Evelyn Margaret WADDELL

EVELYN MARGARET WADDELL 'Lyn' (Cook) Evelyn "Lyn" (Cook) Waddell passed away at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa on Saturday, July 14, 2018, three months after her 100th birthday. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Robb, and daughter, Deborah; her son, Christopher (Anne), their children, Matthew (Maria) and Kerry, her relatives and friends will miss her greatly. She will also be missed by all she touched both personally and through her life as a writer and storyteller. A pioneering Canadian children's author from the 1950s to 2004, Lyn wrote 23 books for children of all ages but will be best remembered for her historical novels for those ages 10-14. As she described it, 'I was fascinated with times past - what motivated people' and hoped that through her writing 'I helped someone who was discouraged about life.' Born in Islington, ON on May 4, 1918, she graduated from the University of Toronto before serving as a meteorologist in the RCAF based at Centralia and Trenton during World War Two. She moved to Sudbury as a children's librarian after the war, completing her first children's novel. She returned to Toronto, hosting a story hour on CBC radio as well as becoming involved with the New Play Society and Dora Mavor Moore. Her writing career blossomed with each new book. The plots are historically accurate and the characters are children interacting within the community of the time. In later years she broadened her writing to include picture story books for pre-school readers. Her books remain in wide circulation and the Toronto Public Library graciously retains her papers as part of the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books. We thank the staff at the Perley for their wonderful care during her time there. There will be no funeral. Donations in memory may be made to your local public library or the Writers Trust of Canada, 600 - 460 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1Y1. We continue to be inspired by her legacy.