librarianship to future teachers. It is impossible to describe adequately the effect of Fay’s colourful personality on the literally thousands of students, teachers, librarians and theatre people she taught, directed or worked with over her lifetime. Many have said she was the role model that inspired their own teaching and directing careers. In recognition of her lifetime achievement, in 1989 the Ontario Library Association bestowed on her the Distinguished Service Award, its highest honour.”

Audrey Bodkin
“Audrey was an outstanding Educator at Morning Glory P.S. who enjoyed most her leadership and support as teacher-librarian.”

Barbara Ann Bodnaryk
“She also received advanced degrees in Library Science from the University of Manitoba. Barb began her career as a high school teacher in Ontario and then as a teacher-librarian in the St. Boniface School Division in Winnipeg.”

Eileen Boisvert
“Eileen’s working years were dedicated to education, working as a school librarian for many years. In the latter part of her career, she worked in the library, at SAIT in Calgary and NAIT in Edmonton, where she very much enjoyed working with the young adult students.”

Ruth Bothwell
“Ruth valued education and spent her career as a librarian at CPRI.”

Kara Bowerman
“Kara left for Toronto at age 18 to study photography at Ryerson University. She would continue to work in the photo industry for over fifteen years. In the last decade Kara embarked on a life change by going back to school and graduating with high distinction from Seneca College. She then began a new career at the Toronto Public Library. Kara loved her time at the library which was so important to her that she continued to work throughout her illness right up until the end of April of this year.”

Lyn Boyce
“Lyn touched many lives through her years as a Hamilton Public Library Bookmobile Driver.”

Heather Anne Boyd
“Work at the Burlington Library and as a ward clerk at Joseph Brant, Hamilton General, Henderson, and McMaster exposed mom to more opportunities.”

Zdena “Helen” “Bubi” Branny
“Helen spent her career as a medical librarian”

Maria Brath
“St. Benedict’s School where she was the librarian for 18 years”

Louise Marianne Brill
“As a child, Louise would escape for moments at a time to her secret closet hideout, where her latest novel awaited. This love of reading evolved into her many years as Chairperson of the Markham Library Board, where she led the planning / building of Markham and Unionville Libraries.”

Nancy Brogden (née Gingrich)
“Nan was a long-time resident of 165 Ontario St. However, she was best known in St. Catharines for her years working at the main branch of the St. Catharines Public Library. She met many life-long friends there.”

Lynda Brooks
“She worked as a teacher, librarian, principal and in professional development for the Ottawa Carleton District School board for over thirty years. She worked at The Earl of March S.S., AY Jackson S.S, Osgoode Township High School and South Carleton High School where she both started and ended her career in education.”

Phyllis Brooks (née Berglund)
“Phyllis was librarian for many years at the Wyoming Library.”

Beverley Brown (née Craymer)
“Beverley was a teacher and librarian. She taught several years in North York and Pembroke (Fellowes High School).”

Margaret “Maggie” Brown
“Her passions were genealogy, reading and crossword puzzles. Maggie worked at the CIBC branch in Mankota for many years. She started a book room in the back of her house. Her current job was working at the Chinook Regional Library in the Village of Mankota building – – her dream job, surrounded by books.”

Maureen Teresa Brown
“She enrolled at The University of Regina earning a Bachelor of Education and went on to become an excellent primary teacher and teacher-librarian with Regina Public Schools, retiring in 2006.”

Shirley Joyce Brown
“She was employed at the University of Manitoba Dafoe Library in Winnipeg.”

Madge Bruce (née MacPhail)
“Madge was a lifelong learner, completing her BA in English at University of Toronto at the age of 55. She then trained as a librarian and worked at U of T, Seneca College and Scarborough Grace Hospital. She volunteered for more than ten years at the library at the Toronto Botanical Gardens.”

Joanne Bucklee
“Joanne completed her studies in Library Sciences at the University of Toronto and the University of Calgary, obtaining both BSc and Master’s degrees. She began her career in the post-secondary education network in 1976 at Grand Prairie Regional College. Joanne enjoyed a successful career as an educator, working at GPRC, Mount Royal College and finally as the Registrar and Dean of Trades & Technologies at Red Deer College. She was a member of the Alberta Council of College Librarians and was instrumental in standing up the REACH program in Red Deer.”

Barbara J. Bueckert
“She worked as a school librarian in several schools across Canada, and loved the opportunities that arose for connecting with the students, especially those who were marginalized.”

Holly Marie Bureaux
“Holly worked as an educator at Kings-Edgehill before her career as research librarian at the Halifax Memorial Library.”

Rosemarie Buston (née Boustany)
“In her forties, she studied and received her bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and then began a long and successful career with Metropolitan Toronto Separate School Board as a teacher and librarian, where she earned the love and respect of so many students and fellow staff.”

Irene Caine
“Irene was a caring and loving mother who, despite working full time and going to school to study library science, gave all her attention and devotion to her family. She really found her calling as a librarian in schools, at an engineering firm, and with the City of Edmonton where she retired.”

Faith Anne Campbell
“Throughout her life, she worked at St. Mary’s School of Nursing and then transitioned to Northern College, where she became Chief Librarian.”

Sheila Ann Cardone
“She arrived in Halifax at the age of 17 to attend Mount Saint Vincent University for her BA. Following this, she received her Bachelor of Library Science from the University of Toronto. She worked for 30 years as a librarian – two years in Dartmouth and 28 years in other branches of Halifax Regional Library, retiring in 1997.”

Anne Downey Carson (née Brady)
“Anne went back into the workforce when Lynne was 16. She got a job at the Brockville Public Library and loved it there. She enjoyed the patrons and her co-workers, loved inter library loans and mastered the computer age like a pro.”

Barbara Chamberlain
“She loved to read, and after her retirement as a librarian with the EPSB she would volunteer at elementary schools to read to the children. She especially loved reading them one of her own “Wanda” books.”

Elaine Sylvia Charette
“She worked for 23 years in the children’s department of the Guelph Public Library. Her creativity was put to good use in the many displays she worked on tirelessly to perfect.”

Jytte Cherrie
“For over thirty years, Jytte was the children’s librarian at the Chippawa Branch Library and was known as Mrs. Cherrie to generations of children in the community for her “Story Hour” and teaching arts and crafts.”

Marilyn Chow
“When she came to Peterborough she trained as a teacher and worked as a teacher-librarian in local elementary schools until she retired in 2018. Many young students learned to love reading as a result of her efforts. Marilyn was an avid reader herself and a consummate puzzle-doer.”

Lynda Clark
“In her 35 years as an elementary teacher, she taught nearly every grade, as well as several years as a school librarian.”

Katherine Clarke
“The adult Katharine pursued University studies at York in Toronto – specializing in Greek history and language – and a fulfilling career as a Research Librarian, first in Toronto and then in Peterborough.”

Margaret “Margot” Morley Clarke
“Margot left teaching to raise her three children, returning to school in her late forties to complete a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario.”

Richard McIvor Clee
“His love of books led to a 25 year career as Head Librarian with Thistletown C.I. in Etobicoke.”

Linda Clendenning
“Linda moved from her family home in Edmonton to attend UBC, gaining her Bachelor of Library Sciences degree. After working in Edmonton for 2 years, Linda returned to Vancouver and made it her permanent home. She worked at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC library until her retirement.”

Maureen Isobel Clish
“‘Reenie’, as she was known to her immediate family, found her lifetime love of the printed page at the Regina Public Library. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at U of S and a degree in Library Sciences at UBC. Maureen worked as a librarian in Saskatchewan, Minnesota, and then as Assistant to the Chief Librarian at Richmond Public Library until her retirement.”

Julia Ann Cockshutt
“She pursued her degree at Simmons College in Boston in Library Science and worked for the Canadian Periodical Index upon graduation.”

Mary Jane Collie
“Jane worked part-time as a City of Calgary librarian and was also a dedicated volunteer with several organizations over the years”

Joan Collins
“Joan had a love for reading and chose a career with the Saskatoon Public Library and worked in the Children’s Section. People talk about how much their children loved Joan as their librarian!”

Sister Madeline Connolly
“In 1942, she obtained her Bachelor of Library Science degree from the University of Toronto. In 1956 Sister did further studies at the University of Toronto, and at the University of Edinburgh in 1972. Sister Madeline received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Francis Xavier University in 1986. While living at St. Martha’s Convent on the campus of St. Francis Xavier University, Sister served as Librarian at the University from 1942 to 1980. From 1980 to 1988 she ministered as the assistant librarian at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough, ON.”

Frances Coombes
“Fran was proud to work for the Town of Ajax at the Ajax Public Library where she had many friends and knew many in the community.”

Shirley Irene Coutts
“She is remembered by many students at Roland Mitchener PS as a teacher, music teacher and school librarian.”

Elizabeth Anne Crangle (née Birkenhead)
“During her career she served as a librarian and drama teacher in several junior schools within the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, most notably St. Teresa’s in Peterborough where she directed several Easter Passion plays.”

Margaret Lord Crawford
“Betty worked for a number of years at the Peterborough Public Library in the Children’s Department which she thoroughly enjoyed, especially story time!”

Sylvia Anne Crooks
“After graduation, Sylvia joined Michael at Yale University, where she developed a lifelong interest in librarianship while working at the Yale library. They returned to Vancouver in 1963, settling down in Kerrisdale near her eldest brother, Tom. While raising her three children Sylvia volunteered at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre and wrote questions for CBC’s quiz show, Reach for the Top. Once her children were old enough, Sylvia returned to UBC to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science, graduating with top honours in 1983. After working as a librarian at Vancouver and Burnaby Public Libraries, she joined the faculty of her alma mater, the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, where she taught until her retirement in 2002. Sylvia’s life was characterized by her many achievements. As a teenager she won the BC Provincial Championship in badminton and served as Prime Minister of the Nelson High School student council. Sylvia became a nationally recognized authority in Library Science, publishing several books in the field. In her retirement, inspired by childhood memories, Sylvia published notable books documenting the lives of the men listed on the WWI and WWII cenotaphs in Nelson. She was an avid supporter of the Vancouver Chamber Choir, the BC Library Association, where she served as President, and the Nelson Historical Society.”

Richard Keith Chamberlin Crouch
“Keith was a life-long learner. He gained his BA in Economics from Queen’s University, his degree in Library Science from McGill University, his MA in History from New York University, and in mid-career, he obtained his PhD in Library Science from the University of Toronto. He followed his father into the profession of librarianship, gaining experience in several public library systems before being appointed University Librarian at Sir George Williams University in Montreal (now Concordia University) in 1962. He was appointed Director of Libraries at McGill University in 1967. In 1969, he worked to further professionalism in Quebec libraries by being a founding member of La Corporation des Bibliothécaires Professionnels du Québec (CBPQ). In 1977 he became Chief Librarian at Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston and stayed until his retirement in 1989.”

