ELAINE VAYDA

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the stage lights dimmed and the curtains closed for Elaine Vayda. Mother of Paul (Susanne Broe-Vayda) and the late Joseph; married to Eugene for 76 years; she is survived by grandchildren, Marc, Jessica and Erik Broe-Vayda (Jessica Flynn); and great-grandchildren, Rupert, Lorelai and Felix Broe-Vayda. Elaine was born on May 14, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio to parents, Miriam (nee Schwartz) and Philip Jacobs. She was a passionate humanist and advocate for equality. While raising a young family, she educated herself, engaged in political activism, marching and speaking out for civil rights and against the Vietnam war, and ultimately, secured entry into the male-dominated world of the academy. She worked as a speech therapist and completed her Masters of Social Work at Case Western Reserve University in the 1960s. She then practiced as an adolescent counsellor and moved to Canada in 1970, mid-career. Recognizing her practical as well as scholarly talents, she was hired in 1973 as a professor of social work at McMaster University, later teaching at York University. Finally, at York she was honoured with the title of Professor Emeritus, lecturing part-time well beyond her retirement. During her tenure at York, she co-authored two influential books: Law for Social Workers, and The Practice of Field Instruction on Social Work, both of which continue to be widely used in social work programs in Canada and internationally. With Eugene and family, she was an avid theatre goer and enthusiast. Elaine directed and starred in several plays – largely for Act 2 Studios in Toronto. Warm, engaging, kind, and energetic, she will be greatly missed by her friends, family, and recently the wonderful caregivers at Amica Retirement Home in Dundas. There will be a graveside service at the Temple Anshe Sholom Cemetery at 427 Limeridge Rd. E. Hamilton on Wednesday, March 25th at 11a.m., and afterwards, a gathering of friends and family at Brewer's Blackbird, 375 Wilson St. E. in Ancaster at 1p.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the American or Canadian Civil Liberties Association.