39 minute read
Toy Story
Maha KHAWAJA’00 is building a successful start-up around kids having STEAM-y fun
By Chris Daniels Photo by Elizaveta Kozlova
er journey to entrepreneurship as founder of four-year-old toy company OjO has taken her from Hong Kong to Dubai to London and, currently, New York City. But some of the most formative years for Maha Khawaja were spent in Toronto. At 16, she came to Branksome as a boarding student from Saudi Arabia, where her mother, a Canadian, and her father, of Kashmiri origin, started their family.
“In Saudi Arabia at the time, once girls turned 16, there were no options for further learning,” explains Maha, the eldest of three siblings. “But my father had daughters fi rst and was determined to give us as much education as we craved.” Dad Najam is chair of Omnicom Group for the Middle East and North Africa region. “He wanted us to go out and conquer the world.”
Despite moving from a desert to skyscraper landscape, she immediately felt welcome in Toronto, and at Branksome “like I had been there since kindergarten. It was eye-opening to see girls of many diff erent sizes and skin colours.” Th at is not to say it was all smooth sailing.
Loving her economics class, she once tried to impress her teacher and early mentor, Hilkka Luus, on an assignment and lift ed material from the internet (back in the web’s early days) without sourcing it. “I got the paper back and never had I seen so many red marks; I had failed and never had I failed anything,” she recalls. “I redid the assignment, and would come to realize hard lessons are the ones you learn from the most.”
Now, as the business mind behind OjO— which imagines, manufactures and markets early-years STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) games—she has taken a learning approach to growing the company. By debuting concepts on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter and seeing what ticks, OjO has launched products like Robot Workshop, in which kids design one of 144 possible robot combinations for a space mission, and Atomic Force, in which they collect protons, neutrons and electrons to solve science challenges.
“We’re still in the start-up phase, and that means testing and experimenting with strategy, and if one approach doesn’t work, learning to tweak the business model and try another,” says Maha. “But OjO’s mission is to break down intimidating, complex topics, and make them approachable and fun to learn for children of any capability and gender.”
Her toy story, if you will, came aft er two diff erent careers in big business. She did her post-secondary studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, graduating in 2003, and then worked at HSBC Investment Bank, including its offi ces in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Geneva and London. “I always had a very set mind about how my career would go,” she says, “but realized aft er fourand-half years in fi nance it wasn’t a passion.”
Going back to school, earning her MBA in 2009 from London Business School, she made a career switch into consumer product marketing, with roles at Nestlé in Dubai (on Nescafé, for the Pakistan and Afghanistan market) and then, returning to London, at Johnson & Johnson, on its Neutrogena skin-care line.
A few years aft er the birth of her son, Saarim, now 8, she made a third pivot. “I had been looking for STEAM toys to get my fi rst-born learning at play,” says Maha, “and discovered they were mostly junk—fl ashy, noisy batteryoperated toys that claimed to be STEAM, but really required no critical thinking.”
Leveraging her four years in brand marketing, she launched OjO in 2017 and has built it into an eight-person team, including
After years in London, U.K., Maha recently moved to New York City with her husband and children.
a product designer each in Cyprus and the Netherlands, who both came from Lego, a marketing expert in the U.K. and one in New York, and a business development and strategy person each in London and California.
She started the company with only her own money and investments from family and friends.
Maha chose the name OjO, which means “eye” in Spanish, to represent the lens with which kids see the world. Th e word OjO was also very visual and easy for kids to read, she notes.
Tapping into a “pain point felt by other parents and institutions about toys,” early success came from the office of the mayor of London, which provided OjO games for play at community events, while educational destinations, like the Science Museum in London, featured its toys in hands-on exhibits. OjO also partnered with CBeebies, the BBC-owned children’s channel, to create the Which Way? coding game.
“Th ey were some of our fi rst customers, and while they were great partnerships for publicity, we found they diluted our eff orts to get the cash register ringing,” she says.
Over the last couple years, OjO has laserfocused on building a retail ecosystem of small and large toy stores, a strategy that led the upstart to reach record sales in 2020.
“A lot of success has come from just getting in touch with neighbourhood toy shops and saying, ‘We’d love to show you a sample,’” says Maha. “Physical retail is still important, and so, too, are tactile toys amid COVID-19 and the shift to home-learning, because parents are yearning for good-quality games that don’t use screens.”
After years in London, Maha recently moved to New York City with her husband Yanaal, and boys Saarim (“he and his friends were among our earliest toy-testers,” she notes) and toddler Zeid. She aims to grow the brand in the U.S. and Canada, recently scoring a big win south of the border with HSN (formerly the Home Shopping Network); it plans to sell Robot Workshop, Atomic Force and OjO’s geometry game Shape Factory.
“I want to make a global impact, and the confi dence I have in knowing I can do it came from Branksome and having worked around the world,” she says. “You can start small in your own community, but if you have bold, ambitious sights, you’ll achieve much more.”
This year, OjO will also be launching STEAM Kindle storybooks, each of which can be paired with one of the brand’s 12 games, and will introduce maker kits, from circuit-building to slime-making, in time for Christmas. “I tell girls, don’t be afraid to launch an idea when you get out into the world or even right now during school,” says Maha. “Entrepreneurship tests your limits, but it’s also hugely rewarding when it’s something you’re passionate about.” R
Chris Daniels is a Toronto freelance writer and editor.