Edythe Marie Cusack (née Leigh)
“Edythe started work at the London Free Press in 1964 and the newspaper business became her career. Working in the library, over 28 years, she transitioned from the eras of clippings pasted onto newsprint, to microfiche and finally computer storage. On her retirement as Librarian in 1992, we recall the many plaudits she received for hard work, knowledge of London and friendly helpfulness to the public and broader library community.”

Constance “Connie” Czorny
“Later in life she became a librarian at the Burnamthorpe -Dixie branch of the Mississauga Library system.”

Janice Davidson
“Janice worked for the HWDSB for over 25 years in both library and office administration.”

Marie Elizabeth DeYoung
“After completing her Master of Library Service degree at Dalhousie University in 1980, Marie managed libraries at the Nova Scotia Departments of Justice and Labour before taking senior positions at the Nova Scotia Community College and finally Saint Mary’s University, where she served as University Librarian for ten years before retiring in 2018. Her years at Saint Mary’s were the hallmark of her career. She was a driving force behind the creation of a new library on campus, one designed to bring students, staff and the collection together in a friendly, nurturing learning environment. Indeed, the library and its adjoining atrium quickly became the heart of the multicultural little campus in the south end of Halifax. Marie was a sought-after speaker in her field and her awards would have filled a trophy case if she had been the kind of person who kept one. (Her university degrees were stored in the basement beside the furnace.) She served on the executive of the Canadian Library Association for four years, including two as President in 2014-2015.” [Donate to the Marie DeYoung Bursary at the Dalhousie University School of Information Management]

Thelma Augusta Demmings (née Wasson)
“She started by volunteering at the Fredericton High School Library and working part time at Towers Jewelry and Towers Luggage and Leather in the Fredericton Mall. Eventually, she secured a position at the FHS library and worked the literary stacks with her librarian sidekicks Linda, Cynthia and Mary until her retirement in 2000.”

Hugh A. Dempsey
“In the mid 1960s, Hugh joined the newly formed Glenbow Foundation and served as its archivist. Over the years he would play a key role in building and defining Glenbow into a world class organization. That work saw him progress to the position of Associate Director until his retirement in 1991. Even in retirement his work continued with Glenbow as he was made Chief Curator Emeritus – a fitting recognition of the service and commitment he gave to the Glenbow Museum.”

James “Jim” Frank Derksen
“His career path lead him to assist in the development of many organizations who championed the rights of all people with disabilities: Central Audio Book Library, Inc., Manitoba League of the Physically Handicapped, Coalition of Provincial Organizations of the Handicapped, Disabled Peoples’ International, and the Canadian Disability Rights Council.”

Esther Louise Sleep Dishke
“After working with the Baptist Women’s Missionary Society in Hamilton, ON, she graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from McGill University and worked as a librarian in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and then at McMaster University. She retired from the James A. Gibson Library at Brock University in St. Catharines, ON. Esther travelled extensively around the world, and volunteered at Medical Ministries International in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Bolivia, and as an librarian at the International Baptist Theology Seminary Library in Prague.”

Lisa Michelle Dixon
“Lisa enjoyed her work as a librarian technician with the Chinook School Division and loved working with the “little people” as she called them.”

Leah Dockrill
“She earned her B.A., B.Ed., and LL.B. from Dalhousie University and a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) from the University of Alberta. She taught high school, worked as a reference librarian and practiced law.”

Diana Doe
“Di was a teacher and Librarian for 35 years, both in England and Canada.”

Virginia Marie Doig (née Gill)
“She did graduate studies in Library Science at University of the Witwatersrand, helping to launch her long career as a newspaper librarian in both Johannesburg and Toronto, after her immigration to Canada in the 1960s. Virgina Doig contributed to the lifeblood of Canadian news for more than 25 years as a librarian for the Toronto Star. Commencing work in the 1970s, she helped hundreds of journalists find sources of information for their breaking stories. By the 1980s and 90s as the Internet era began, Virginia helped the Toronto Star transition to digital cataloguing of the news, making a significant contribution with her steadfast work.”

Charlotte Dorn
“Not knowing the English language she educated herself further and from there she learned the English language, became a graduate librarian and a master pianist. Peter and Charlotte married in Toronto on December 25, 1954. They moved their family to Kingston, Ontario in 1972 where Charlotte opened up her first bookstore with used books called “Books and More Books” in the back of her home. Later moving to a location in a leased space in downtown Kingston, Charlotte concentrated on children’s books only and opened up her first store called “Books for Children”. Books for Children is where Charlotte invited special authors such as Robert Munsch and musical appearances by children’s musical groups including Sharon, Lois and Bram which drew large attention and crowds.”

Anna Marie Dougherty (née Cooper)
“For many years, Anna Marie worked as a library assistant at the Harriet Irving Library at UNB, retiring at the age of 65.”

Martin Ridley Dowding
“BA (Trent); MLS (Toronto); MA (York); PhD (Toronto). Martin taught Information Studies at University of British Columbia and then Communication Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.”

Kathleen “Kay” Draper
“Kay earned her BA (U of Alberta), BSW (U of Toronto), and Masters in Library Sciences (U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), and worked as a school and university librarian before returning with Harold to Guelph, ON in 1975.”

Marju Drynan
“Marju leaves a deep impression on her friends and former colleagues at McMaster University where she served her entire career, ultimately retiring as Associate University Librarian.”

Peggy Lynn Dunbar (née Able)
“She spent her working years at Eaton’s for nearly a decade and retiring after twenty-five years at Mississauga Library System.”

Myra Edmunds
“With Elroy’s passing in 1990, Myra entered the education system as a teacher’s aid. This move turned into Myra becoming a librarian! She held the part of librarian until she retired, in 2009.”

Susan Jane Ellig
“Susan worked at the University of Guelph for 45 years, starting in the library and then moving on to the large and small animal departments.”

Marion Alice Ellis (née King)
“Marion taught throughout Ontario, beginning and ending her career in York Region, predominantly as a teacher librarian. It was a good place for her as her love of books is evident by the huge number of books in her apartment.”

Linda Embro
“She loved her career as a teacher-librarian; it was her life’s work to make children’s lives more joyful – she shared her love of stories, made learning fun, led Friday night ski trips, and created a safe refuge in her library.”

Marion Terese Endert
“Her heart belonged to many places: her hometown of Groningen in the Netherlands; Thailand and Indonesia where she spent her early childhood; Ancaster, her first home in Canada and where she adored working as a librarian; Toronto where she enjoyed a career in publishing; Speedside where she started our family; the Bahamas where she worked with the Dutch Consulate; Fredericton where she supported women in trades; and finally Prince Edward Island where she became the proud owner and operator of Bluefield Realty.”

Mary Isobel Ensor
“Mary went on to work as a librarian at the U of T Library prior to marrying John and starting a family.”

Patricia Marikay Falby
“After attending Sion Academy for twelve years, she pursued university studies while working full-time in the Murray Memorial Library. She also worked as a cub reporter for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix where her father had been employed. She was instrumental in setting up the new STM library and in amalgamating the libraries of St. Paul’s High School and Sion Academy into the new E.D. Feehan library. For many years, she also served as the Diocesan editor for the Prairie Messenger, worked as a reporter for the Star-Phoenix, wrote articles for library journals and published works of fiction.”

Margaret “Peggy” Faulhafer
“Peggy worked in the Felt Boot Company and later at the New Hamburg Library.”

Ingeborg Faulkner
“Inge’s love of books and learning inspired her to attend Teacher’s college at UWO, also take a Bachelors degree, and become a teacher/librarian with the London Board of Education from 1965 until her retirement. Her passion for literature and learning was a joy she shared with students, children and adults alike.”

Marion Elizabeth Feldskov (née Ruttan)
“In 1984, she began a 30-year career with the Huron County Libraries, working in the Fordwich, Gorrie, and eventually, the amalgamated Howick Branch. Working in the library brought Marion great joy, and she loved getting to know the Township’s many library patrons over the years. She watched many children from her children’s’ reading programs grow into adult library patrons bringing their own children to Storytime.”

Angela Ferrell
“She spent most of her career with Bee-Clean as a head cleaner at the Millennium Library downtown.”

Emeline “Susan” Ferris
“A hard-working and determined woman, she spent her professional life dedicated to learning and teaching. Obtaining her Ph D. in Education from Louisiana State University, she was a professor at Texas A&M University as well as the University of Calgary. To spend more time with her young children she left academia and took up employment with the Calgary Board of Education as a librarian, resource teacher and elementary teacher.”

Cheryl Ann Fitzpatrick
“She taught with the Toronto District School Board as a music teacher and librarian, then later became a vice-principal and principal.”

Barbara J. Fosdick
“Barbara retired from her work at the McPherson Library at the University of Victoria in 1989.”

Sandra Fraser
“Sandra had a 33-year career teaching Family Studies and Biology at Woodroffe, Brookfield, and Ridgemont High Schools before becoming a teacher-librarian at Laurentian and eventually Hillcrest High Schools. Along the way she completed a Master degree in Library and Information Science and after retiring from teaching, she spent a further sixteen years working casual shifts at Ottawa Public Library branches.”

Caroline Freibauer
“Caroline later became a teacher-librarian, a role she embraced for its potential to support the whole student. She continued her career in September 2020, when she became head librarian at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. Caroline’s commitment to libraries was underscored by her years of volunteer work with the Brantford Public Library board, the Ontario School Library Association, for which she wrote for and edited the Teaching Librarian magazine, the Association of Library Co-ordinators of Ontario and the Canadian School Library Association.”

Joanne Delores Fripps (née Finlayson)
“She began her career at Marshall-Wells and then went on to the National Film Board where she was the Regional Film Librarian for many years.”

Rebecca Gehman (née Donald)
“A divorce led to a pressing need to go back to school at age 50 and find work which she did at the Lynn Valley branch of the North Vancouver District Library.”

Susan Angela Gemmill
“Sue was a retired teacher/librarian with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and an avid gardener with many Trillium awards.”

Marnie Gerrie
“Librarian and teacher. Voracious reader. Traveler. Creator of many artistic things (especially doggerel poetry). Caretaker of people and plants. Loyal NDP’er and union member, passionate believer in social justice.”

Brant Robert Gibbard
“Scholar, Librarian, Oenophile, Genealogist”

Christine Gibson
“Christine worked as a teacher and librarian and was an avid reader.”

Patricia Gibson
“In 1968, Pat received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Victoria College, University of Toronto, and in 1970, she received her master’s degree in Library and Information Science, from the University of Western Ontario. Pat worked as a librarian, library manager, and information management specialist for the Public Service of Canada in Ottawa from 1974 to her retirement in 2012.”

