Anne Catherine CASSIDY

Our mom was a radiant, thoughtful, creative, generous, and brilliant human being. She brought an exemplary love to those who were lucky to be loved by her. She led with genuine kindness, attentiveness, and an indefatigable joy. She was a whole universe, filled with constellations of curiosity. A lifelong learner, an insatiable reader and lover of books, she was a writer, a poet, a creative mind, a maker of things, and she always appreciated the heart of a handmade item. Our mom was a great listener, a critical thinker, had an edgy wit and to the thrill of her grandchildren, could do a headstand into her seventies. She was a happy and hopeful person who lived with intention. She was deeply aware that we are all connected, she was in tune with her own humanity and the humanity of others. She was a fast walker, a proud all-seasons cyclist and an astute observer. She appreciated many things, but Ontario apples, popcorn and a good coffee rated high while reading, writing, walking, and connecting with her dearest people were her daily nourishments. A true city enthusiast and a stylish, proud Montrealer, she appreciated the arts, particularly independent theatre, and treasured her local library. She always shared how much she believed that words are important… eunoia was a favourite. She felt inspired by nature and the night sky, she was most content swimming in oceans and lakes, and was grateful to share her interests with her kids and grandkids. She was proud to make Toronto's most dynamic neighbourhood her home from which she continuously travelled the world from and returned to. Many in our Mom's community knew her as Anne Cassidy, a teacher at the Institute of Child Study (ICS), and a teacher training contributor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, where she worked for 25 years. She loved her work and became a legendary and inspiring educator with her unwavering dedication to nurturing minds and fostering a love for learning with everyone she worked with. Anne retired from U of T early to work her swan song as faculty at The Gambia College, where she worked in teacher training in West Africa, in the beautiful country of The Gambia. She was so grateful for her five years there and the welcoming community of Brikama where she lived and worked. Our mom decided to return to Toronto to be close to her growing group of grandchildren, and began working as an in-demand tutor, and working as a volunteer facilitating groups of students and teachers in inner city Toronto schools working to build empathy. Anne Catherine Cassidy was born on August 19, 1946, in Montreal to wonderful parents, who poured love into her and supported her in all of her unique life's endeavours. Anne, adoring daughter of Kay and Eric Wiele; dedicated sister of Bob, Cathy, and Rick; wife to her true love, late husband, Bill; a love supreme Mom to her kids, Katie, Michael, and Tom; caring aunty to nieces and nephews; and the grandest Nana to her twelve beloved grandkids who she poured her utmost love and attention into. Anne had sincere and meaningful friendships that she nurtured with love and appreciation. Our mom was a pillar of kindness and empathy. Her gentle guidance and support extended far beyond the conventional, and as her kids we marveled at how she was so uniquely herself while she celebrated all the unique selves she knew and who knew her. Anne was courageous, and when faced with challenging events in her life she was reliably thoughtful, reflective and ready to try to 'figure it out.' Our Mom told us she lived an amazing life. We wanted more time with her, and it pains us that she was struck down by an insidious disease. Her luminous energy and approach to life would have had her travelling, celebrating daily moments with her beloveds, biking around the city, reading piles of books, filling notebooks, and plotting the what now… for years to come. We are so achingly sad that her amazing life has ended. She was the heart of our family, and she was truly the best of us. We love her and miss her so deeply. In honour of Anne, contributions to www.pathwaystoeducation.ca are appreciated.