AlumLife
Sally ADAMS Medland’66 and Mackenzie KNOWLES’11 wear it with pride.
REUNION 2021
A ‘BAND-AID SOLUTION’ FOR A COVID-STYLE CELEBRATION
Sally ADAMS Medland’66 and Mackenzie KNOWLES’11, celebrating their 55th and 10th reunions this year, had fun encouraging reunion year alums to add a touch of Branksome to their “jab.”
Th e idea sprang from the creative mind of Alum Executive member Lindsay STRANSMAN’08 (see p. 37), and was wholeheartedly embraced by our many reunion reps for the classes ending in 1 and 6. Under the signatures of Alum Association President Melanie ARGIROS Breder’08, Principal Karen Jurjevich and Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock, our honoured reunion year alums worldwide received a card in early May with heartfelt greetings, plaid band-aids and messaging to “wear your tartan with pride this summer.” Further greetings were sent through a video blast on May 29—the day the school would have hosted the reunion years cocktail reception and dinner.
PROJECTS WITH MEANING
Class of 1986
An Ongoing Commitment to Mental Health
Since the class’s last reunion in 2016, funds raised through their Class of 1986 Mental Health Initiative have continued to support mental health projects at Branksome Hall. This year, in recognition of their 35th reunion, the class’s fundraising co-chairs, Linton CARTER and Sarah EATON, further encouraged donations to the fund, which to date has raised $12,600, with 19 per cent class participation. With mental health an important priority at Branksome Hall, this is incredible support!
Class of 2011
Who Knew Fundraising Could Be Such Fun?
COVID-19 did not deter the Class of 2011 from doing something special to mark its 10-year reunion. Class rep Montanna DIAKUN organized a “Branksome Survivor” fundraiser to keep things upbeat and fun despite the lockdown. Through this unique initiative, the class raised $650 for the Principal’s Fund, which will be used at the school’s discretion. Maxine ZENTIL, the lucky “survivor,” received a gift card to a local business of her choice.
Alum Association Endowed Bursary Fund
$1 Million and Climbing
One million dollars was just out of reach when the Annual Fund campaign launched last fall. But thanks to the $35,000 matching gift donation made by former Head Girl Dr. Frances SHEPHERD’64, along with stellar 2020-21 Annual Giving and Reunion Giving campaigns, this landmark achievement was recently reached. Since the fund was created in the 1960s, hundreds of alums have contributed, thereby making a Branksome education possible for many deserving students.
WINNING WOMEN
Our 2021 Alum Award recipients, honoured by the Alum Association
Ninette KELLEY’75
Allison Roach Alum Award
It is a distinguished global history, and Ninette has been an important part of it for nearly two decades. Th e offi ce of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was founded in December 1950, a few months before the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees was signed in Geneva. As an experienced senior offi cer in UNHCR, Ninette is now writing a publication to commemorate the 70th anniversaries of those two fundamental events.
Ninette joined UNHCR in 2002 and has served in several senior positions. Prior to her current assignment, she was for four years director of UNHCR’s offi ce in New York City. Before that, she was the agency’s representative in Lebanon (2010-2015), leading one of its most complex refugee operations.
A lawyer by training, Ninette has also served in other international roles on development and refugee issues. In Canada, she served eight years on the Immigration and Refugee Board. Jennifer LANGILL’10
Young Alum Achievement Award
Jennifer was passionate from a young age about helping others and building a more equitable world. Today those values drive her personal and professional endeavours.
Knowledgeable in fi ve languages, she earned a BA in global development studies from Queen’s University and an MA in geography from the University of Toronto, and is currently working towards her PhD in geography at McGill University. She is the recipient of over a dozen academic awards.
In her master’s program, Jennifer examined human-environment relationships in the Peruvian Amazon, and how environmental hazards are aff ecting livelihoods and gender roles for riverine populations. For her PhD, she takes a feminist approach to investigating intergenerational livelihood change for ethnic minorities in the highlands of northern Th ailand.
In 2011, Jennifer founded Gollucoh, a non-profi t micro development organization helping individuals in impoverished villages in Laos. While stepping back due to her dissertation work, she continues to off er youth mentorship and support for women and girls’ education in Laos.
Full stories will appear in the Fall 2021 issue of Th e READ.
ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT
To unite, engage and grow Branksome Hall’s alumnae community of globally minded learners and leaders.
