Maureen Vinge

VINGE, Maureen 1946-2008 Maureen Vinge was a passionate educator, a loving mother and wife, and a tremendously compassionate human being. In a career spanning 40 years, she devoted herself to effecting change in the world of education, ensuring that generations of children would be fostered in caring, challenging, inquiry-based learning environments. On August 15, 2008, advanced cancer defeated an indefatigable and resilient woman. Maureen enjoyed success as a teacher, principal, consultant and teacher trainer in over a dozen countries on five continents. In Edmonton, she taught at the U of A and Grandview Heights prior to becoming a leading administrator at Riverdale, Glenora and Strathcona schools. From 1999 to 2004 she served as Head of Lower School at the Charlotte Country Day School in North Carolina, where her presence is still felt today. Maureen was a leader in the development and expansion of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program around the world. As a workshop leader and master teacher she always modeled best educational practices. Friends and colleagues remember her generosity of spirit, her modesty, her confidence, her ability to speak clearly with honesty and courage, her vision, her energy and her passion for all things that make life beautiful. Her husband Don and son Peder benefited immensely from her vibrant and creative spirit. She was an accomplished artist, a thoughtful writer, a gourmet cook and an avid gardener - a true connoisseur of beauty and goodness. Maureen was also deeply concerned with social advocacy. She was a champion of the underprivileged. She committed herself to the relief work of her church - both locally and globally - believing that each person can make a difference in the lives of others. Indeed, this credo echoed throughout all aspects of her life. As part of a family visit to South East Asia in March 2008, Maureen visited a school in rural Cambodia that touched her heart. Koh Kandal School, built by the Lutheran World Federation, provides the only opportunity for primary education to children in this impoverished area. To honour Maureen's life and work, the Vinge family has established the Koh Kandal School Project to expand the opportunities for the young students at this school. For more information or to make a donation in her memory, please visit www.mvinge.com . A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, 30 August at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9009 - 163 Street, Edmonton.