Rose DUBIN

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Rose Dubin on April 30, 2024, peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones. Cherished wife of the late Dr. Carl Dubin; beloved mother of Ellen Dubin (the late Jay Switzer) and Joel Dubin (Stacey Huang). Rose Dubin was known for her warmth, grace and quick wit, her love of theatre and her passionate devotion to family, friends, students and teachers. She was born in Toronto to Pearl and Joseph Waxman on October 19, 1935. Her mother and father worked in clothing factories. Her mother sewed bindings in caps and her father made coats and suits. Money was always scarce, and the family moved around a great deal. However, even in these difficult times, because they worked in the garment industry, their daughter was able to dress well. Rose was a studious child - a voracious reader for her entire life. So much so that one of her grade-school teachers would have her stand at the front of the class doing long readings - so the teacher could go out and have smoke breaks. She had her first brush with acting at 13 years of age on CKFH radio's weekly comedy series, "My Little Margie - Spotlight on Youth." When she was 16, Rose and her mother suffered a personal tragedy when Joseph died of a heart attack while offering a woman a seat on a crowded streetcar. In the early 1950s, to help her mother, Rose started working various jobs, including the Ontario Government's Superannuation Commission. In 1955, she met Carl Dubin, a newly graduated dentist and decorated WWII air force veteran. On their first date, he told her that he was going to marry her. The following year, they tied the knot. Two children followed - Ellen and Joel. Rose took great care of her family and the household. Always striving for more, Rose decided to upgrade her education in the early 1970s. First, she got her GED. Then she embarked on a scholastic journey at University of Toronto, graduating with High Distinction on the Dean's Honours List. She also earned several awards there, including the prestigious Governor General's Scholastic Medal and the Drama Award. While still taking care of her family, Rose acted in a wide variety of plays. She toured with several companies and performed with the Temple Players at Holy Blossom. There, she co- created and coordinated an acting school. This led to Rose founding another program, where she became the director of the Leah Posluns Theatre School. Her innovative work at the school was one of the things she loved most in life. For over 40 years, Rose passionately dedicated herself to training and educating thousands of students in the craft and business of acting. She mentored both students and teaching staff alike, many of whom have gone on to prominent careers in the arts, including actors, an Oscar winning producer, theatre and opera directors, broadcasters and several acting teachers and mentors. She produced over 20 young company plays, including several original forward-thinking shows that addressed important topics like bullying and racism. This added to the school's already excellent reputation. She also helmed a memorable production of "Romeo and Juliet" co- starring a young Keanu Reeves. Recently, he thanked Rose when he received stars on both the Hollywood and Canadian Walks of Fame. In 1990, Rose initiated a teaching partnership between the school and Seneca College. She went on to create their highly successful Performance Certificate Program. She was one of the founders of the Toronto Association of Acting Studios, and served on the board of the North York Council of Arts. After retiring from Seneca, Rose continued to offer private acting classes. She helped train more artists, enhancing their careers and always offering advice. When Carl was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and moved permanently to Sunnybrook Veterans Ward, Rose largely gave up teaching to stay by his side until his passing on March 1, 2017. They had barely spent a night apart during their 61 years of marriage. As quoted on her website, Rose believed that "an actor's job is to tell the character's story and to make the script come alive." Rose certainly touched the lives of many people, helping them come out of their shells and open up to the world. She helped create an invaluable social service for the community, teaching students no matter their career path to gain confidence, self-respect and self-esteem. Rose wrote: "Teaching is a privilege and a passion." She truly exemplified that philosophy throughout her life. Rose and her family give special thanks to Dr. Anne Biringer, Mt. Sinai Family Practice Unit; Dr. Lim and the ICCT Baycrest team; Dr. Carole Cohen, Sunnybrook Hospital; Dr. Jordan Elmalem, Mt. Sinai Palliative Care; and her dedicated caregivers, Ruth, Jhemma, Wilma, Imelda, Bhijay, Loida, Goldy, Karen, Vicky and May. Services will be held 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West. Interment, Temple Sinai Section of Pardes Shalom Cemetery. Shiva information on Benjamin's site. Donations can be made to the Veterans Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Foundation by phone at (416) 480-4483, web (donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute), or mail to: c/o Sunnybrook Foundation - Caroline Dack, 2075 Bayview Avenue, KGW-01 Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5. When making the donation, please note it is in honour of Rose Dubin.