ALUMNAE EXECUTIVE 2020–21
Allison ROACH’51 Honorary President
Offi cers
Melanie ARGIROS Breder’08
President Alexandra MORTON’09 Engagement Lisa RICHARDS’02 Communications Sarita SAMAROO’99 Nominating Catlin SEIBEL-KAMEL’10 Awards Nicole THORNBURROW’10 Secretary Hubie YU’08 Treasurer
Members at Large
Jacqueline CARL’10 Karen CORDES Woods’99 Past President Mackenzie KNOWLES’11 Tori LECHNER-SUNG’12 Hannah LO’05 Lindsay STRANSMAN’08 Patricia SU’13
Chair, Young Alums Alanna TEDESCO McLaughlin’03
Ex-Offi cio
Cris Coraggio Karen Jurjevich Rachel Loo Andrea McAnally Tanya Pimenoff Jennifer Williams Mackenzie Calhoun, Caroline Thadaney Advancement Student Reps
Stay Connected, Get Involved
The Branksome Hall Alumnae Program
It’s all about Community, Networking, Volunteerism, Friendship, Traditions and Giving Back
branksomeconnects.ca
Please contact: Tanya Pimenoff , Associate Director of Alumnae Relations tpimenoff @branksome.on.ca 416-920-6265, ext. 285
CREATING SAFE AND INCLUSIVE SPACES
Never be afraid to be vulnerable or ask for support. Th at advice came from one of Branksome’s fi rst openly trans alums, Reed WANLESS Patterson’04 (top), a teacher at St. Clement’s School in Toronto, who spoke on April 19 at the second Celebrating Culture assembly. Also on the panel were University of Toronto students Elaine LEE’20 (left ), an English major, and Zainab AZIM’20 (right), a Pakistan-Canadian studying neuroscience, public policy, psychology and astrophysics. Zainab serves as a United Nations Space4Women mentor to advance diversity and equity in space/STEM.
Make the move to Branksomeconnects.ca Whether you are looking for a mentor, reuniting with classmates, telling a unique story or fi nding new opportunities, Branksome Connects is there for you. Register at www.branksomeconnects.ca
COZY UP Designed by alums, for alums
Sweatpants, tees, hoodies, tote bags and more. This fall, visit the new website at branksomealumshop.ca to see the array of items that will be available for purchase. All proceeds support the Alum Association.
Alums on Campus (Virtually)
The Branksome Business Club welcomed...
Morgan HEADRICK’18
Business student at Babson College, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Subah IMAMI’15
Analyst for corporate strategy and business development at the Walt Disney Company, New York City
Hana JAMES McConville’05
Co-founder of Greenhouse Juice, Toronto
PANDEMIC ESCAPES
Brought to you on screen by the Alum Association
Move It Mondays Th ree opportunities to “shake it all out” were held once a month from February to April, where alums were invited to participate in full-body workout sessions. Classes were free and led by Branksome’s own fi tness guru, Lindsay Goetz.
An Evening with Emma Alums cooked up a storm on April 6 thanks to the Emma’s Eatery at Home event with Chopped Canada champ Emma BEQAJ Moore’06. In this pilot event for alums in the Greater Toronto Area, ingredients were delivered and charcuterie, salad and a spring carbonara with asparagus were prepared.
Th e Spy We Loved
Remembering Molly MacNEILL’92 June 24, 1973 – February 16, 2020
By Janet Sailian
Bilingual student, brilliant wit, actress, prankster, CSIS agent, nurturing mother: Molly MacNeill shone in many spheres through her 47 years.
Born into a family of actors (both parents and two older siblings), Molly appeared in Anne of Avonlea, the 1987 television sequel to Anne of Green Gables, as Myra Pringle, one of Anne’s naughty students.
She would go on to become an internally celebrated operative for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), embarking on clandestine missions.
Th roughout, her personality shone. At age 10, Molly read all of Noel Coward and performed scenes at home. “Molly was such fun and quite a rascal,” recalls her mother, Julie Wildman.
Aft er attending French and bilingual schools, Molly chose Branksome for Grades 9 to 13, to keep up her French, wear a uniform and not be distracted by boys. Her friend and second cousin Claire HICKS’92 became a classmate.
“She made me a better student,” says Claire. “Molly was extremely intelligent, with a crazy sense of humour and fun. Everyone loved her and wanted to be her friend.”
Molly joined the Queen’s Own Rifl es Army Cadet Corps “because there were some cute boys,” says her mother, “but soon she outranked them.” She was chosen as the fi rst female cadet to escort Ontario Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander as he inspected the cadets.
Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in Grade 11, Molly boarded at Branksome to avoid a long commute. She designated herself the protector of boarding students who were shy or bullied.
In Mrs. Watson’s English class, studying Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Molly and Claire invented their own character: Axel, Th e Rock Star. Class and teacher found their Middle English recitation as Axel hilarious.
At graduation, Molly received the Creative Writing Award. And, in the SLOGAN, she prophetically stated she was most likely to “put the ‘I’ back in CIA.”
She attended McGill for a BA and MA, then studied towards her PhD in history on the Dean’s Honour List. She was a broadcaster on a morning news radio show in Montreal when the 9/11 attacks erupted, and reported as events unfolded.
Molly met her husband Pierre (also a McGill student) in Montreal while both worked in a restaurant. Th e couple wed in 2004 and welcomed a son in 2007.
Molly’s father-in-law encouraged her to apply to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Aft er six months of interviews, scrutiny and lie-detector tests, Molly became a CSIS agent, a year before her son’s birth.
Her job involved classifi ed travel to distant countries and undercover meetings with informants. She loved the demanding, challenging work in intelligence.
Despite her unpredictable travel schedule, Molly plunged into CrossFit. She excelled and met a new cohort of friends, while shepherding her son through gymnastics, jiu-jitsu and Air Cadets.
“She was a doting, attentive mother,” says Claire. “She would do anything for her son.”
Molly died at home on February 16, 2020, from a sudden heart attack aft er a walk. Th e shock to family, colleagues and friends still reverberates.
In her honour, CSIS lowered fl ags to half-staff at Ottawa headquarters and will dedicate the Molly Nona MacNeill Training Room to commemorate a training program she developed for agents.
