Nerene Virgin

I watched Today's Special syndicated through PBS in south Florida back in the early 90s when I was under the age of ten. I really loved this show. I just want to say thank to Ms. Virgin for teaching kids. I know she really loved her work.

Well, I have been waiting to post something about this totally amazing woman. Trying to get my thoughts in order, but here goes. I met Mrs. Virgin in 1978. She was my grade seven teacher, at Winona Public School and I am so thankful that she was!!!! She taught us that we could do anything that we dreamed possible. I remember, one day she took us outside under the tree for music class. That was the day we learned Day- O by Harry Belefonte. She worked hard with us at Christmas, getting the junior and senior choirs just right for the Christmas concert. Another thing I remember well is that she had the most beautiful penmanship. I still have my autobiography assignment somewhere with her comments written in it. I didn't get to spend my eighth grade in Winona Public School, so I did not see her in person after that year, but I certainly did see her on the screen!!! What a talented actress!!!! Her many roles in different tv shows prove how versatile her acting was. When I watched Today's Special I could see her creative talents well beyond her acting in it. Next I would like to mention her husband, Mr. Alan Smith who just happened to be my grade six teacher at Glover Road Public School, who became Mrs. Virgin's husband. I was not aware of this until about eight years ago. Mr. Smith was a very memorable teacher. He made going to school fun. It was great that he was the gym teacher, because everyday at three o'clock, if we had our days work complete; we got to go outside and play for thirty minutes until we were dismissed for the day. We as a class made a physical representation of the Niagara escarpment in our classroom. I must also make mention of the trips we went on: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ford Plant, the Planetarium, the plane ride and the three day camping trip. My memories of Mr. Smith are similar to those I have of Mrs. Virgin. Both teachers made a tremendous impact on me and on my life. Thank you to Mrs. Virgin's family and Mr. Smith's family for sharing these two beautiful people with me. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Virgin's family on the loss of this extremely talented and beautiful lady.

My brother and I never missed an episode of Today's Special. I loved the Jodie character and it's sad to hear Nerene is gone. A very beautiful and nice woman who was part of our learning about things.

I grew up watching Today's Special and The Polka Dot Door. She was so creative and had a beautiful smile. Today, I was watching a re-run of The Littlest Hobo, where Nerene played a lawyer and coached a boys basketball team. I was wondering what happened to the cast and I am saddened to hear of Nerene's passing earlier this year. Our deepest condolences to your family. R.I.P. Nerene .. you will be dearly missed.

We had so much fun on the set for 7 years. I cant believe she´s gone.

My kids and I watched Today's Special,loved it. Sorry for the loss of Jodi My kids have it taped on VHS for memories of the show.
Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis Lima Ohio USA

Thank you, Nerene, for your lifetime of work and service. You hold a special place in the hearts and memories of millions of kids who watched Today's Special. You will always be our Jodie.

Thank you, Norene. I grew up with alcoholic parents and you were my solace as a child in the 80s on TV. Thank you for your activism and being someone we can all aspire to be as human beings.

She was a wonderful childhood memory from watching Today Special. She was such a wonderful entertainer and made many children´s morning magical. God Bless her soul.

I spent a lot of time at the house hanging out with Thomas every weekend. It was my second home pretty much prior to and all through high school. I will never forget when I was 15 and knocked on the door. You answered and told me "No more knocking" and to just walk in just as Thomas would. You invited me to Media day at Canada's Wonderland with your entire family every year :) Every kid at Mount Albion knew about and was a fan of Todays Special. You would feed me every time I was at the house, took a interest in my life as I was growing up and always wanted to be kept up to date with me and my family. My father always enjoyed stopping by the house, especially when him and Al would get to talking about sports :) I am grateful to have known such a kind soul. On behalf of the Book family our deepest condolences.

i vividly remember today's special and polka dot door pure canadian childhood nostalgia. surprised to learn she was from hamilton i have an aunt and uncle that live almost half an hour away in grimsby. may the memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.

I was a gawky, 15-year-old teenager, when my dad drove me to East York, where Nerene lived, to pick her up and then go back to Etobicoke, where I lived and where the party was, for our only date (sigh). Ten years later, I stepped onto the set of POLICE SURGEON for my first-ever tv acting gig. Who was there to greet me warmly, and make me feel at home? Nerene, of course! She had already been on the show, as the dispatcher, for a year. And then we met again in the early 80s doing POLKA DOT DOOR, before she went on achieve renown for her wonderful performances on TODAY´S SPECIAL. What Nerene accomplished in her lifetime was nothing short of extraordinary, and I am privileged to have shared a small portion of it.

iam a diehard fan of todays special
from becca a fan of her
rest in pesce

Heartfelt condolences to the Virgin family. Sincerely sorry for your loss. May God dry your tears and heal your hearts as you endure this very difficult time.

Our condolences to Al and family. Nerene is a Canadian icon whose accomplishments are appreciated by so many. She is a special part of the fabric that Canada. We’re so very sorry for your loss.
Ron and Donna Robinson

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May God soothe and strengthen you .

