Heather Jean MCCALLUM

HEATHER JEAN McCALLUM April 11, 1927 - October 9, 2022 Heather McCallum, loving sister, aunt and great-aunt, passed away peacefully in her 95th year. Heather was born in Toronto, the elder daughter of Alice (née Dellow) and William McCallum. Heather is survived by her sister, Peggy Rooks, and her nephew and nieces, Doug, Sue and Ally (Shane Henderson). She loved watching the development of Sue's children, Nicholas, Eleni and Madeleine Speal, Ally and Shane's children, Katie and Brooke, and her dear friends Corinne and Desmond Scott's children, Amanta and Dominic. Heather was known throughout her life for her incredibly generous spirit. She introduced the children to the arts, helped them start their library collections, and was a strong supporter of their summer camp experiences and musical education. Heather graduated from the University of Toronto's Victoria College in 1949, and the School of Library Science in 1957. She had a lifelong love of art and the theatre, and was Head of the Theatre Dept at the Toronto Reference Library, where she worked from 1961-1987. She was an archivist and collector, keeping records of Canadian theatre, and the editor of many publications. Her 'Directory of Canadian Theatre Archives' is considered definitive. She made strong friendships with colleagues around the world during the many international conferences she attended. An annual scholarship was established in her honour by the Canadian Association for Theatre Research. Heather was a founding member of the Charles Hastings Housing Co-operative, and was active on the board. She was a generous donor to Victoria College, and served on her class executive for many years. She was a Foster Parent for 60 years with her university friends, supporting more than 30 children around the world. Heather lived at Sunrise of Burlington in her later years, where she was very well cared for by Grace, Hershey, Suzie, Tenzin, Jason and many other wonderful staff. We are extremely grateful for their loving and attentive care. A private family ceremony will be held at a future date. In remembrance, donations may be made to the Stratford Festival or the Toronto Reference Library. The family may be contacted at suerooks@gmail.com.