Some 100 CSIS agents attended her visitation on March 1, 2020; one fl ew in from Taiwan. Th ey left touching tributes in her memorial book.
Wrote her son Kai Covo: “I can truly say she was one of the brightest and best stars to ever shine, and it is a terrible thing that she is no longer with us.”
Says her mother: “Molly’s son and I agreed to honour her on Remembrance Day, because she helped protect our country not with weapons, but with intelligence.” R
Janet Sailian is a freelance communications consultant, writer and editor.
Marriages
1979
Caroline HELBRONNER to Nicholas Brearton, on May 11, 2019, in Toronto.
1986
Karen SHORT to Doug Neviera, on June 9, 2018, in Stamford, Connecticut.
2002
Jennifer MASON to Paula Rayson, on July 11, 2018, in Toronto.
2005
Cristyn EDWARDS to Jonathan Taylor-Ebanks, on March 8, 2019, in Montreal.
Leda HOFFMANN to Katherine Simon, on October 10, 2020, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Hana JAMES to Rory McConville, on January 15, 2020, in Phuket, Thailand.
2006
Kate FISH to Jonathan Westmore, on October 6, 2018, in London, U.K.
2008
Danika BINGLEY to David de Mendonca, on October 26, 2019, in Toronto.
Births
1996
Shannon LEWIS, a son, Charles James, on May 20, 2021, in Toronto.
2002
Jennifer MASON, a son, George, on December 25, 2019, in Toronto.
2003
Katy BREBNER Mulroney, a son, Grayson Brian, on February 18, 2020, in Toronto. A grandson for Mary ROBINSON Brebner’65; a nephew for Robin BREBNER Ridesic’99; a great-nephew for Martha ROBINSON Butterfi eld’59; a fi rst cousin once removed for Nathalie BUTTERFIELD’90.
Melanie LANGILL Joyce, twin daughters, Charlotte Theodora and Olivia Grace, on April 16, 2021, in Toronto. Nieces for Kate LANGILL’05, Stacey LANGILL’08 and Jennifer LANGILL’10.
Sarah MELOCHE Dougans, a daughter, Eleanor Maëlle, on December 11, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
FOR THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
Please be sure to let the alum office know when your little one arrives, and we’ll send you our remarkable baby bib in the mail.
Jackie NIXON Gowdy, a daughter, Elizabeth Amelie, on December 11, 2020, in Toronto.
Amy SISAM, a son, Robbie John, on April 13, 2020, in Toronto. A nephew for Katie SISAM’98.
Courtney STARR, a daughter, Sloane Katharine, on March 7, 2020, in Toronto. Heather WRIGHT, a daughter, Virginia Grace, on February 8, 2021, in Toronto. A niece for Jody WRIGHT’01, Emily WRIGHT’09, Aynsley DELUCE’94, Dana DELUCE’96 and Lindsey DELUCE Ball’99.
2004
Reed WANLESS Patterson, a daughter, Jamie Elizabeth, on March 11, 2021, in Toronto.
Yayoi Yoshioka, a son, Akio, on September 19, 2020, in Toronto.
2005
Cristyn EDWARDS, a daughter, Sofi a Rhys, on September 30, 2020, in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Jane NADHERNY Gill, a daughter, Elizabeth (Ellie) Frances, on April 21, 2021, in Arlington, Virginia. A granddaughter for Sarah GOODERHAM Nadherny’72; a great-niece for Margaret GOODERHAM’80; a fi rst cousin once removed for Georgina GOODERHAM’11. Zoe SHARE, a son, Benjamin Leo, on April 19, 2021, in Toronto.
2006
Emma BEQAJ Moore, a son, Robert James, on April 26, 2021, in Toronto.
Kate FISH, a daughter, Maya Yasuko, on November 15, 2020, in London, U.K.
Lauren HANSON XUEREB Austin, a daughter, Avery Grace, on July 17, 2020, in Toronto.
2010
Jennifer LANGILL, a son, Seng Langill, on March 15, 2021, in Toronto. A nephew for Melanie LANGILL Joyce’03, Kate LANGILL’05 and Stacey LANGILL’08.
Deaths
Some notices and In Memoriams have been edited from emails and published obituaries.
1936
Gretta RIDDELL Dixon, on November 13, 2016, in Toronto.
A mother and grandmother, Gretta was a retired professor of sociology at Ryerson University. She was a pioneer in gerontology, a lifelong crusader for human rights, a Girl Guides captain, and an avid skier until age 88. Gretta made this world a better place.
1937
Jocelyn McWILLIAMS Lemon, on July 15, 2017, in Winnipeg. Aunt of Susan BRACKEN’66. Jocelyn was a boarder during her years at Branksome. A great-grandmother, she was devoted to her family and her volunteer work with the Junior League and St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Winnipeg.
1939
Margaret GRAFTON Ross, on December 15, 2015, in Waterloo, Ont.
1942
Shirley MILNER Brown, on May 10, 2021, in Toronto. Mother of Carolyn BROWN’70 and Janet BROWN’74; grandmother of Hilary and Meg LEDERER’04.
Shirley was one of the fi rst occupational therapy graduates from the University of Toronto. While enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps at Camp Borden, she met her future husband, Bill. Intelligent and deeply creative, Shirley became the fi rst woman president of The York Downs Golf and Country Club. Since 2002, she had lived happily at Belmont House.
