Ethel STARK

I will always remember this talented and remarkable woman , my cousin Ethel. May her memory live on forever. She changed so many lives for the better.

I was sad to hear that one of the most important conductors in Canada had passed away. She was a pioneer for Canada and for women in the field of conducting. The CBC aired a radio program on her contributions earlier this year, entitled "It wasn't teatime: Ethel Stark and the Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra" and rightly so. She deserves to be remembered for her work in music, and her efforts to bring recognition to Canadian artists.
I am writing a book on Ethel Stark and if anyone would like to contact me to share stories, memories or other information about Ethel, please do. In her lifetime she did not always get the recognition she deserved, nor the opportunities she was capable of, but her contributions to our country must not be forgotten.
Dear Ethel, God bless you, and may you rest in peace.

22 May 2012

I am sad to learn of Miss Stark's death. I was her press secretary during the late 1970s, when she became a Member of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts and Sciences, receiving an honorary doctorate from Concordis University of Montreal and a reception by the City of Cote St. Luc. Business necessitated my relocation to Saskatoon, and we gradually lost contact. There was some speculation about Miss Stark's age, one source listing her date of birth as 1910 and another as 1916. Her vital statistics were insignificant to me, in comparison with Miss Stark's many unique accomplishments, which were a timeless credit to her country, her gender, and the finest traditions of her people. Rest in peace, dear Ethel. I felt honored to be of service to you in those wonderful years; and so did John.

Dear Ethel, we lost touch for a few months when I was alone with the boys and Boris was in Toronto, but I never stopped thinking about you! These were the months when you left us. I came to your appartment even on the eve of Pesach to bring you matzah and grape juice but no one answered. Then I began to worry, until I decided to check online. This is where I found out that you were no longer with us!!!! So many regrets about not staying in touch, so sorry to have missed even your funeral! Thank you for your invaluable support to Boris, for the interest in the boys and their music education, for your unbending optimism and vitality! We will always remember your wisdom and poise! Queen Ethel, I shall hope we'll meet again one day...

Dear Aunt Ethel,
With love and pride to a talented and special aunt - you will be missed! We will treasure your memory and the times we spent together.
May peace be with you.
Love,
The Morhaim Family

I was sad to learn of the passing of this remarkable and talented woman, my cousin Ethel. We lost touch after I left Montreal, but I will always remember her and her sister Doretta, who taught me how to play the piano. May she rest in peace.

Cousin Ethel,

I truly enjoyed being with you and listening to many wonderful stories about your experiences.My mother Clara always talked so highly of you as a person and a contributing person to music.I will always remember our last meal together...when you made me a sardine sandwitch.

In fondess memory and love,
Steve Shector and Clara Horn Shector

Good bye Aunt Ethel. It's an end of an era! Go in peace!
Love,
Lori