Sarah “Sally” Gibson
“She moved to Toronto in 1969, where she raised a family while earning a Master of Library Science and a Ph.D. in Urban Geography from the University of Toronto.”

Muriel Gingras
“Valued employee at the Richmond Ontario Public Library”

Ruth Emily Girardin (née Campbell)
“Ruth committed herself to 40 years of service with the Manitoba Legislative Library where she made so many friends.”

David Glaze
“Dave completed his B.Ed. in 1983 and had a long career as an elementary school teacher and then teacher librarian in Saskatoon, including a special tenure at Princess Alexandra School alongside the outrageous and supportive ‘Princesses’.”

Julie Ann Glazier (née Couch)
“She was a devoted teacher and school librarian who loved her time with her students.”

Honey (Grace Marie) Glen (née Eamon)
“Honey was a School Teacher for many years, most notably as a Teacher/Librarian at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville.”

Holly F. Glendenning
“She spent most of her childhood in the Village of Queenston where she attended Laura Secord School. Later she attended Niagara District High School and then moved on to the University of Western Ontario where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master’s degree in Library Science and a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature. She worked at the School of Library and Information Science at Western, the D.B. Weldon Library at Western, the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, the Ontario Library Consortium, Lambton County Library and the University of Huron College.”

Sr. Sidonie Goeujon
“In 1999, as her health declined, her religious community welcomed her back to Prince Albert. She then served as librarian – coding books, drafting reports, and being of help to her Sisters.”

Janet Goldack
“Janet continued to learn as well as teach, earning a Master of Library and Information Services. As the decades rolled by, she helped thousands of young students achieve their goals.”

George Edward Grant
“After graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in Library Science, George worked briefly in Toronto before accepting a Library job in England. Returning after three years, he “fell into his dream job” at the Central Reference Library in Toronto, in the Fine Arts Department from 1965-2001.”

Nadene Isabel Grattan
“She received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Carleton University in 1968 and her Masters of Library Science from the University of Western Ontario in 1969. For 20 years, Nadene served as Manager of Records Systems Coordination for the RCMP, leading the development of agency policy and working in Haiti to train law enforcement officers in evidence management.”

Robyn Gray
“Robyn earned her MLIS degree from Dalhousie in 2016, and immediately started a job in her chosen field in Elk Point, Alberta. She moved to Camrose, Alberta, in late fall of 2017, again with a job in her field. While living in Camrose she became involved with the Rotary Club, and thoroughly enjoyed her association with and volunteering on projects for this organization. She attended the Daybreak club’s early morning meetings regularly, in-person while she was able, and later via Zoom. She was also an active volunteer for the Greater Edmonton Library Association’s Prison Library Project, an organization which provides library resources and programs to correctional facilities in the Edmonton area. The last stage of Robyn’s career was as the Director of the Public Library in Camrose, a job which she started in January of 2019, but from which she was forced to take long-term disability leave in the spring of 2021 due to her devastating cancer diagnosis and its cruel manifestations.”

Jeannine Marie Green (née LaFrance)
“Once her daughter was in school, she returned to school as a mature student, eventually completing a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Alberta. She tested the library waters in a few places but truly found her calling when she began working at the Bruce Peel Special Collections Library at the U of A. She retired as the head of that library in 2010.”

Andrew Gregorovich
“Librarian Emeritus of the University of Toronto and Department Head for 30 years. He served as Chairman of the Toronto Historical Board, President of the Ontario Library Association, and President of the Canadian Multilingual Press Federation.”

Janet Groseth
“Victoria was where she would live her younger life, where she would become Miss Esquimalt, librarian, wife and mother.”

Nettie Gulka
“she was a much-loved member of the school staff as the librarian until her retirement in June 2012. She was always admired for the seasonal décor in the libraries that she maintained, along with the staunch organization, and while not always optimal for her daughters, she enjoyed being able to keep tabs of their actions in the school!”

Debbie Louise Guy (née Orchard)
“Debbie worked as a student at the Thorndale Ontario Library of the Middle County Library system. Debbie was hired as a Branch Assistant in 1990 and promoted to Branch Supervisor in 2001. Debbie retired in February 2021.”

Barbara Judith Habib (née Eckert)
“They married in 1958, moving to Windsor, Ontario, where Barbara worked as a librarian and archivist, and Edwin a professor at the University.”

Margaret Lang Hack (née McPherson)
“Margaret dedicated many years of service to the Kitchener Public Library, where she brought her enthusiasm and love for children and books daily until she retired.”

Ronald Hagler
“UBC Professor Emeritus, founding faculty member of UBC’s School of Librarianship, later School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.”

Margaret Eileen Hale
“Before her retirement, Eileen was employed at U.N.B. as a Library Assistant for 21 years.”

Marguerite “Grete” Hale
“founder of the Friends of the National Library of Canada”

Beryl Alison Hall (née Ormrod)
“Born and raised in Toronto, Beryl was a graduate of Victoria College, University of Toronto. Manager with Vaughan Public Libraries.”

Louise Hall
“She also co-founded the Farnham Library over 60 years ago and in 2018 was honoured when it was officially named Bibliothèque municipale Louise-Hall.”

Marjorie Alice Hall
“She later worked as a library assistant and substitute teacher and chaperoned many field trips both locally and abroad.”

Bonnie Hallett
“After her daughter Alison was born, she settled in Victoria and began working at the law library at UVic, which was the start of a 35 year career at the university. Bonnie was quickly promoted to acquisitions supervisor, and she later held fond memories of her days in the law library.”

Lillian Hannen
“As the children grew older, Lillian reentered the workforce as a secretary, clerk, and librarian.”

Edward Joseph Hanus
“Edward moved to Charlottetown from the University of Western Ontario to join the newly formed UPEI in 1969 where he worked as a librarian for 29 years.”

Sister Kathleen Harrigan CSJ
“At the High School Sister Kathleen changed roles to become School Librarian, receiving her degree of Bachelor of Library Science in 1970 at the University of Ottawa. After four years as Librarian, she accepted a teaching position for the Kitimat mission in British Columbia.”

Donna Lee Henderson
“For several years, Lee worked in the laundry services and then in the library at the Brandon Mental Health Center.”

Muriel Henri (née Bergeron)
“One of her proudest achievements was obtaining a BA in Library Studies from Concordia University at the age of 50. She loved her employment as a technical librarian at Ogilvie Flour Mills. She was also a committed volunteer at the Greenfield Park library, a Brownie leader, a softball coach, at the bookshop at the Ottawa Public Library and at Blessed Sacrament Church.”

Yvette Hetu
«Yvette Hétu fréquenta son cher Couvent Amélie-Fristel, puis l’École Normale de Joliette où elle a obtenu son brevet d’enseignement en 1965. Plus tard, elle est revenue aux études à L’Université Laval où elle a obtenu un baccalauréat ès arts (histoire de l’architecture) en 1990 et un certificat en archivistique en 1991. Elle enseigna deux ans pour la Commission scolaire de Joliette puis occupa divers postes surtout dans les moyens d’enseignement, notamment à la Commission scolaire de Gatineau, Renfrew School Board, l’Université de Montréal, l’Université Laval, le collège François-Xavier-Garneau, et enfin à la bibliothèque du Petit Séminaire de Québec puis à celle de Collège Esther-Blondin. Reconnue de ses pairs, elle donna le perfectionnement aux bibliothécaires des écoles internationales.»

Barbara Janet Hewson
“She was a teacher her whole life, teaching at Golden Ridge rural school, Kelso, Wapella and Langbank. She retired from the Potashville School Division, where she was a librarian/learning resource teacher, in 2000. She loved being a teacher and supported many students with emerging literacy skills throughout her career.”

Florence Hicks
“Florence was employed by the NB Telephone and Telegraph Company and then at Mount Allison University Ralph Pickard Bell Library. She retired in 2003 after twenty-five years of dedicated service.”

Rosemarie Hilsendager
“Rosemarie enjoyed many careers over her lifetime including Librarian at the Lampman School, Hospice worker in Calgary and also enjoyed her time spent helping customers at the local Shopper’s Drug Mart.”

Clémence Himbeault (née Nadeau)
“Clémence worked for several years at the St-Boniface Library in the children’s section where her favourite activity was to delight the children with new stories during story hour, an activity that she was able to continue with her own grandchildren after her retirement.”

Frances Elaine Hoag
“Elaine enjoyed her work in the Rare Book Division of the National Library of Canada”

William Griffith Hodge
“Grif attended McGill University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1958 and a Bachelor of Library Science in 1959. Grif had a long and successful career in information studies, particularly in pioneering the use of educational multimedia. His career began at Macdonald College and Lakeshore School Board in Montreal and later for the Visual Education Centre in Toronto. In 1972 Grif was invited to create a school library system for the new city of Thompson, Manitoba. With a spirit of adventure, Grif and his wife Marion moved to Thompson, initially planning on staying for 2 years. Finding a welcoming and vibrant community with many new friends and opportunities, the couple set down roots and stayed for 30 years. During his time in Thompson he established a professional library for educators, a studio for educational films, organized artist-in-school programs, and served for many years as a leader at the provincial level in the introduction of new technology in schools and libraries. Grif also provided leadership to various organizations such as University Colleges North, the Thompson Public Library, and the Heritage North Museum. In the 1990s, Grif’s leadership was instrumental in the creation of Mysterynet, which provided free internet service for northern Manitoba schools during the early years of the World Wide Web. The success of Mysterynet led to the creation of the Boreal Distance Education and Technology Consortium, which sought to connect isolated communities to the internet. In 2009, the Manitoba School Library Association named him an Honorary Life Member for his dedicated advocacy for school libraries in rural and isolated communities.”

Gwen Hoover
“Executive Secretary to the Public Lending Rights Commission, a federal program that supports Canadian authors for the multiple use of their books in libraries”

Alan John Horne
“Educated at the University of London and the North-Western Polytechnic, Alan worked in London as a librarian, first at the Royal Institution and then at the Commonwealth Institute. He immigrated to Canada in 1971, and from then until his retirement in 1994, was a senior librarian at the University of Toronto. He had been an active member of the Librarians Association of the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association.”

Helen Arlene Howard (née Creighton)
“Academic excellence was a high priority for Helen. She graduated from Queen’s (B.A.), McGill (M.L.S.) and Rutgers (Ph.D.). Helen enjoyed a long career in various aspects of librarianship and information studies. In Montreal she established libraries for the Newsprint Association of Canada and Montreal Engineering Company before becoming University Librarian at Sir George William University (Concordia). After completing her Ph.D. she taught at the University of Toronto and McGill University and then became Director of the McGill Graduate School Library and Information Studies.”