1944
Joan BRADFIELD Spence, on November 23, 2020, in Bracebridge, Ont. Motherin-law of Anne SIMMONDS Spence’76.
Joan grew up in Noranda, Que., and moved with her family to Toronto when her father became corporate secretary of Noranda Mines. Joan attended the Boston School of Fashion Design and, during the war, volunteered as a junior farmerette in the Niagara region. She and husband Lou raised their family in Toronto, where summers were split between Loon Lake in Thunder Bay and Muskoka, where they later retired.
Cynthia COOPER Cawley, on October 21, 2019, in San Francisco, California. Aunt of Deborah COOPER’76 and Ginnie COOPER Stewart’79.
After Branksome, Cynthia returned to Bermuda, her birthplace, to work at the Ministry of Tourism. She then moved
to work in San Francisco, where she met her husband, Bill. For over 50 years, they were avid opera and symphony patrons. With her infectious laugh, Cynthia always saw the sunnier side of life.
Elizabeth (Betty) JACK MacWilliam, on December 5, 2020, in Victoria, B.C.
Betty’s childhood was spent in train station towns in Ontario, where her father worked as a station master for the CPR. At three, she contracted infantile paralysis during Ontario’s 1929 polio epidemic, which impacted her left side. Betty received her B.Sc. from McGill’s Macdonald College, and worked as a dietitian in St. Andrews, N.B., where she met her husband, Herbert. For over 70 years, they lived in Victoria and raised four sons. Betty had a keen intellect and was a formidable bridge player.
Deaths
Shirley WALLACE Charman, on November 30, 2019, in Saanichton, B.C.
A wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother, Shirley had a kind and gracious personality and a fabulous smile, which endeared her to all she met. She and husband Eric hosted countless events for a variety of community causes and charities, with emphasis on young students in the musical arts.
1945
Budge ARCHIBALD Wilson, on March 19, 2021, in Halifax. See In Memoriam.
1949
Barbara DAVEY Mutchmor, on February 18, 2021, in North Bay, Ont.
Barb received her nursing diploma at Toronto General Hospital, then spent several years travelling and working in Bermuda and Europe. While working in Montreal, she met her future husband, Jim, and together they raised three children. After retirement, they settled in North Bay to be close to family. Barb loved long walks, time with family, mystery novels and a good cup of tea!
Meriam MOELLER Matz, on May 10, 2021, in Cambridge, Ont.
A Nova Scotian, Meriam thoroughly enjoyed her boarding years at Branksome from Grade 11 to 13.
1950
Mary BINNIE Bowrin, on March 20, 2020, in Kemptville, Ont.
Mary is remembered for her independent spirit, her craftiness, her infectious laughter and her voice that could be heard from one end of her beloved Norway Bay to the other. She was seldom seen without knitting needles in her hand or a weaving loom nearby. Mary was happiest sharing stories about her past and the exploits of her children, of whom she was immensely proud.
1952
Marilyn CHISHOLM Kerr, on February 19, 2020, in Montreal, Que. Sister of Jane CHISHOLM Shumaker’65.
1955
Mary BOLTON Armstrong, on February 3, 2021, in Toronto. Mother of Daphne ARMSTRONG Webster’86; grandmother of Victoria WEBSTER’17.
Mary received a dental hygiene degree from the faculty of dentistry, University of Toronto. After practising dentistry for several years, Mary left the workforce to focus on raising daughter Daphne and son Duncan. An integral member of the Junior League, Mary is remembered for numerous projects in Toronto, as well as relief eff orts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. A devoted gardener, she was especially proud of the Garden Club’s eff orts to restore heritage gardens at Casa Loma, the Toronto Brickyards restoration, and the renewal and redesign of Edwards Gardens. Mary’s volunteer accomplishments are a fi tting legacy to her giving nature and her love of family, friends and community.
1956
Jennifer CAMPBELL Bradley, on April 10, 2021, in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Jenny attended Queen’s (BA’60) and studied chaplaincy at The Vancouver Pastoral Institute and theology at Vancouver School of Theology. A loving mother, grandmother and friend, she read and wrote poetry, painted watercolours and sketched. A long-time supporter of social justice and women’s issues, she had been a congregant of West Point Grey United Church and a member of the Vancouver Women’s Monument Project.
Gail STEPHENS Clarke, on January 29, 2020, in Ottawa.
In 1959, Gail graduated from Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing and married the following year. She was active in the Christian Women’s Club, Camp IAWAH, and several other Christian organizations.
1958
Judy McCLASKEY Dinnick, on January 31, 2021, in Toronto, as a result of COVID-19. Sister-in-law of Roslyn DINNICK Raish’65 and Julia DINNICK Keeling’70; aunt of Sarah DINNICK’83 and Andrea DINNICK’85.
A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, Judy had a lifelong passion for the decorative arts and immeasurable talents for creating trompe l’oeil fi nishes, murals, painted toleware and furniture, grisaille, smocked dresses, candle shades, needlepoint canvases and miniature shadow boxes. For the past two decades, she was celebrated as one of the foremost creators of Sailors’ Valentines, winning countless awards for her intricate shell art and enjoying the wonderful community of shell artists on Sanibel Island, Florida, and around the world.
