Dalal Chuaqui

mi queridisima hermana Laly, como le soliamos decirsus hermanas menores, fue una mujer maravillosa, e imposible de olvidar. Artista cien por ciento, humide en demasia, amante de los animales, divertiida, generosa.... Genial

Personaly I never met Dalal but knew of her paintings, which I have seen around the city, also originating from the same country "Chile", I was fascinated by her story and her paintings. I would have liked to have met her as she sounds like a wonderful person (almost like my grandmother). My condolences go out to her family.

I was saddened to hear of Dalal's passing. We were to visit on Tuesday. By Saturday I was on my way to Cambodia where I am writing to offer my sincere condolences to Dalal's loved ones.

I have had the time to reflect on Dalal and my relationship as neighbours on Booth Street, sharing many happy hours together. There was a 3 day Buddist ceremony next door which gave me time to reflect on all the things Dalal and I shared!

I would like to share them at this time.

- tea with lemon, patio life, minding Mona Lisa, Picasso, & Paloma when needed and offering support when their lifetimes were to end, with dignity and at home, art!!!!, rock gardens, sleeping, eating outside, gifts I gave Dalal were often,painted, empanadas...hmmmm good!,fried egg paintings!, Chilean wine, passing furniture back and forth, exchanging plants, homemade scarfs and hats, moving furniture around the apt just one more time! Chilean onion recipe I could never get the hang of, helping prep for another vernisage, pineapple dress: homemade by teaching herself to sew, how proud but a good laugh as we noticed 2 strategically placed pineapples over her breasts.
- learning to sew with no patterns,
- documenting the Somerset Area like no other before, curtains on patio, I still have a plant stand from one of our sharing our old treasures, thanks to Dalal who introduced me to those nice little cookies and we would say, ""well just one more!""- invitations after Marguerites service a beer to celebrate a life!

Indeed, Dalal's life to celebrate!

Though I knew Dalal briefly, she truly touched my heart and I will always remember her.

I met Dalal at our home support job. Dalal was so small but her heart was so big and she always had a wonderful smile for everyone. I remember going to her home and she showed me all her beautiful paintings, some of the people she worked for and also the area she lived in. I've been thinking of her lately - sadly I was too late to contact her. I will miss her kind heart and talent.

Although Dalal was tiny in stature, she carried with her an enormous sprit and a smile that would light up the streets of Chinatown! Her work will forever capture the essence of our community and we are all so proud to have known her.

The world is a little less brighter without her, I will truly miss her.

Dalal was a deeply talented artist and a wonderful friend. I and my community were very lucky to have her in our lives. I will never look out at a snowstorm, into a glass of wine or a cup of tea, watch a suspense movie, or pat one of my cats, without thinking fondly of her. She was enomously kind, generous, funny, loyal, supportive, interested and engaged in life. Many thanks Dalal; you enriched my life.

Everyone who met her loved her and Dalal was someone about whom I can honestly say "my life is richer for having known her". Her work depicting life in her own neighbourhood near Lebreton Flats is, as a collection, a lively and loving chronicle of a dynamic urban community.

Dalal was a great friend to our family especially to my mother Elena. I keep one of her paintings by my desk and will never forget her.

Dalal is unforgettable.
A life lived with authenticity, integrity and kindness.
An accomplished artist who captured the essence of the world around her.
A friend of great sensitivity and compassion.
You are missed already.

Gracias Dalal for a long and fruitful friendship, full of doing art and supporting artist friends, laughter, famous cats, long conversations over delicious meals about drawing, life, philosphy, family, books, anything. You made a big difference to my life. Love, Karen