Sandra Howe
“Her love for teaching lasted over 25 years as she taught several grades in elementary school before becoming a teacher librarian. Over those rewarding years she had the honor of making a real and measurable impact on the lives of so many young children. As a teacher librarian she had the joy of introducing children to literature. From a young age she had a love for literature and read countless books in her lifetime and of course cherished her time in her ladies book club.”

Phyllis Hunter
“In the early eighties, they moved to Vulcan. With the purpose of making new friends in her new community, Phyllis became an Avon lady and a town librarian in addition to sub-teaching.”

Connie Louise Hutchison (née Craig)
“She worked at Browndale in Toronto, worked as children’s librarian and helped to found and staff the Girls’ Group Home in London, Ontario, and helped found a day nursery in Woodstock.  She graduated from Havergal and the University of Western Ontario where she met her husband of 54 years walking between University and Middlesex Colleges. She retired from the library at St. Lawrence College in 1994.”

Marie Eliane Marina (Elaine) Hutchinson (née Duperreault)
“She later obtained her MLS from the University of Alberta and had a very successful career that she loved as a librarian.”

Loretto Hyde-Doyle
“She was a beloved Librarian and educator in both Wabush, Labrador, and St. John’s, Newfoundland.”

Elsie Louise Irwin
“She attended UBC and was granted a BSc in Agriculture (1948) and a Bachelor of Library Science (1967). Louise worked abroad in research labs, taught at University Hill Secondary School, and retired as a librarian at Vancouver Public Library.”

Sandra Lorraine Irwin
“As the wife of a military chaplain, she lived and worked in many places across Canada as a teacher, and in later years at West Kings District High School where she was both school librarian and costume designer for several musical productions.”

Sandra Jack
“Sandy was a teacher and Librarian at LCVI for most of her teaching career, and she finished her time in education as a vice principal at I. E. Weldon.”

Evangeline Louise Januska (née Kostynyk)
“Her inquisitive mind and curiosity led her to study the Arts and Interior Design at the University of Manitoba and Library Sciences at the University of Michigan. Angie’s work as a teacher/librarian took her to communities in Winnipeg, Cranberry Portage, Norway House, Cross Lake and Fisher River where she enjoyed helping students of varying ages and abilities with learning.”

Andrée Jeanneau Blais
«Originaire de Verdun, elle a connu une vie heureuse avec Claude à Saint-Lambert et a travaillé comme bibliothécaire à l’école Good Shepherd de Brossard et au Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf.»

Noella Jessop
“She attended school in Arctic Red River. She went to the residential school in Inuvik during her teenage years. She attended University Alberta where she studied Library science. She enjoyed being a librarian in her earlier years and loved reading books throughout her life.”

Frances Johnson (née Neuenschwander)
“Both Wayne and Frances were members of Huron Park Baptist Church, Woodstock where Frances held several service positions like Chief Librarian, Choir Member and Sunday School Teacher.”

Judith Anne Johnston (née Heal)
“For three decades, Judy faithfully supported the Montreal Children’s Library, cataloguing thousands of books and helping with fundraising campaigns of all kinds.”

Kathleen Jones
“Kaye Jones, retired Chief Librarian Port Colborne Public Library. Former member of the Ontario Library Association and the Canadian Library Association.”

Trudy Ann Joseph
“Trudy was asked to run the Cape Breton Barristers Library, which she proudly did until the time of her passing. She made many wonderful friends at the library, among them lawyers and judges from around the province.”

Olive Kanat
“Olive was born in Niagara Falls, ON, and eventually moved with her family to a farm near Bognor, ON, before settling for 40 years in Wasaga Beach, ON. There, she worked for the Wasaga Beach Public Library, where she eventually became Chief Librarian and oversaw the library’s move to its current location.”

Leah “Gail” Kapiczowski (née Dunbar)
“Gail attended the University of Calgary where she completed her teaching degree. Until she retired, Gail worked in the education library at the UofC.”

Douglas Edward Joseph Kehoe
“Doug maintained friendships from primary school chums to university friends and those he met throughout his career as a librarian.”

Ivy Kellam
“A committed mother and devoted grandmother, she was also active in community activities and worked at the Brampton Public Library for ten years.”

Ann Keller
“She received her Bachelor of Library Science Degree from the University of Toronto in 1954 and worked as a children’s librarian in the Chatham, Kitchener, and Sudbury Public Libraries, retiring in 1993 as Coordinator of Children’s Services for the North York Public Library System.”

Donna Kennerley (née Mylroie)
“She was both a teacher and librarian in her professional life and was also interested and knowledgeable in many other areas. Donna continued to teach and returned to UBC to take a degree in Library Science. She finished her professional career at the Vancouver Public Library as head of the business section.”

Jeanne Marie Kerrone (née Hillyard)
“Marie enjoyed her career as an elementary school teacher and librarian in the Cowichan Valley, retiring in 2003 as librarian for both Maple Bay and Alex Aitken Schools.”

Linda Darlene King
“Linda completed her degree in Elementary Education, Primary teaching with a specialty in Library Science. She packed up her belongings and headed to the wilds of Penticton to begin a temporary Library position at Queen Park Elementary School. Linda’s library science skills were used three times while being in Penticton. Queens Park School burnt and once the anxiety that she was still temporary teacher status was addressed and she became permanent Linda had the joy and pleasure of creating a school library. Huddled around a heater in one of the huts at O’Connell school she learned to master an electric typewriter and ordered the collection for Queens Park. During this time Parkway Elementary School was being built and so she ordered the collection for them. Halfway through her teaching career Linda transferred to Columba Elementary School. Once again she won the hearts of her students and assisted in many collaborative research programs with the teaching staff. Her final year at Columbia, Linda with her knowledge of weeding books, repairing books, and using the electronic wand to do inventory, with the help of the school district ordered once more a complete collection to leave behind for future readers.”

Laura Diane Kinsman
“In 1975, while living in Montreal, Diane co-founded a quarterly newsletter, The Canadian Art Investors Guide, and she worked at Micromedia and the McGill School of Library Science.”

Susan Patricia Kirk
“At the age of 17 she started working at the Stonewall Library and remained there until her retirement.”

Olive Anette Kirkley (née Mason)
“She taught in British Columbia and Ontario, served as a bookmobile librarian and operated an antique business in New Brunswick.”

Delia ‘Del’ Kjartanson
“In the early 70s she returned to the workforce where she worked for Revenue Canada seasonally. In 1974, Del found her ‘dream job’ as a Librarian working at Beliveau Junior High School and eventually retired from Nordale School in 1997 at the age of 65.”

Cheryl Ellen Kneller
“She had a love for the written word and even worked part time as a Librarian at the Bjorkdale Public Library for many years.”

Cécile Thérèse Krammer
“Born in Bonnyville, Alberta, Cécile’s love of reading led her to pursue a Library Technician Certificate at SAIT, in 1967.”

Leona Justina Krause (née Bergen)
“After returning from the mission field, Leona decided to go back to college to become a Library Technician, graduating in 1986 along side her daughter Debbie. Leona worked in several part time library positions in several schools and at Western Pentecostal Bible School (now called Summit Pacific College).”

Robert E. Krieg
“He graduated in 1966 with a B.A. from the University of Waterloo. He then attended Western University where he earned a PhD in English before enrolling in the Toronto Library School. Robert worked as Director of the Southeast Regional Library system in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and later as the Director of Libraries, Museums and Cultural Services for Lambton County.”

Rolands Richard Krumins
“Returning to Winnipeg he trained and worked in the Elizabeth Dafoe Library until retirement, also volunteering in Church of the Rock’s library.”

Jean Lawrence L’Esperance (née Mills)
“Jean earned an MA and Ph.D. in History from McGill University, and had a career as a librarian and archivist with the Library and Archives of Canada. She was instrumental in the 1980 Canadian Human Rights Act ruling granting wage parity to librarians with historians, citing discriminatory practice between male and female employees.”

Marilee Lake
“In 2013 Marilee began working for the Bruce County Library in Paisley. She loved her time here, particularly when the kids came in looking for books. She was known to read most current novels and even children’s books. That way if there was a question, she would surely be able to answer it!”

Ruth Lampman
“Her love of reading was nourished by decades working at the Burlington Public Library where she made lifelong friends.”

Francine Lanouette
« Francine, bibliothécaire, a fait carrière dans le réseau de l’Université du Québec, à l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique (ÉNAP). D’abord à Québec, ensuite à Montréal où elle a occupé le poste de directrice de la bibliothèque pendant plusieurs années, jusqu’à sa retraite en 2006.»

Theodora “Teddy” Kathlene Larche (née Gach)
“Teddy liked to read all kinds of books and she worked in the town library for many years.”

Joan Marie Lawrence (née Knowles)
“Joan studied at the Universities of Western Ontario, New Brunswick (BA) and Wisconsin, USA (MSc in L.S.). She worked at the Victoria Public and Victoria College/University of Victoria Libraries.”

Leroy Layman
“Leroy was the Division 3 Councillor for the RM of Wood River for twenty-eight years, from 1978 until 2006. He was on the Lafleche Library Board for thirty-nine years.”

Amédée LeBlanc
“He had an admirable career as a librarian, head of acquisitions at the Champlain Library at the Université de Moncton.”

Ruth Leitch
“Ruth fulfilled many roles in her lifetime: teacher, librarian, photographer, many volunteer positions and maybe best known as the Transcript and Free Press news reporter.”

Jean Lemaire
«Bibliothécaire passionné, fervent syndicaliste, il a consacré sa vie active à la réussite des étudiants du Collège Ahuntsic.»

Anna Caroline Lemon (née Rutherford)
“Anna returned to school in 1970 and earned her certification as a medical records librarian. Her first position after graduation meant a big move for the family, as she took on managing the medical records department at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the satellite hospitals in Armstrong and Enderby. After several years in Vernon the family moved to Saanichton where Anna took on a new position managing the records department of Saanich Peninsula Hospital. She retired a much respected and loved colleague in 1995.”

Alfred Lesser
“He was dedicated to his career as a Records Manager for the Provincial Government, and a committed member of Calvary Baptist Church.”

Constance Teresa “Connie” Lewin
“Connie was also a member of another family: her friends and colleagues at the John M. Kelly Library at the University of St. Michael’s College, U of T. This September would have marked her 38 years of work and service there. In her work life, Connie employed exacting standards and was very conscientious in her work. Connie’s time spent at the library was very important to her and being surrounded by books and computers fed her love of reading, researching and writing. Connie was one who embraced evolving technologies and used them to stay current and effective in her work and to indulge her passions at home.”

