ÃÀÓÕÖ±²¥

John Williams MacDonald, Former Dean, Professor Emeritus, and Friend

Professor Emeritus John William MacDonald, who died peacefully at the age of 92, will be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, and quietly brilliant educator, friend, colleague whose influence continues in the many students he inspired throughout his long and distinguished career.

Edward Scovill Hickcox, Faculty

Before becoming a professor at OISE, Ed was a high school teacher and school principal. He will be remembered as a a staunch supporter of young scholars, both students and new faculty members. A celebration of life will be held at the Cordova Bay United Church, 813 Claremont Avenue, Victoria on November 8 at 2:00 p.m.

Carola Conle, Faculty

OISE was an important place to Professor Conle. She also cared deeply for her community in Appenzell, Switzerland with fond memories of music and dance. Carola will be deeply missed by her colleagues and fellow scholars in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and her beloved friends and family.

Tomoko Nancy Arimura, OISE alumna

Tomoko, a two-time OISE graduate and proud co-owner and clinical psychologist at Connected Hands: Centre for Psychological Wellbeing, passed suddenly on July 6. She will be dearly missed by the OISE community, her husband Dr. Saad Chahine, her daughter Olive, and beloved family.

Virginia Morse Stead, Alumna

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

Donald (Don) Galbraith, Faculty

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

William Babátúndé Thomas, OISE alumnus

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

Sylvia Shun Wah Lim, Staff Member

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

Donald Grant Fleming, Alumnus

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Grant Fleming, a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, teacher, mentor, friend and alumnus of the ÃÀÓÕÖ±²¥.

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

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

Professor Emeritus Ruth Pierson, Faculty

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

Tracey King (Little Shell Woman), Alumna & Friend

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