1959
Jennifer GREY Snell, on March 24, 2021, in Toronto. Sister of Penny GREY Chapman’61; great-aunt of Emma HELMAN’21 and Rowan Helman (BH’23).
Jennifer is survived by her husband, John, whom she met on the tennis courts of Rosedale Park. Jennifer’s passion for the arts started on the stage of her parents’ Earle Grey Shakespeare Festival in Toronto, and continued with her involvement with the Young People’s Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dance.
1960
Donna BULL George, on June 11, 2021, in Pickering, Ont.
With a love of speed, in the early 1960’s, Donna was among the fi rst women to race at Mosport. A committed nurse and graduate of Scarborough General Hospital, she also became one of the fi rst RNA Practice Advisors at the College of Nurses of Ontario, travelling to the far reaches of northern Ontario to make presentations. She was a creative writer, storyteller, painter, and photographer, and enjoyed theatre and art galleries.
Penny PETERSON Bell, on March 2, 2021, in Barrie, Ont.
1963
Catherine FLAVELLE Henderson, on December 27, 2020, in Toronto. Sister of Ginny FLAVELLE Millar’65 and Elizabeth FLAVELLE’69. See In Memoriam.
1964
Nancy NEELANDS Roy, on November 19, 2020, in Toronto. Sister of Margo NEELANDS Bush’67.
1972
Claire MARSHALL, on April 2, 2021, in Toronto.
Claire was kind, gentle, fun-loving and generous. Family was the centre of her life—she adored her nieces and nephews, and had an endearing way with children. Claire was a graduate of Fanshawe College and went on to work at Black’s Photography. With a passion for music, Claire was a devoted member of the Rosedale Presbyterian Church Choir. Her voice and piano lessons were an anchor in her life, with her last lesson on the afternoon of her death.
1973
Jennifer SCOTT Wilder, on November 28, 2019, in Toronto.
In 1975, Jenny graduated from Shaw College, which led to the position of executive secretary for the executive director of ACTRA. Jenny excelled at motherhood and, after the birth of her second child, chose to focus all her energies on her family. Once the children were in high school, Jennifer began helping her husband, Mike, with his business and soon became the controller in charge of all accounting and fi nances for the company. Her will to win, intellect and athleticism always shone through.
1976
Patricia (Patti) Abraham, on May 4, 2021, in Toronto. Sister of Joanne ABRAHAM Farrell’74. See In Memoriam.
1978
Elizabeth GOULD Hawley, on July 29, 2020, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., as a result of a car accident. During her life, Liz gave much of her free time to supporting women who were escaping abuse and recovering from addiction. She was a celebrated interior designer and found outlets for her creativity in everything she did. She and her husband, John, raised their family in Niagara-onthe-Lake, where Liz’s impact can be felt through her work as a co-founder of The Village neighbourhood and the cherished Farmers’ Market.
1979
Lesley ADAMSON Skelly, on January 22, 2021, in Toronto. See In Memoriam.
1989
Marilyn PRICE Broadbent, on December 30, 2019, in Lindsay, Ont. Marilyn was a friend to everyone she met, always willing to help them out and never judging anyone.
Sandbox Alum 1943–45
Gordon Walker, age 80, on March 5, 2021, in Naples, Florida. Brother of Hilary WALKER’59 and Mary WALKER’64.
Gord was proud of being a Branksome alumnus. The nursery school prepared him for his many future interests. He was successful at tennis, car racing, sailing, bridge, chess and business. A fabulous and supportive brother, husband and father, Gord is kept alive in memory as the family retells the stories of his amazing exploits.
Former Teachers
Edwina Baker, Senior School math teacher from 1957–88, on February 13, 2021, in Toronto. See In Memoriam.
Marjorie (nee Karn) Dibblee, Senior School physical education teacher and Junior School swimming teacher from 1952–55, on April 10, 2021, in Burlington, Ont.
In Memoriam
Edwina Baker
July 25, 1925 – February 13, 2021 Mathematics Teacher, Department Head, Vice-Principal (1957–88)
To mark her retirement, the 1988 SLOGAN aptly summed up Edwina’s importance to the school community as an “integral part of Branksome.” She had arrived from England over 30 years earlier, and beyond teaching, had become a department head and vice-principal.
“An outstanding teacher of mathematics, she has given generations of her students endless hours of her extra time and patient help,” continued the SLOGAN. “Her kindliness, her innate courtesy and her great diplomacy have been at the disposal of her students, colleagues, friends and family in equal abundance for years.”
Edwina was born in Croydon, U.K., educated at Croydon High School, and later, at age 14, transferred to Th e City of Bath Girl’s School at the outset of the Second World War. Th ere she became Head Girl and played for the school’s fi eld hockey and tennis teams and participated in school drama productions.
At 18, Edwina won a scholarship to study mathematics at Westfi eld College and subsequently transferred to the University of Oxford, where she joined the university’s rowing eight team, and won the Oxford Pure and Applied Mathematics Award.
Upon graduation in 1945, she was hired as a research statistician, and soon went on to co-author a book on market research, be elected a Fellow of Th e Royal Statistical Society and become a lecturer at polytechnical institutions. Teaching appealed to her, which led to her enrolment in the London University College of Education.