Bonnie Dianne Long
“she attended Lakeview High School and Confederation College before working for the Thunder Bay Public Library”

Irena Maria Lowry (née Kowalski)
“Irena was born and raised in London, Ontario and educated at the University of Western Ontario (B.A., MLIS) and Althouse College (B.Ed.). After two years of teaching, she moved to Toronto where she worked as a corporate librarian. In her 30s, she transitioned to a long and fulfilling career as a researcher in the executive recruitment field.”

Jean Frances MacDonald (née Carroll)
“Moving to Vancouver Island after marriage, she earned a B.A. in English from UVic, and later spent time working as a clerk at the Legislative Library of BC.”

Heather McCallum
“Heather graduated from the University of Toronto’s Victoria College in 1949, and the School of Library Science in 1957. She had a lifelong love of art and the theatre, and was Head of the Theatre Dept at the Toronto Reference Library, where she worked from 1961-1987. She was an archivist and collector, keeping records of Canadian theatre, and the editor of many publications. Her ‘Directory of Canadian Theatre Archives’ is considered definitive.”

Shirley Elizabeth McCormick (née Toll)
“After retiring from 33 years in Library Services at Health Canada, Mom loved going to the plays with her sister Lois in Morrisburg and loved just going for drives.”

Mabel Aileen McCulloch
“Mabel was the Tweed Librarian for over thirty years”

Kimberley Ester McDonald
“She completed her education with a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Sciences at UBC. In 2006, Kim met her soulmate, Brent. It was a blind date, she was grumpy, he had some wit, she smiled and their love ensued. They married in 2008, relocating to Saskatchewan in 2013 where Kim began as Manager of RPL’s Central Children’s Branch, later becoming Branch Manager of Central Library. Kim took great pride in her work and enjoyed leading with kindness and empathy. In her position, Kim shared her passion for early literacy and unfettered access to information.”

Rita Ann McGrath
“She worked as a librarian in Holy Angel’s School for ten years.”

Shirley McGuckin
“Shirley was an elementary teacher and later a teacher-librarian, for the Metropolitan Separate School Board.”

Linda McKay (née Vinnels)
“At the age of 14, Linda started her library career as a student page at the Riverdale branch of the Toronto Public Library. Her pay was 43.16 cents an hour. Linda pursued her library degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she met David, who followed her back to Ontario! They were married on August 29, 1964. Linda worked at the unique Boys and Girls House, part of the Toronto Public Library system, and later for 20 years at Information Services at the Burlington Public Library. After retiring, Linda volunteered with the Visiting Library Service for a further ten years.”

Idabelle Bessie McKenna (née Mitson)
“She subsequently completed further studies in Library Science.”

Geraldine (Gerry) L McLean (née Ollinger)
“Gerry worked as a librarian at Austin Road Elementary, a secretary at Wildwood Elementary and Springwood Elementary and finally as an executive secretary at Wildwood Elementary School.”

Helen Isabella McNeil
“She retired as Branch Head ofthe City of Toronto’s George H. Locke Memorial Branch in 1985. At the time, the Locke Branch was a breeding ground for future library leaders.”

Mary McTavish
“As a research librarian at the University of Toronto, she was a search engine long before the internet existed. She worked for ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) in Montreal, and obtained her library science degree in London, England. She returned to Toronto and worked as Librarian at John P. Robarts Library.”

Anne Margaret Maduke
“With three young children at home, she completed her Bachelor of Education and continued her teaching career as a passionate teacher and later teacher-librarian with the Saskatoon Public School Board.”

Maureen Georgina Mahon
“Following graduation, she taught in the private school system for several years, but ultimately found her niche working at the University of Manitoba, Extension Library where she selected appropriate reading material for distant communities, prisons and schools.”

Dorilla Maillet
“She was a school teacher. Worked as librarian in Ottawa and retired after 20 years at the Université de Moncton.”

Jean Elizabeth Malach
“When Vern became ill, Jean returned to university and completed a Master’s in Library Science at the University of Toronto. She raised her 3 children on her own, a remarkable feat for a single mother in the 1960’s. Jean’s career as a reference/catalogue librarian spanned over 30 years. She worked at the Douglas Library at Queen’s University, the Kingston Public Library, the Royal Military College and the National Defence College.”

Lorraine Manley (née Darling)
“She enjoyed 30 years of dedicated service in the Children’s Department at the Woodstock Public Library. Walking the half hour to work each day Lorraine happily found the perfect occupation combining her love of children, books, and walking. It was at work where she bonded with her much-treasured friends “The Library Ladies”.”

Evelyn Manser
“Lyn had a gift for knowledge and later pursued a Library Technician diploma from S.A.I.T, two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Athabasca University and Mount Royal College. Lyn was enthusiastic about various hobbies but the one love that never left her was books. She spent 22 years in the Calgary Catholic School Board serving numerous schools. She loved her many librarian friends.”

Remigio Mariano
“Remi was a proud graduate and employee of McGill University. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts (Art History, 1979) and Master of Library Sciences (1981) he worked for McGill Library Services (Medical, Life Sciences) until he retired in 2009.”

Mary Wallace Marquette
“Throughout her 35-year career with Fraser Valley Regional Library, she was a strong proponent of literacy and community, and she touched many lives. She was both a union activist and, together with her library cat, Roger, a local celebrity.”

Lindsey Martin-Penny
“Her 17-year career at three schools culminated as a teacher-librarian at Victoria Harbour Elementary School. This was her favourite. She was a lover of books and a fierce promoter of reading and literacy. As a young child she read constantly (even her older brother’s Mad magazines), a habit that continued throughout her life.”

Carole Matthews
“Following Bruce’s death, Carole and the children moved to the city and Carole began to work at John Coutts library service.”

Janos “John” Mazsa Jr
“John worked as a timberman at Kerr Addison then at Macassa until he retired. Once retired, he decided to find himself something to keep busy. He became a custodian at the library for over 20 years where he enjoyed the people around him.”

Cicely Gail Meek
“In 1970, Cicely returned to Victoria with her 4 children and worked for many years at the McPherson library at UVIC where she particularly enjoyed book repair and binding.”

Diana Lynn Meronek
“When she returned to BC, she accepted a position in the Quesnel school district where she taught primary and elementary students for over 30 years. During that time she served as a school librarian and had fond memories of many school Christmas concerts she helped put together. She was dedicated to her students and strove to teach them to set goals and become lifelong learners.”

Sister Therese Messner
“In 1968 she returned to Our Lady of Lourdes, Waterloo as principal and librarian. From 1974-1982 Sister Therese was principal at St. Patrick School, Caledonia. Following her position as maintenance supervisor at Notre Dame Village, St. Agatha, she moved to Saskatchewan, first as librarian at St. St. Peter School, Unity, then, as pastoral associate at St. Alphonsus Parish, Viscount and St. Joseph Parish, Oxbow. On her return to Ontario in 1993, she was in charge of the convent library in Waterdown until 2008.”

Carolyn Miland
“Carolyn then went on to Carleton University to attain both her B.A. and B.Ed., later completing her Masters of Library Science. After a decade of teaching across southern Ontario Carolyn settled back in York Region where she taught and was school librarian to primary students until retiring in 2018.”

Marilyn Frances Milnes
“Marilyn graduated from McGill ( BA, 1964; Library Sciences, 1966), and moved to Toronto in 1969 to work as a Librarian with Toronto Public Library.”

Salma Michel Mirshak (née Cortas)
“Throughout her life, she tried her hand at many careers such as antique dealer, restaurateur, and librarian at the University of Toronto to name a few.”

Eleanor Margaret Mitchell
“She was a wonderful mother and stayed home to raise their three children. After they were all in school, she became the town librarian, also serving on the library board.”

Patricia McLeod Mitchell
“At first, Pat was a classroom teacher and later a librarian. The library suited Pat’s orderly nature, and her insight into books and learning was an ongoing asset to the school libraries where she worked.”

Gerda Molson
“Gerda served as the Chief Librarian of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library for 35 years and as a President of the Ontario Library Association. It was during her tenure as Chief Librarian that she and her Library Board made the courageous and controversial decision to locate the library from the Court House in the old town to its current home. This is Gerda’s legacy to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.”

Valerie Monkhouse (née Sanger)
“A job change for Ben took the family to Ottawa in the early 1960’s where Valerie started her librarian career, first at the Collegiate Institute Board then Health and Welfare Canada. Valerie advanced within Health and Welfare Canada’s libraries and then moved to be the Director of the National Museums of Canada’s Libraries. She finished her career as the Head Librarian at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).”

Marian Montague
“From 1968 until her retirement in 1988, Marian worked as a library technician at the PSBGM.”

Trish Montemuro
“Upon graduation she worked at the University library.”

Lillian Montour (née Burnham)
“In the early years, she was a founding member of and first Librarian at the Six Nations Public Library, while working in tobacco and attending Mohawk College in the evenings. Then, Lillian became the Head Librarian at the Woodland Cultural Centre.”

Josephine Louis “Jo” Moore
“A retired teacher, Jo enjoyed her teaching and librarian experiences in St. Catharine’s, Sudbury and Ottawa.”

Mae Morley
“Cherished mother, librarian, and lover of Montreal, music and mysteries, has read her last book.”

Dianna Lynn Anne Moser-Paleczny
“Dianna Lynn loved her vocation as a teacher, especially teacher-librarian at St. Anne, Kitchener and teaching media literacy at St. David Secondary in Waterloo. She was loved and respected by her students and colleagues.”

Emily Moskal
“When they returned to Canada, they settled in Estevan, SK, where Ed was the secretary/treasurer for the School Board, and Betty was a part time teacher/librarian.”

Alice Moulton
“She earned a BA degree from Memorial University in St. Johns, Newfoundland, and devoted her life to teaching children, working for many years as a Teacher-Librarian in Winnipeg, at Lansdowne, Faraday, Cecil Rhodes, and Norquay elementary schools.”

Robert Muir
“He was an educator and Teacher-Librarian for over 30 years, concluding his career at St. John’s College-his alma mater-in 2014.”

Diane Mulholland
“Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Diane started out her career as a librarian, graduating from the University of Toronto, and then transitioned into the role of “domestic engineer”, as she liked to be referred to while raising her children.”

Joseph Evaristo “Joe” Nadalin
“Joe graduated from Western University and spent the next 30 years teaching, mainly at St. Clair High School in Sarnia. He taught English and Geography and also held the role of teacher-librarian.”

Gladys Jeanette Nahachewsky (nee Wessan)
“During her 32-year career as an educator – including at the Shaunavon Public and High Schools – Gladys earned her BEd in Education at the University of Saskatchewan, developed two school libraries, served on the executive of the Saskatchewan School Library Association, volunteered with the Kinettes Club and various community organizations in Shaunavon, travelled internationally and across Canada for summer holidays, or to accompany Alex in his service work with the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis International Club. Gladys was a progressive and engaging classroom teacher/teacher-librarian whose work and professionalism was greatly appreciated by students and colleagues alike.”

