Elspeth McCONNELL

MCCONNELL, Elspeth A Timorous Titan Elspeth McConnell (née Bagg), 1931-2017, was an important Montrealer who tried to remain private and insignificant all her life. She grew up in Depression-era N.D.G., the only child of teachers, and worked as a journalist for the newspapers of the now defunct Montreal Star group. Her life was changed upon marrying the boss, John Griffith McConnell, a son of perhaps Canada's then-wealthiest business leader and foremost philanthropist, whose family and foundation continue today. Because of her husband's illnesses, their marriage endured difficulties until his death in 1974. During that time, both began to collect art; he acquired paintings of 20th-century artists and she amassed works of the Indigenous peoples of Canada's Northwest Coast. Consulting with artists directly as well as a former curator of the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British-Columbia (MOA), she built a collection that revealed her discerning eye as well as her commitment to First Nations art and artists. The works she collected are of extraordinary quality; many of the historical pieces had left Canada a hundred years ago or more, and through her generosity have now been brought back to inspire new generations of artists and scholars. When, in 2011, declining health forced a move from her residence to assisted living, she established the Doggone Foundation to further her work with Northwest Coast art and to loosely parallel the philanthropic work in medical care, research and education begun by her father-in-law, J.W. McConnell. In June 2017, on Aboriginal Day, Elspeth enjoyed the opening of the Elspeth McConnell Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks, a $4-million renovated space at the MOA, funded by her to house her $7-million collection and other works already there. Over the years, she had also been a major supporter of component entities of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), as well as other hospitals in Montreal. Her cumulative contributions to the MUHC and its Best Care for Life Campaign total more than $14 million, and are surpassed only by those from the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation itself. Always retiring and reclusive, Elspeth nevertheless had a sharp mind and clear opinions on what she considered important. She saw that good works can pay forward and multiply. In the early 1970s, she had wanted to become involved in activities outside the home as the Women's Movement was evolving and, through the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal, set up and activated the "Meals on Wheels" program which exists today. Also, her husband John's purchases of art were excellent choices; the proceeds will enable Elspeth's Foundation to carry on good works for years to come. Canada has lost a timorous titan.