News & Stories: In Memoriam

The revered alum, and former dean in medical sciences at the University of the West Indies, earned her OISE doctorate degree in educational psychology. Her career spanned over four decades as an author, teacher, researcher and policymaker. Please join us in remembering Dr. Brathwaite's enduring impact.

Nina, a Master of Teaching student at OISE who was passionate about athletics, was a star from the very beginning. From kindergarten onward, she distinguished herself as a gifted and determined student, excelling in spelling bees, poetry contests, art competitions, and sports.

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.

OISE and the People for Education charity co-hosted a fundraiser, which also celebrated the charity's outgoing executive director, Annie Kidder.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.