News & Stories: In Memoriam

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.

Cherished LHAE alum Professor Srabani Maitra passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness. She completed her PhD in Adult Education and Community Development at OISE and was Professor in Sociology of Adult and Vocational Education at the University of Glasgow. An enthusiastic member of OISE's global alumni community, Srabani will be deeply missed.

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.

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.

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.