GERDA JOAN KAEGI

September 26, 1932 – June 5, 2025 Gerda Joan Kaegi (née Thomas) died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, in a manner true to her character: at a time and place of her choosing. Her last days reflected how she lived her life: full of insightful conversations and adventures, marveling at artworks and the beauty of her surroundings. Strong of spirit and character, she was a woman who lived a life which was, in many ways, ahead of her time. Born in Montreal on September 26, 1932, to Gerda Isobel Thomas (née Parsons) and James ("Jim") Anthony Thomas, Gerda was the much-loved and loving sister of James Henry Holman ("Timmis"). It quickly became evident to her parents that Gerda had a very inquisitive mind and loved to be challenged intellectually. The education she received at The Study nourished Gerda's thirst for knowledge, a thirst she pursued at McGill University where she was awarded a BA degree. Her plan to study law and pursue a career in the Department of Foreign Affairs changed when she met a dashing young civil engineer from Switzerland (Hans-Peter Kaegi) at a social gathering. Within two years, they married and began their life adventure together with a move to Winnipeg where all five of their children were born. When the young family moved to Toronto, Gerda provided a loving and stimulating environment for her children. She could be found in the basement, hands covered in papier mâché, as she helped one of the brood with a school project, or outside filling balloons for water fights on hot summer days - then phoning parents to explain why their children were coming home soaked! From childhood she guided us to combine learning with action and to recognize and challenge prejudice. Her lifelong quest to be challenged intellectually and to advance social justice led her to return to university. Studying part-time as a mother of four young children, she completed an MA at the University of Toronto. Following graduation, Gerda embarked on a distinguished career as a Professor in the Department of Politics and School of Public Administration at Ryerson Polytechnique University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). Her many milestones included establishing and later Chairing the Department of Political Science; launching the first part-time degree program in Public Administration in Canada; co-founding the Program on Interdisciplinary Studies in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management; helping to found the program on Long-Term Care Management; and serving as a founding member of the Seniors Studies program and on the Advisory Committee for the Gerontology Program. Gerda and Hans-Peter loved travelling abroad and spending time at "the farm," the home they built near Erin, Ontario, where they hand-planted over 1,000 trees, developed a love of cross-country skiing, and welcomed visits by grandchildren. Idyllic family holidays visiting her mother, our beloved Granny, in Como, Quebec; travelling with a tent trailer to explore the Maritimes and the Prairies; and heading out for a drive with the aim of getting lost together are joyous memories and speak to her spirit for adventure. Ties to wider family in Quebec and Switzerland remained strong. On her "retirement" in 1998, Gerda's desire to educate, inform, and advocate on behalf of marginalized communities did not cease. She was, in her own words, an "inveterate volunteer", and soon became a leading spokesperson for a wide variety of causes linked to social justice, including income security for women; community legal aid clinics, issues affecting Seniors; living conditions in care homes; and the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ Seniors. Her expertise was sought after by policy makers and administrators at national, provincial, municipal, and First Nations levels of government and by public broadcasters. She didn't just talk the talk, she walked the walk, serving as member, Vice-Chair, and Chair of an array of organizations linked to advancing social justice. Characteristically, she devoted time during her last days to reviewing reports on care homes alongside reminiscing with friends and family. Averse to accepting personal praise, her deep commitment to education was recognized nevertheless by her receipt of multiple awards, including Outstanding Contributor (Continuing Education), Professor of the Year, Ryersonian of the Year, and a Special Award for Outstanding Services to the Faculty. In 1997, she received the Constance E. Hamilton Award in recognition of her significant contribution to securing equitable treatment for women in the City of Toronto. True to character, she kept a host of other framed accolades for her six decades of public service in a drawer. Gerda was predeceased by her sons, Christopher and Philip; and husband, Hans-Peter. She is survived by her sons, Stephen (Elise) and David (Sally); and daughter, Ann (Stephanie). She will be greatly missed by her sister-in-law and dear friend, Pat Thomas; grandchildren, James, Adam, Cameron, Hanna and Nicholas; Nick's mother, Sue Stickler; nieces and nephews, Annette, Caroline, Dorrit, Ian, Leigh, Mark, Susan, and Tim; her sister-in-law, Mariann Marti; and her many friends and former colleagues. In lieu of flowers, the family would kindly ask that you consider a donation of your choice that reflects Gerda's spirit of passionate advocacy for education and social justice for all. A celebration of life is planned for the end of August.