News & Stories: In Memoriam

October 13, 2024

Professor Emeritus Ruth Pierson, Faculty

Ruth was a professor at OISE since 1980 and retired in 2001 as a tenured Full Professor in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education with a cross appointment to Theory and Policy Studies. Ruth was the latest passing in a line of major path breaking Canadian feminist scholars who put OISE on the map and influenced generations of younger academics and activists. The list includes Margrit Eichler, Roxana Ng, Alison Prentice, Mary O'Brien, Dorothy Smith, Jeri Dawn Wine, and now Ruth.
March 26, 2024

Anne Cassidy, JICS Teacher

Anne dedicated an incredible 23 years to the JICS Lab School, teaching Grade 4 and 5/6. Known for her unwavering commitment, Anne forged deep connections with her students, extending well beyond their graduation. Anne's celebration of life will take place on June 9, 2024.
December 12, 2017

Bruce McFarlane, Alumnus

Bruce was an incredibly positive and outgoing force. He had an unquenchable enthusiasm and great zest for life.
September 6, 2015

Dr. Thomas Mark Turay, Alumnus, MA '96, PhD '01

The primary focus of Dr. Turay's work was in the areas of peacebuilding, human rights, advocacy, development education, peace education, and indigenous African knowledge systems.
June 5, 2017

Richard Potwarka, Alumnus, MEd

After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in philosophy, Richard might have been scrambling to come up with a practical career goal, but teaching, well that wasn't an option.
June 21, 2017

John Richard Harris, Alumnus

John was born and raised in Toronto. He joined the RCAF in 1941, serving as a navigator on a Halifax Bomber.
August 12, 2017

Ann M. Jaffrey, Jackman ICS Teacher

She will be mourned by the dear friends she made in all eras of her life including during her time at the University of Toronto.