In 1955, Edwina emigrated to Canada where she became the fi rst woman to teach mathematics at North Toronto Collegiate. In 1957, she joined Branksome Hall.
During her career in Canada, she became president of the Toronto Mathematics Association, tirelessly assisted Ontario school boards and Nottingham University to develop new mathematics curricula, and consulted on new textbooks.
(continued on next page)
In Memoriam
(continued from previous page)
Edwina’s zest for life was always at the forefront. She knew the importance of adventures, fun and friendships. She enjoyed travelling, visiting with family, and participating in various organizations in Toronto, as well as exploring her talents in art, botany and photography.
A Former Student Remembers
I never would have passed Grade 13 math if it wasn’t for Miss Baker’s belief in my abilities and her determination to work with me as I struggled with the concepts. She was patient and kind, and when you got to know her (as I did in study hall), had a wonderful dry sense of humour. She was dedicated to the school and to the girls she taught.
Barbara PATTISON Hepburn’69, Head Girl
Th e Edwina Baker Fund for Faculty Development has been established thanks to a generous donation from Edwina’s family. Th e fund will be used to support professional development opportunities for the faculty of Branksome Hall, with priority given to learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
Budge ARCHIBALD Wilson’45
May 2, 1927 – March 19, 2021 CM (Invested 2005) ONS (2011)
Budge attended Branksome for just one year, jumping from Grade 11 in Nova Scotia to Grade 13 in Toronto. “Edith Read, who pretty well founded Branksome, was my mother’s fi rst cousin,” explained Budge to writer Susan PEARCE’67 in the Fall 2005 issue of Th e READ. Budge would go on to become a celebrated writer and a Member of the Order of Canada.
Born in Halifax, Budge attended Le Marchant Street School and Halifax Ladies College before Branksome. She went on to King’s College, Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto, acquiring a BA in philosophy and psychology, a diploma in education, and a certifi cate in physical education. A popular student, she was crowned Campus Queen in her fi nal year.
She did a little teaching and in 1952, she met Alan, a U of T graduate student whom she married in 1953 and supported in Toronto as an artist and editor while he fi nished his PhD. In 1954, they bought a place in Northwest Cove on the south shore of Nova Scotia that would later house her small studio. Th ey returned there regularly throughout their lives. In 1956, they moved to Wolfville, N.S., where their fi rst daughter, Glynis, was born.
Th eir second daughter, Andrea, was born in 1960 shortly aft er they moved to London, Ont. Budge worked periodically as a fi tness instructor, a commercial artist and as a contributor to publications including Th e Globe and Mail and Chatelaine. She also continued to draw and paint prolifi cally. In 1964, the couple moved to Peterborough, Ont., where Alan taught history at Trent University.
At 50, suff ering from vision problems that made her art and photography work diffi cult, Budge began writing for children, teens and adults in a room at Peterborough’s Mount St. Joseph Convent. “I always did like to write,” she told Th e READ. “I even liked writing exams in university, which I kept secret—it’s not a shortcut to popularity!—and I thought, okay, I’ll be a writer, and that is how I will make money. What arrogance, and even more ridiculous because I started to write at age 50.”
Her fi rst children’s fi ction, Th e Best Worst Christmas Present Ever, was published in 1984, while her fi rst book of short stories for adults, Th e Leaving, was published in 1990. Th ere followed dozens of books, and acclaim. In all, she published well over 30 titles, many of which were translated into a variety of languages and published in several countries.
Her 32nd book, Friendships, was nominated for the Governor General’s Award. Her 33rd book, Before Green Gables was a highly successful prequel to L. M. Montgomery’s fi rst Anne book. She was most proud of Aft er Swissair, a book of poetry about the 1998 disaster.
Budge and Alan returned to Nova Scotia in 1989. She was showered with many honours, including the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia, and also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She received honorary degrees from her alma mater, Dalhousie University, and Mount St. Vincent University.
“If anyone is considering changing careers in their late 40s or early 50s, I would defi nitely say do it,” she told Th e READ. “If you establish some kind of new intense interest—it doesn’t have to be a career—it will keep you energetic and interested in everything.”
Catherine FLAVELLE Henderson’63
March 6, 1944 – December 27, 2020 Head Girl (1962-63) Chair, Board of Governors (2002-03) Member, Board of Governors (2000-03)
In the 1963 SLOGAN, as Head Girl, Cathy wrote: “Th ose of us graduating have gained here the basis for a happy and useful life, and although we are deeply saddened to leave, we can look forward to a richer and fuller life because of our training at Branksome.”
Indeed, she was always proud to have a diverse education, and aft er attending Trinity College at the University of Toronto, added a diploma in early childhood education at Sheridan College, a master of education in teacher development at Brock University, and a doctorate in adult education at OISE.
While starting as a teacher, Cathy transferred into administrative positions, eventually becoming academic vice-president at Sheridan, president of Centennial College, and president of the Ontario College of Art & Design (now OCAD University).
At the time she was doing this work, very few women held comparable positions. She was instrumental in making fundamental changes wherever she worked, including overseeing the establishment of the prestigious Bell Centre at Centennial, and assisting OCAD U in its
acquisition of university status. She won several awards for her work, and was a consistent advocate of the college system in Ontario, being the fi rst college graduate to become a college president.
