Nancy GOTTSCHALK

NANCY GOTTSCHALK
1935 – 2013
It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Nancy Gottschalk announce her passing on September 25th, 2013. Nancy was born in Binghamton, New York where she spent her early years. She completed her nursing degree and worked in the field until her passion for singing led her in another direction. Married to Barry Cooke, the couple moved to San Francisco and then onto Toronto where she continued her musical studies by enrolling in the University of Toronto's Opera School. Nancy's considerable talents were recognized and she performed a number of roles with the school and the Canadian Opera Company. Following graduation, Nancy headed to Europe to sing in Geneva, and then with Opera for All and the Scottish Opera. After her return to Canada, she worked in the School of Graduate Studies, Department of History, University of Toronto where she met her late partner, the historian, Archibald P. Thornton. The couple lived together for many years in the Broadview area of Toronto until Archie's death in 2004. Nancy had a life-long love for animals. She owned numerous dogs over the years, many of whom were rescue dogs. As well, she housed several pair of house finches with which she frequently sang duets. She was a strong advocate for animal welfare and social justice issues and generously supported many organizations promoting these causes. Her many other interests included French cooking, calligraphy, Charles Dickens and the arts. Nancy was very proud of her Canadian citizenship and in her latter years, she was a keen observer of the political scene. Nancy endeared herself to her neighbours with her kindness, her generosity to the young people in the neighbourhood, her deep and hearty laugh and her 'old world' charm and sensibility. She leaves a brother, David and several nieces and nephews in the United States, as well as many dear friends and wonderful neighbours who together displayed their love and caring for Nancy during these last months. She will be well remembered and much missed. If you would like to leave comments, share memories or photos you may do so at www.aftercare.org.