Ella Margaret Newel (née Moderwell)
“The success of her mother’s gift shop enabled Ella to attend London’s Western University and suffer through library school in Toronto. A gifted contralto, Ella joined the Don Wright Chorus (CFPL radio) to round out a library career at Western.”

Gail Kathlyn Marie Nowrouzian
“Gail studied Library Science at Red River Community College in Winnipeg and then applied her craft at Atomic Energy of Canada and the Manitoba Legislative Libraries.”

Andrew Martin Oates
“He had worked at Geac, and as an independent computer consultant. He particularly enjoyed his work as a project manager on the library system of the CNIB, and his time living in Paris, France, working for the French National Library system.”

Joanne Marie Odjick (née Thran)
“Joanne was a born educator and loved working with people. Over the course of her career, she impacted many lives as a teacher and tutor to both children as well as adults in the field of adult education. She was an avid reader who especially loved books and worked for many years surrounded by her two of her favorite things in books and people, as a librarian at the Kitigan Zibi school.”

Geertrui “Truus” Cornelia Oliver (née Plomp)
“In 1952, she moved east to Winnipeg where she was hired by Miss Elizabeth Dafoe to fill a term position in the University of Manitoba Science Library. Truus held various positions until, in 1959 she joined the newly established Dental Library under Doris Pritchard, Head Librarian. In 1989, after a career spanning 36 years in the University of Manitoba library system, Truus retired as Supervisor from the Neilson Dental Library. Her hard work and knowledgeable expertise gained her the respect of both staff and students and many friendships with colleagues that lasted a lifetime.”

Madeleine Ollivier (née Mantha)
“Madeleine studied library science at McGill University and translation in Ottawa. She worked as a librarian at the Ottawa Public Library for many years.”

Margaret May Pahr
“Margaret moved to Vancouver when she was 24 years old after completing her degree from Sydney University. She then pursued further education in library science and began a career as a librarian at UBC in 1966, from which she retired in 1987.”

Alma “Beth” Jeane Park (née Josh)
“As an elementary teacher and librarian, Beth devoted many years to guiding students through her love of books, music, technology and the arts in Lambton County, Calgary and London (John Dearness Elementary), and was honoured to receive the Ontario Teacher of the Year Award.”

Donna Ruth Parkinson
“In 1963, she came to Ontario to pursue Library Science at the University of Toronto where she excelled in her courses until ill health prevented her from graduating. She lived and worked in Toronto before coming to Newmarket in 1977 where she purchased the home, she would live in for the next 45 years. She found employment at Newmarket Public Library and supported many local initiatives, particularly the establishment of the Seniors’ Meeting Place. Donna’s love of reading led her to start a popular book club.”

Winifred Paul
“Her career in education included years as a classroom teacher as well as working with the gifted program, as a teacher/librarian, and retiring as a Vice Principal.”

Lorne Peaker (née Teasdale)
“A librarian, Brown Owl, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, volunteer, loyal friend and neighbour, hostess, and creative homemaker”

Maureen Pelensky
“A beloved teacher librarian in many Edmonton elementary schools, she was proud of being the gold medalist in her Masters of Library and Information Science program.”

Joan Piasentin
“She received her Librarian degree from Seneca college and pursued her love of reading as a librarian for more than 20 years.”

Joan Podgurny
“After raising her own family, Joan spent 43 years as the librarian at Lake Bonavista Elementary School in Calgary, where she inspired both her colleagues and countless students she came in contact with to share her passion for books, reading and lifelong learning.”

William “Bill” Poluha
“He graduated with a MLIS degree in 1994 from the University of Western Ontario. As always, he made many new friendships that lasted his lifetime. Called home to Winnipeg in 1995 to both assist his aging mother and to take a position with the University of Manitoba’s Medical Library, Bill began a new facet of his life. He quickly developed a reputation for high quality research work, and for being a caring and supportive mentor for both colleagues and students. In one of those twists of life, the conversation that began between student and librarian continued between doctor and patient in the final weeks of Bill’s life at St. Boniface hospital where Bill found himself under the care of Dr. St. Goddard. Bill’s career with the UM saw him move to the Science and Technology Library at the Fort Garry Campus and take on a very active role in the University of Manitoba Faculty Association and the Manitoba Federation of Labour as a safety and health committee rep and a picket captain. Bill was also an active member and avid supporter of the UM faculty Club.”

Rosemary Powell
“She found her calling working at the Sarnia Public Library. She loved books, almost as much as she loved working in the Bookmobile, and she read as much as humanly possible.”

Cynthia Margot Jane Price
“She attended Queen Margaret’s and Strathcona Schools and went on to attain a B.A. from the University of Victoria and a Master of Library Science from the University of British Columbia. Her working career as a highly regarded medical librarian first at the UBC Medical library then as the librarian at the Nanaimo Regional Hospital brought her into contact with many interesting people ranging from students to future Nobel Prize winners”

Peter Pridmore
“As a librarian at the University of Saskatchewan, he helped many students.”

Denise Prince
“Musicienne depuis son tout jeune âge, elle avait poursuivi des études en musique au Conservatoire de musique de Montréal et terminé un baccalauréat en musique, Interprétation – piano, puis un autre en musicologie et enfin, une maîtrise en bibliothéconomie. Elle a ensuite poursuivi sa vie professionnelle à titre de bibliothécaire, tour à tour au Conservatoire de musique de Québec et à celui de Montréal.”

Barbara Jean Quaintance
“After raising her children, she worked for 19 years at the Toronto Public Library and enjoyed the people she met there.”

Joan Renouf
“While managing a busy household with three children, Joan returned to university and obtained her teacher’s certificate. Several years later, she returned to university and completed her Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in Library Sciences. Joan taught Grade 6 in the Regina school system for several years until she and Frank relocated to Melville in 1977. She then found her calling as the resource librarian at the Ituna School.”

Anita “Jean” Reveyrand
“In 1978, she began working as a library aide in several elementary schools in the Kelowna area, a job she loved because of the contact with the young children. She retired in 1993 and became a dedicated golfer.”

Susan Richards
“Susan initially trained as a typist, but her love of books and reading soon led her to pursue a new direction. While raising her family, she began working at the Nepean Public Library and later the Ottawa Public Library. She returned to school as a mature student, attending Algonquin College to become a Library Technician and then Carleton University to earn a Bachelor Degree in English.”

Maxine Robbins
“Maxine worked for 40 years as an elementary school teacher and retired with her love of books as a school librarian.”

Joan Elizabeth Roberts (née Marshall)
“She subsequently completed a Master’s degree in Library Sciences at Dalhousie University and worked at Memorial University’s Center for Newfoundland Studies.”

Sheila Rose Roberts
“As a nurse and librarian, Sheila was known for her peaceful nature, kind
heart, and optimistic outlook on life.”

Rosemarie Robson
“After completion she furthered her studies at the Teaching Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta where she studied to become a medical librarian. After attaining her degree, she then gained employment at the University Hospital in Saskatoon, where she rose to head the Medical Records Department, completing 25 years of service.”

Myra-Nan Rosenfeld-Little
“In 1974, Myra became Research Curator and Curator of European Paintings at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where she established professional photographic and conservation laboratories and procedures and inaugurated a systematic computerized cataloguing of the permanent collection. Myra assisted the National Museums of Canada in the establishment of the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). Myra took up a position of Research Curator at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (C.C.A.) in 1985, where as head of the Research Department she supervised the work of conservators, assistant curators, project assistants and outside scholars for six exhibitions and research projects on the collections. She was Project Director for the J. P. Getty Trust and the Comité International de l’Histoire de l’Art of the TAU Bilingual Architectural Thesaurus pilot project.”

Vera Anne Ross (née Johnston)
“Vera finished her teaching career in her favourite role as a junior high school librarian.”

Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Roy
“Born in Amherst, NS on March 20th, 1961, Kathy moved to Westville in 1978 where she graduated with honors from a one year business education program, raised her family and spent most of her career at the New Glasgow Public Library.”

Barbara Rumson
“She was a dedicated, loving, and inspiring special education and elementary education teacher, school librarian, published author, volunteer, mother, and grandmother. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary, and a Diploma in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in School Libraries from the University of Calgary. Barbara loved working with children as a teacher and librarian for over twenty years. Her motto was “Kids are Worth It,” and she lovingly lived this motto every day.”

Audrey Ruscica
“Audrey turned her love of books into a career when she returned to school at Seneca College to earn her Library Techniques diploma which she put to good use working very happily for the Toronto Public Library at several Toronto branches.”

Father Leonard St. John
“He attended Dalhousie University, and earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science at the University of Western Ontario and a Ph.D. in British Literature at the University of Alberta. He taught briefly at the high school and college level and then went on to work in the Department of Information as well as Publishing and Librarianship for the Government of Canada, in Ottawa.”

June Kathleen Sanderson (née Hunter)
“Following the birth of her first child Jamie, she then became a stay at home mom and later trained to work at the Winnipeg Public Library at many of its branches. She made several friends there, during her 18 years of service.”

Ruth Alana Sandy
“Ruth began teaching at the age of 17 in one room schools in rural Saskatchewan. She obtained her Education Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1977 and worked as a teacher-librarian in Saskatoon until retirement.”

Marie Virginia Scheffel
“Marie earned her Masters in Art from McMaster University and her MA from the University of London England. She spent her career at York University working in the Rare Books library.”

Margot Ellen Schenk
“After a short career in nursing, she and Paul relocated to Halifax. They travelled the world together before she embarked on a new career as a librarian, getting her Master’s degree in Library Sciences at Dalhousie University. She worked at Fisheries Nova Scotia and then at Saint Mary’s University Patrick Power Library and earned a Diploma in Public Administration at Dalhousie University.”

Annette Barbara Schmidtchen
“A faithful long-time Woodside Library Assistant, she also was a dedicated classroom teacher for 12 years in her homeland India.”

Alina Schweitzer
“Alina maintained her love of language and literature throughout her life. At any time, she was known to have several books on the go. Her passion for reading led her to a successful career as librarian at the National Library of Canada, where she devised the 2nd and 3rd editions of Canadian Subject Headings, a system so user friendly that librarians from around the world came to learn and pattern their own systems on her work. For this, Alina received from the Government of Canada the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal.”

Elizabeth Reid Scorgie
“Betty was a beloved teacher in Windsor for over 40 years. She was also a librarian and finished her career as a speech teacher.”

Elaine Scott (née Speers)
“Elaine worked at Prendergast School as a library assistant and then the staff secretary and once the children were more independent, she worked till retirement with the Grain Commission where she loved interacting with the farmers.”