Cathy devoted her heart to her daughters, Kate and Heather, and her grandchildren, Maude and Desmond King, and Will and Sammy Simpson. She loved having everyone in her house at Christmas in particular.
She also loved the dogs that kept her company, antiquing with friends, going to the ballet with her friend Marion Davidson, travelling and having lunch with her sisters. She loved her home and neighbours in the Beach. Her life was well lived.
Susan BLACK Meertens’76
Patti ABRAHAM’76
July 19, 1958 – May 4, 2021
Patti was well known and loved, as she touched the hearts of everyone she met with her indomitable zest for life. Words used to describe Patti include optimistic, enthusiastic, vivacious, fun-loving, mischievous, compassionate—yet they pale in comparison to Patti in life. Th e joy and light she radiated as she entered a room, the warmth she generated with her beautiful smile, the excitement she exuded in loving life are already sorely missed.
Patti was a gift to this world. Her downto-earth and genuine nature attracted people wherever she went, and all were enriched by it. Be it an infectious laugh, a twinkle of mischief in her eye or the look of genuine kindness, Patti will be remembered for all.
Th e majority of Patti’s career was with Central Graphics, where a monthly performance recognition award was nicknamed “Th e Patti Award” as she received it so consistently.
Life at Branksome with Patti was always fun. In Grade 12, she was MacLean Clan Chieft ain. In Grade 13, lucky Grade 10s had her as their Grade Prefect and she cherished the new “younger” friends she made. Patti’s natural leadership acumen came from people wanting to follow in her footsteps. Whether leading a cheer, participating in a morning Prayers skit or just running down the hall, Patti made a diff erence. Everyone knew her laugh and her warm deep voice. Patti embraced life. As a dear friend said, “Patti was good news. Full stop. She had an appetite for living—she ate life.”
However saddened at this time, we are blessed to have loved someone so much to miss them this much. Patti, our world lost a light when you left .
Lesley ADAMSON Skelly’79 April 2, 1960 – January 22, 2021
Lesley loved and cared for her family and friends. She was always ready to jump in to help, especially with her position with Girl Guides of Canada. Her outgoing and mischievous personality managed to get her expelled from Bishop’s College School and she was then forced to attend Branksome Hall, which she quickly learned to love.
Th is zest for life carried her to many successes, from volunteer work to raising three children. She gracefully brought up Adam, Kit and Robyn alongside David, her husband. She went through the deepest of heartbreaks losing Kit in his young adult years but turned her pain into good and became a huge advocate for mental health. Lesley won several awards for her eff orts in raising mental health awareness. She inspired people all over the world in her eff orts.
Lesley was also the queen of all things Girl Guides. She was district commissioner for many years, and always a faithful leader. If there was a Girl Guide song, she knew it. She could lead hundreds of girls in song, plan and manage huge summer camps and do it with passion and a smile on her face.
Lesley’s enthusiasm for volunteering went across the world as well, from her trip to Kenya to work at a children’s home, to even just biking through communities near her vacation destinations to hand out books and supplies to the less fortunate. She constantly went out of her way to brighten people’s lives.
Remembering Lesley
In September 1975, Lesley arrived at Branksome Hall from Saint Adele, Que. I arrived from Sarnia, Ont. So we were both boarders.
Lesley’s roommate in Grade 13 in MacNeill House, Andrea, was also from Quebec. As roommates, Andrea said Lesley carefully chose the bed that was not on the same side as an adjoining wall with our housemother, Mrs. Johns. Andrea remembers Lesley had a turntable with speakers in their room. She would oft en blast, at full volume, Rod Stewart’s most recent hit and have a great dance to the music. Lesley wrote in my SLOGAN that Grade 13 had been her best year.
Lesley was intelligent and athletic. She was outgoing and had a smile that would light up a room. Lesley fl ourished at Branksome. She went on to accomplish so many incredible things.
In 2019, in recognition of her outstanding volunteer work, Lesley was a nominee for the Allison Roach Alumna Award. Branksome’s mission is to “shape a better world,” Andrea said in her Remembrance post. “Th e world is a better place because of Lesley.” She truly did follow our school motto, Keep Well the Road.
Branksome is a place where lifelong friendships are made and Lesley was our lifelong friend. We will always remember her and keep her in our heart.
Edited eulogy, given by Ann DUNCAN Birch’79, at Lesley’s virtual memorial service held on January 30, 2021.
1
2
BACK IN THE DAY
If you’re feeling nostalgic about the good old days at Branksome, you’re not alone.
Th ose were the days when in-person fun, on and off campus, was routine in shared activities during every school year. From sports teams, clan activities and spirit days to co-curricular camaraderie and formal celebrations, there was no shortage of great times at Branksome Hall.
As a reminder, we hope this selection of archival photos will provide a memorable rewind to school life across the last century. And we’ll all see each other again soon... when post-pandemic good times return.
7 8
Taken from SLOGANs from every decade: 1 School Spirit, 1991; 2 Head Girl Bryn MacPHERSON, 1981; 3 Hockey team,1921; 4 Tobogganing, 1946; 5 Prefects, 1986; 6 SLOGAN staff candid shot, 1976; 7 Lacrosse team, 1931; 8 Rowing, 2011; 9 Clan Chieftains, 1951; 10 Choir executives and Mrs. Coutts, 1961.
5 3
4
6
10 9
