Elisse ZACK

I will miss you terribly Elisse. You taught me so much as my boss - words could never describe it all. May God welcome you home.

Elisse was a committed and skilled leader as well as a natural teacher. Elisse brought her passion and wisdom into all of her tasks. Her work will continue to benefit many in the years to come. I will miss Elisse very much.

Elisse was a natural at including and involving people in areas of mutual interest. She worked 100%++ and provided lots of opportunity for us to do the same, which we never regretted. We have all gained and benefited from her vision and leadership to be part of breaking new ground in HIV and Rehabilitation. Thank you Elisse for inviting me onto this journey and we will truly miss but never forget you.

Elisse was an amazing and inspirational person who touched countless individuals. I feel honoured to have known her and I will miss her very much. Heartfelt condolences to Elisse's family on your loss. (Marina, Avery, Nora and Sukh).

Elisse was a dear friend during our rather painful adolescence and while we somehow could never find each other as we grew old, I have regularly thought of her sense of fun and her warmth and kindness over the years. I feel so sad now but also so proud of her accomplishments. She gave so much of herself to so many.

Elisse was a passionate advocate. Her knowledge and sensitivity made her always a credible and generous source of information and advice. She influenced many people in Canada and globally. I will miss her.

I cherished my friendship with Elisse over the past 12 years in the HIV movement. She brought her warm and generous spirit to me every time we talked and I so enjoyed our many conversations! I loved her smile and great hugs. She was truly genuine. I will remember her with love and gratitude.

Simple words for Elisse

My friend Elisse would avoid having her name dragged out from the background. Elisse is one of the women I know intensely involved in the HIV movement, very quietly behind the scenes, working on the details, planning, giving opportunities to others. For over fifteen years, Elisse worked for the well being of those living with HIV and their dignified and just conditions at work, in the health care system, in their social lives. She was stopped by her body, even when her spirit was indefatigable.

Elisse was a warm and caring friend when those around her were in need. She was patient and selfless. I do not understand very well why we appreciate altruism in this way, and we glorify people who die young, who die at work, without stopping. It fills me with fear and sadness but also with pride and energy. It surely was her calling; she was at home working for the HIV movement. She made it home for me.

I can see Elisse smiling with sad eyes, pedalling into the evening, getting drowned in the noise of the Toronto she liked much, with her curly hair wild in the wind. Elisse thinks that there is still much to do for people living with HIV. She has modestly put in a good day's work.

She chose to live quietly and let her work be her voice. Her voice was tempered so others like me could be vociferous.

I wave goodbye to you my friend in the warm summer evening—be well, farewell Elisse.

My deepest sympathies for our loss of a beautiful person, colleague and friend. Elisse was an exceptional leader and her mentorship and warmth over the years will forever be remembered.