Carol May Sears (née Colwell)
“After she worked at the N.B. Provincial Archives for a few years, Carol was a library assistant at the New Brunswick Legislative Library. She retired in 1999.”

T. Joan Secord
“Her many interests continued throughout her life, she was a teacher/librarian, with a passion for Indigenous Culture.”

Shirley Sexton
“Shirley lived in Scotch Village for over 70 years and served her community as a member of the W.M.S and worked at the Scotch Village Gas & Convenience Store. She also worked as a secretary in her early years in Halifax then at Brooklyn District School as a duty teacher, librarian and janitor.”

Edward Trivett Sharp
“He received a Masters of Arts in history from Queen’s University and a Masters of Library Science from the University of Toronto. Ted was the consummate librarian at the Mississauga Central Library for 36 years. His career touched on almost every one of the library’s departments, but most notably the Literature, Arts, History and Geography department of which he was manager for about 15 years. Ted became Manager of Collections Management in 2007, which he felt was the best job in the world. He was the heart and soul of the library’s collections from 2007-2020, ushering in new collections and formats from music CDs to blu-ray, Lightning Loans and the Raves and Faves, as well as building the Overdrive e-book and e-audiobook collections.”

Irene Eleanor Shepherd
“They moved back to Saskatoon where Irene worked for the Saskatchewan Research Council library.”

Murray Christopher Shepherd
“After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Saskatchewan where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Education and subsequently taught English literature at Walter Murray High School in Saskatoon. It was there that he first exhibited his interest in library services by pushing administrators to open the school library during the lunch hour and after school. He showed his can-do progressive nature, his pragmatic approach to problem solving and his ability to work and inspire others in those early years. After receiving his master’s degree (cum laude) in Library Science at the University of Denver he began his forty-year career in library administration, thirty of those as University Librarian at the University of Waterloo, beginning in 1973 until his retirement in 2003. During that time, he embraced emerging technologies that would convert traditional card catalogues to computer accessible databases, now the standard in libraries everywhere. Murray enjoyed his work, taking an interest in the lives and careers of his colleagues and employees and establishing relationships with his counterparts in the university library community through several national and international organizations. They included the Ontario Council of University Libraries, the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the American Association of Research Libraries and the International Association of Technical University Libraries.”

Aleta Josephine Sherriff (née Vikse)
“Aleta attended the University of Alberta and later the University of Washington (Seattle) where she received her Master’s Degree in Library Science. She worked at the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) until 1972 when she resigned as an associate director. Aleta was known for her, “Marvellous job of creating a sense of family among librarians.” After 3 decades at the EPL, Aleta ventured into a career as an entrepreneur owning and operating the Marigold Towne Shop in the Edmonton Inn with her husband Syd.”

Diana Jean Sherwin
“A former researcher and librarian”

Steven Blake Shubert
“A true scholar and academic, Steven studied for many years with the University of Toronto. His enjoyment was studying and working on his Ph.D.’s in Library Science, Egyptology and, most recently, Greek Classics. Steven served the City of Toronto and its residents as a longtime employee of the Toronto Reference Library and as a faithful volunteer at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).”

Agnes Simo
“For 32 years, she served in the public library system, helping countless people navigate the shelves and bringing joy to children at storytime, mostly at Toronto’s City Hall branch.”

Orlin Everett Simons
“He became a Police Officer on the Thorold Ontario Police force, he then became a librarian in Kirkland Lake Ontario.”

Doreen Lillian Sinclair
“In the 70s, the Sinclair family moved to Bendigo, Australia for a total of seven fun and friend-filled years before settling back in Canada in Regina, Saskatchewan where Mom accepted work as the Research Librarian for the Saskatchewan Research Council.”

Margaret Sylvia Sinkey
“She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1962 with a Masters in Library Science. She and Larry were married in 1974 and moved to Canada. She retired as Assistant Director of Libraries from the University of Calgary in 1996. The University was a central focus in her life, and she served as a Commencement Marshall at the University for more than a decade. Some of the greatest honours of her life were to serve as the first female Convocation Mace-Bearer for the University in 1991, and the reception of the Order of the University in 1997.”

Joan Slamen
“Spanning her 40-plus year working career in Canada, Joan was a baker, a library technician and a receptionist. Joan had a tremendous love of reading and the over 300 volumes in her library are a testament to that love.”

Esther Louise Sleep
“After working with the Baptist Women’s Missionary Society in Hamilton, ON, she graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from McGill University and worked as a librarian in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and then at McMaster University. She retired from the James A. Gibson Library at Brock University in St. Catharines, ON.”

Margaret Lynn Sloan (née Prendergast)
“Margaret was an academic librarian who worked for many years at the University of Western Ontario.”

Barbara (Bonnie) Smiley
“In Canada, Bonnie spent many happy years working for the Ontario’s Provincial Library Service where she eventually became editor of its In Review publication.”

Marion Joyce Smith
“Joyce was quite involved in the New Lowell United Church and showed a keen interest in all levels of government. Above all, Joyce’s passion during her time in New Lowell was her work with the library. Joyce earned her Library Science Degree at Georgian College and started a career with the Clearview Public Library. She played an integral part in establishing the newly built library currently located in New Lowell. In 2007 & 2008 her efforts were recognized by both The Province of Ontario and The Ontario Public Library Association with the presentation of Ontario Senior of the Year award and the James Bain Medallion for Public Library trustee of the Year.”

Hugh Lummis Smith
“He was a librarian who was recognized for notable contributions to the development of both the Robarts and Erindale College libraries at the U of T. He was passionate about books; an avid reader constantly seeking knowledge and clarity.”

Sharron Louise Smith
“A graduate of the University Waterloo and of Western University. Sharron entered her working career at Guelph Public Library, later moving to Kitchener Public Library where she held several librarian management positions. An avid reader of books, she was a pioneer of the reader’s advisory and a member and leader of several book clubs. She was also the author of a resource book on reader’s advisory and a frequent lecturer in readers advisory (Library Science) at Western University.”

Aileen Marguerite Smye (née Crossley)
“She enjoyed a varied career as a children’s librarian in Kelowna, BC, a travel agent for TCA, and then postings with External Affairs including Prague and Saigon – for which she received the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal.”

Joyce Katharine Sowby
“A librarian at Scarborough College and the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Joyce’s interests were broad from Canadian history, the subject of her Queen’s University MA, to Canadian art, particularly the Group of Seven about whom she published articles on the artists’ time at her father’s firm, Rous and Mann.”

Marjorie Speake
“While raising a family of three kids, a dog and other assorted animals, she retrained as a library technician and had a long and successful full-time career at Nepean High School Library on Broadview Avenue in Ottawa helping decades of high school students.”

Marie Speiser
“She started teaching Grade 2 in Beechy and then Grade 4 in Outlook. Later, she was a librarian and taught high school subjects in Cupar and Lanigan, where, for the last seven of her 28 years of teaching, she taught only Grade 9 – 12 Art.”

Anna Staska (née Happychuk)
“After moving back to Winnipeg in the early 1970s, she worked for the St. James Library.”

Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Steeves
“Elizabeth was a devoted high school teacher, librarian and special educator for 35 years.”

Jean Marie Stevenson (née Birmingham)
“Jean was a graduate of the University of Toronto (1946), College of Education (1947), English teacher at Kingston Collegiate (1947-1952) and librarian at Dunrae Gardens School, T.M.R. (1972-1980).”

Christina Duff Stewart
“Christina became Book Selector for Graduate Research in English and Drama at the University of Toronto Libraries in 1968. She chose books with care and discrimination, including rare books for the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, for the next twenty-five years until her retirement in 1992.”

Margery Ruby Stewart
“Graduate of University of Toronto, Master of Library Science, Margery worked at the Toronto Reference Library and was a freelance writer.”

Ruth Stinson
“She knew how to make people feel at ease, and her welcoming smile was well known at the circulation desk at Milton Public Library.”

Audrey Margaret Stokes
“She worked as a library clerk for many years at the Bridgewater Library.”

Mary Stoyko (née Antoniw)
“Mary also found enjoyable employment as a library technician with the Winnipeg School Division at St. John’s High School, where she made many new friends. After her retirement she regularly joined them at social gatherings to catch up on all the news and events.”

Jean Summers
“Office manager of Siroil Limited, Windsor and library clerk at University of Windsor.”

Kenneth William Sutton
“He taught at a number of elementary schools in the city until the early 1970’s. During this time, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University by attending summer school for several years while his family camped in Kingston. He then spent the last twenty years of his career as a teacher-librarian at W.J. Fricker School, encouraging students to explore the world of books.”

Patricia M. Sweeney
“Pat is remembered fondly by family and friends in Canada and in South Africa and by her former colleagues at the Health Sciences Library, McMaster.”

Wasyl Sydorenko
“While he completed a B.A. (Musicology Specialist, Geology Major) and an M.I.St. (Library and Information Science) at the University of Toronto, Wasyl’s most cherished achievement was his ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance (Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto). Starting his career in Vertebrate Palaeontology at the ROM, Wasyl moved to the University of Toronto libraries (35 years). From 1994 he was East European Reference Specialist, Petro Jacyk Resource Centre; in 2010 he became President of CUPE Local 1230 (Library Workers). In this role, Wasyl was a fierce advocate for his colleagues.”

Margaret Eleanor Szucs (née Fitch)
“Against societal odds, she progressed from Havergal College (1951) to graduate Toronto’s Trinity College, achieving her Masters of Library Science. For a majority of her career, she worked as a law librarian, skillfully wrangling the demands of Toronto’s Bay Street attorneys.”

Jacqueline Denise Tait
“She trained as a teacher and librarian and worked for the Hamilton school board.”

Anne Taylor-Vaisey
“1967’s Summer of Love landed Anne in Winnipeg, where a season’s worth of hard-earned paycheques at a pair of gruelling jobs (for which she had no love) set her on a path into librarianship – a lifelong profession she pursued with infectious passion and pioneering instincts. A master’s in library science from the University of Western Ontario vaulted her into working life at Trent University, which meant moving to Peterborough. Anne remained at Trent all the while, working as map librarian and then circulation and reference librarian. She sharpened the cutting edge of online searching when few understood the digital revolution that would come to define her profession. Anne left Trent when the family moved to Scarborough in 1984, settling in Guildwood Village. Anne’s professional renaissance was launched at the University of Toronto’s Office for Continuing Medical Education, where she started as library services consultant in 1991. She co-authored articles that were cited by thousands of researchers. She served as president of both the Toronto Health Libraries Association and the Indexing and Abstracting Society of Canada. She was the architect of the website of the Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education. In early 2022, SACME awarded Anne a Presidential Tribute for her decades of service. In 2001, Anne started a new role as the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College’s reference librarian, another professional rebirth that allowed Anne to work directly with students and faculty – and for which she was awarded CMCC’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. In 2012, Anne joined a multidisciplinary and international team of health-care professionals at the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, where she showcased her rigorous approach to scientific research. She was named adjunct professor at CMCC in 2016 and chief editor of the Index to Chiropractic Literature the next year. Anne was still contributing to the IDRR from her hospital bed this past January.”

