Mimi Cazort

Mimi was like a fairy godmother to me. I knew her through Anna and her other "daughter" Shelley. She put me up in her home when I did not have a place to stay, upon returning to Carleton from Alberta one September in 1974. And she always encouraged me in my efforts to be a journalist.

What I did not know was the woman I knew as Mimi Taylor, was responsible for "Mr. Jackson's Mushrooms," the story of Harry Jackson and his art. Harry and his wife sold their home of 40 years, 35...

Firstly I am very pleased this is still open.

Just today on CBC radio archives I heard Mimi beginning interviewed by Karen Wells on Arts National in 1979 (Dec 3) about an exhibition she had done at the National Gallery of Canada on Palmer Cox and the Brownies from their collection. That month I had received her press release about that show at the Dunlop Art Gallery in Regina SK.

I thought I had known quite a bit about the comics arts and had exhibited some. But...

I just returned to this page, prompted by memories of my mom, perhaps by the approach of mothers' day. I can't tell you how good it is to see all these comments. Thank you everybody. She is so missed. But I can say her spirit is alive and well in her grandkids. I see it every day. Love to all, Alan.

I am so pleased this Guest Book has remained open.... One Googles people from the past remain memorable long after paths diverge.

I knew Mimi from working in the Curatorial Dept of the National Gallery and kept in touch after leaving Canada. On a visit back I had dinner with her and at some point she invited me to come to one of her women's feminist meetings (We are talking 1970's here). I was honest about not being into all that....

"Trouble with you, Valerie, is you are...

It's kind of late to add a message, but my wife Ann and I just learned of Mimi's death. We and Mimi and Alan and Anna survived the great flood of the Arno in 1966. Mimi and I were working on dissertations and the others were our support team. We stayed with Mimi, Anna, and Alan until we could find an apartment, and then Ann and i retreated there when we had to leave our apartment after the flood. From Mimi we learned how family life could be fun, spontaneous, and always an adventure. Our...

I met you, Mimi, when I was a student at the University of Michigan circa 1959-60. I baby sat for Anna and Alan, and spent a day and night at your house on the corner of Ashley and Kingsley. The last time I saw you, you came to my employment to say goodbye as you and the children were on you way to Italy...when was that, 1967 or '68? Many things are said about people upon their passing...in the case of you, Mimi, everything that has been said or written is absolutely true...and more so. ...

Dear Anna and Alan: Mimi was a wonderful person, a treat to know. We discussed everything from Vesalius to Eric Hobsbawm to Pecan Pie. (She made a great pecan pie.) She used to come to us for dinner on the 4th of July: after dinner, we'd light sparklers and sing songs--three Americans in Canada. She was vivid, generous and she had a great sense of humor. She was also brave. The way she faced Bob's illness and death was a true inspiration.
We have missed her since she left Ottawa. ...

I am saddened to hear of Mimi Cazort's passing. To a young new employee at the National Gallery Bookstore in the 1980's, she was one of the kindest, open minded senior employees of the Gallery. Never a snob, Mimi was always pleasant and friendly with those of us who worked in the Gallery's “trades”. I will always remember that majestic, elegant stride of hers as she walked by. It was an honour knowing her. All my best wishes to her family at this difficult time.

One of the most satisfying projects of my life was cooperating with Mimi on the exhibit "Bella Pittura, The Art of the Gandolfi". We opened the "Italian Week in Ottawa" in conjunction with the exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada. A lady of wit and class. I cherish the words written to me on the title page of her book "Mauro in America","In omaggio per un caro amico".