Barbara Jean Thompson
“Barb graduated from Ajax High School in 1965 and went to Guelph University, graduating with a BA in French, followed by an MA in Library Science from the University of Western. Her first job as a librarian was at the Nursing School in Stratford, Ontario followed by 15 years as Branch Head at the Preston branch of Cambridge Public Library. It was while at Preston that Barb and a number of colleagues who became close friends formed the Gorm Club. Initially they served “gourmet” meals in each other’s homes and later sourced the most publicly embarrassing stunts possible which members, each in their turn, had to perform on their birthdays. In 1989 Barb became Branch Head at the Hillsburgh branch of the Erin Township Regional Library, while also running Garden Gate Antique and Gift Shop with Janet.”

Lynn Thompson
“Lynne worked as a librarian at the English school in the area until she ventured back to attend pre-law studies in 1991 before ultimately completing her law degree at Queen’s University.”

Moira Spence Thomson
“In Calgary, she was an assistant librarian with the University of Calgary, and then she obtained a bachelor’s degree with distinction in fine arts at the University.”

Paulette Thompson
“Paulette worked as a Children’s Librarian for the Lambton County Library.”

Rita Thibault
“Rita began her working career as a hairdresser and then worked at the Bibliothèque Champlain on the Université de Moncton campus until her retirement.”

Doreen Todd
“Once the children started attending school Mum began a 20 career with Simon Fraser University Library, eventually retiring as Supervisor of the Loan’s Division.”

Gwen Todd
“Gwen worked as a librarian at the University of Waterloo from 1966 to 1996, which she enjoyed very much.”

Kate Willis Toews
“At age 6, Kate moved with her family to Saskatoon where she completed high school, and an English degree at University of Saskatchewan. Shortly after that, she completed her degree in Library Science at University of Toronto. She then worked in the Windsor area doing library work for a short time before returning to Saskatchewan, where she met Peter Toews. They were married May 9, 1959 in Saskatoon. They moved to Prince Albert in 1961 where they purchased their first house and began to raise a family. Kate then worked a full career in libraries in Prince Albert, as well as excelling as a wife, mother and homemaker.”

Lillian Tomic
“Greatly successful as a Chief Librarian at McGill Medical Library, loved and respected by her peers. She had a great passion for art, music, books, and film.”

Odile Tremblay (née Côté)
“Odile a travaillé pendant de nombreuses années à la Bibliothèque municipale de Fauquier-Strickland à titre de bibliothécaire et directrice.”

Shaopan Tsai
“He worked in the office of the Council of Federal Libraries, which coordinated the activities of federal libraries.”

Patricia Mary “Sally” Tupholme
“Her teaching career started in England and recommenced in 1958 in Kamloops where she moved skillfully through various roles as teacher, principal, counsellor, and finally to librarian.”

Helena Barbara Georgina Twiss
“Helen was obsessed with reading, and actually studied to be a Librarian.”

Gary David Tynski
“Gary grew up in Sydney before moving to Montreal to obtain a Fine Arts degree from Sir George Williams University. He then pursued a long career as Curator of Prints at McGill University Library.”

Liana van der Bellen
“A kind, intelligent and generous person, Liana received B.L.S. in 1953 and worked as a cataloguer at McGill University in Montreal. Between 1961 and 1973 she was a librarian, lecturer and associate professor at the library school at the Université de Montréal and continued her education in rare book librarianship at Columbia University in 1970-1971. In 1973, Liana was appointed the Chief of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Division at the National Library and continued in the position until she retired in 1991. She relocated to a retirement home in Estonia in 2020 and passed away there on December 14th, 2022.”
(submitted by Mary Aksim)

Ruth Irene Van Peteghen (née Fleming)
“Ruth was a much loved Librarian and Teachers-Aid for most of her years, touching the hearts of countless children, staff, and parents, through her unending encouragement and steady supply of hugs.”

Anne Vermette (née O’Leary)
“She was a long-time volunteer at the Montreal Association for the Blind and the Lachine Hospital, served as librarian at Bishop Whelan High School, and was organizer-extraordinaire of bridge clubs wherever she lived.”

Shama Kumari (Krishnan) Vethamany
“Shama was a wife, mother, “auntie”, friend, University of Toronto botanist, Dalhousie University cancer researcher and environmental studies librarian, dog lover (Bichon Frisé, not German Shepherd), and proud Haligonian.”

Ilse Georgine Ingrid Von Hausen
“In 1977, she achieved her Masters of Library Science from University of Western Ontario. Ingrid’s first job out of university was a Clerk at the Unemployment Insurance Commission in Oshawa. She was recruited as a teacher at Port Perry High School teaching Art, German, and French. Two years later she became a Teacher Librarian at David & Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute where she started the library and taught English and German. In 1966, Ingrid became the Teacher Librarian at Preston High School until she retired in 1994.”

Shirley Isabel Waddell
“She received her teaching/librarian degree from the U of C and began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Blackie, Alberta. She loved reading and introduced the joy of reading to literally hundreds of her students over the years.”

Wendy Ann Wade
“She enjoyed a very successful 32-year career as a teacher, consultant, and school librarian with the DPCDSB; instilling her love for books and reading with her students.”

Claudia Wagner
“After the children were raised and gone, she followed her passion for reading and volunteering at the Millet library, eventually becoming the librarian for several years at the new Millet library.”

Evelyn Walker
“She worked tirelessly to obtain her medical librarian certificate and through her many years at the Grenfell Hospital she rose to be the medical records librarian, retiring in 1989.”

Kathleen Wall
“News of her passing has brought heartfelt tributes and condolences from extended family and friends across Canada including many of her long time neighbours in the Edmonton river valley community of Cloverdale, and from people who came to know her through her various careers as a teacher, librarian, history researcher, and bookseller, and from those who shared her love of music and gathered round her living room piano to play raucous, joyful selections from her vast repertoire of country and pop songs, albeit none written later than about 1965.”

Mary Edna Walsh (nee Neelands)
“While Mary’s first job was working as a librarian at the University of Toronto, her intense interest in interior design, architecture and art led her to plan and build a French-Provincial-style home in Lawrence Park.”

William Dale Ward
“He worked as a librarian at Laval University, St. Lawrence College, and the University of Ottawa. Dale took early retirement from the Morisset Library (University of Ottawa) in 1996 where his leadership was characterized as that of a “gentle shepherd”. Over the following fifteen years he was involved in library development at the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS) in Bangalore, India, and later at Africa International University (AIU) in Nairobi, Kenya. His final library work was with Archives Canada for several years.”

Margaret “Maggie” Weaver
“Maggie worked in a wide range of jobs – including management consulting firms, varied information search organisations including fee-based operations, a large chemical company, as trainer for an international online search company, and two years with the United Nations in Vienna, to name just a few. Maggie was a top-flight researcher, and could find information that others were not aware existed. In all Maggie’s work involving information she was interested in helping people succeed, and she did this not only by assisting them in finding the facts and data they needed but also by developing products, training courses, seminars, and webinars. This work took her across Canada, to the US, and to other parts of the world. Independently and on her own initiative she developed unique and much sought-after expertise that she used to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs. Maggie was a brilliant presenter and teacher who took a great interest in people, in business processes, and clarifying the details and significance of export regulations. Her smile and her beaming face were infectious. She was witty, very well read, full of energy, had a multi-sided sense of humour, and was able to call on a large body of general knowledge. She made friends easily, and many friends soon became fast friends. Maggie was also very much interested in assisting young people at the beginning of their careers, and she was able to connect, apparently effortlessly, with women and men forty years her junior. She was mentor to many of these young people, able to encourage them to tackle challenges that they soon found were not as daunting as they might have thought.”

Gerald Weeks
“After graduating from UBC in library science, Gerald went to work at the University of Toronto Library. Five years later he returned to B.C., serving as business librarian at BCIT Burnaby for 29 years, and later was a part time reference librarian at Burnaby Public Library.”

Linda “Joanne” Wehrstedt
“Joanne started her work career at Lakehead University Library where she met her husband Glen of 47 years marriage.”

Allan Weinshenker
“His careers included law, travel and sociology before becoming a library assistant at the University of Manitoba.”

Nancy Elizabeth Wells
“She loved to research and later completed a Library Science degree at UBC in Vancouver. She spent some years in Montreal where she eventually met Alex Ross who would become her life partner for close to 50 years. They later moved to Toronto where Nancy worked many years as a librarian with Price Waterhouse.”

Ann Whalen
“She worked at Brock University Library as an Evening Supervisor. This was one of the most fulfilling times of her life. She enjoyed her friends coworkers and the students.”

Joanie Doreen White (née Morris)
“Passionate for early childhood literacy and community, “Story Time” was the highlight of her career as librarian for the town of Portugal Cove – St Philips for over twenty- five years. Always swift to help others, Joanie lit up the room with her stories and bright outfits.”

Lorraine May White
“ECE & Librarian Specialist”

Glen Allan Whitwell
“Glen was a teacher and teacher-librarian for 34 years”

Gwyneth Anne Williams
“After relocating to Victoria in 1960, she graduated from UVic with a BA in 1967, and from UBC with a BLS in 1970. The family moved to Salmon Arm for two+ years where Gwen was a teacher/librarian, and returned to Victoria in 1973. She worked for Statistics Canada for many years, a job she dearly loved partly because she met so many wonderful people. She retired, reluctantly, in 2016 at the age of 84.”

Alice Mae Willison
“She left home to attend secretarial school, but her favourite work was the many years she spent at the Regina Public Library in the Inter-Library Loans department. She had many fond memories of her co-workers and her time there.”

Patricia (Pat) Wilson
“Upon completion of a specialized secretarial course she accepted a position in the Medical Library, University of Saskatchewan, one year later transferring to the Physics Department to take charge of the Physics Library. Shortly thereafter a new department, the Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies was formed and Pat was approached to accept a position as the Institute Secretary. She remained with the Institute for the rest of her working career.”

Charmian Winchester
“Worked in the University library and alongside her husband in his photographic business even after he passed in 1993.”

Shirley Anne Wissenz (née Tonkin)
“Her love of reading led to a long and distinguished career with the Wentworth Public Library.”

John Garrick Wright
“Former dean of the Faculty of Library Science at the University of Alberta”

Maria Zajcew
“She worked hard at improving her English language skills and went back to school, where she trained as a library technician. She was employed by Vincent Massey Collegiate where she worked until her retirement in 1987.”