NV: She will be long missed as Mrs. Larson for 1988 Ramona and The Jodie's character will be long missed as Today's Special legacy will live forever!

I remember watching her on today special I was 10 yrs old may she forever r.i.p

She was an amazing influence in my childhood and I loved her character as Jodie in Today´s Special. She had a very positive influence in my life and I have always had a lot of respect for her. She was an outstanding role model and had a multitude and magnitude of talent and positive energy. She was always very kind hearted and supportive and encouraging. She also helped to define my childhood.

The last time I saw her, she had this interesting discussion with Anthony Sherwood (Street Legal) in Ottawa last June about diversity in Canadian media...
https://youtu.be/IDx7Ycvf2tk?si=ly7uLI5Om4cymOYp

As an American, I was not familiar with Ms. Virgin, but I see she was much loved in her native Canada. I am sorry to hear of her passing, and I hope she is at peace.

Wow.....my fondest teacher memories are all comprised of snippets of my grade eight teacher...... Mrs Virgin had an incredible impact on my grade 8 year at Steele St. She was stern, caring and most of all relatable. She could always reason with us Students in a way we fully understood. Noreen you are a very special Lady....God's speed!!! And Thank You!!!!

I was just now looking at childhood shows on YouTube and as I watched "Today´s Special" I wondered what happened to Nerene who played Jodi.

I remember enjoying this show so much as a child and when I saw she just recently passed, it saddened me. She was such a bright star that brought so much joy to my childhood and I´m so grateful to have those memories. My thoughts are with her family.

Mr. Smith was my most memorable elementary teacher at Mount Albion Public School in Stoney Creek. I was lucky enough to also be taught French by Mrs. Virgin. I remember her warmth and her beautiful smile. My deepest condolences to Mr. Smith and their family.
- Nicole & Victoria Gibbings, and families

Our sincere condolences Mr. Smith, from all of the McIntyre's. Mrs Virgin and Mr Smith were our absolute most favorite teachers at Glover Road Public and beyond, and we will never forget you. Both of you made us into great basketball players, great singers and storytellers, excellent artists, and above all, caring people. I could never put into words just what it was like to be around you and Mrs Virgin, but pure goodness would come close. We, as well, are just so thankful for having met both of you. We are very sorry for your loss.
From my mom, Barbara and my siblings, Mark, Michael and Sharron.
David McIntyre

Dear Nicole and family - I am so saddened by this news. You've written a lovely tribute that captures Nerene so perfectly. She was such a special person for so many people. Our "office kitchen conversations" spanned everything - from our next knitting projects to politics. She was a strong yet soft spoken with strong commanding presence. When Nerene talked, people listened because she was a truth teller who was thoughtful with her words. May you be comforted in your time of grief by your happy memories of time together and knowing how many lives she touched, and made better.

Singing along with Nerene on Todays Special, Beautiful Lady, wonderful show, can never be replaced! xoxo, Jodie, Sam and Muffy

She taught me grade 8 at Steele St. School in Barrie. I just remember it being a great deal of fun and she always smiled.

Mr Smith was my elementary school teacher and wonderful person overall. Meeting ‘Jodi’ back in the day is still remembered and one of my favourite memories from when I was younger. May Nerene rest in peace, condolences to the entire family ❤

From Todays Special...she was a huge part of my childhood. Made everything innocent and made being a child understandable. She always had a beautiful smile and made me super happy. I´m so very sorry for her family´s loss. She was an amazing woman

My memory of Nwewne is I made her cry tears of happiness when I gave her the US Civil War medal that her Grandfather should have received, at the dedication of Nelson Steven's tombstone in the Hamilton Cemetery. Robin McKee

i'm so sorry to hear of her passing. i grew up watching her on today's special and loved that tv show as a kid!

I loved watching her on todays special, her husband Mr. Smith was my elementary school teacher and was one of my favourite teachers I had especially because Nerene was his wife and I got yo meet her!! May she rest in peace

Nerene's personality and love of teaching and her talent in the arts made a delightful T.V.programme that captured young children's attention, "Today's Special"...I met Nerene when we worked for the Wentworth County Board of Education...Primary teachers were motivated by the children's interest and attention to the themes presented by the T.V.O.programme, "Today's Special"!...Teacher's used those themes to build and make materials that supported each topic presented...Children were involved actively in their
classroom learning.

Nerene you were an outstanding primary teacher and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to have worked with you...Grace Smith

Very sad to hear of Nerene's passing. I grew up watching Today's Special and she was a huge part of my childhood. RIP Jodie, you will be missed!

Dear Al, Thomas, Nicole and Evette

Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of Nerene. My sister, Susan and I have fond memories of laughing and talking with Nerene and your family at Lake Mazinaw. Our father always had a soft spot in his heart for his former student. Kimberly Woodhouse ( nee Shipton) and Susan Shipton

My thanks to Narene for all of her work. Her children's programming was hugely influential in my childhood and I will never forget her. My first cat was named Muffy and I wanted to be just like Jodie.

While enjoying breakfast this morning with my daughter and new son in law, I was shocked to read that Nerene had passed away. I think my heart actually skipped a beat.
I had the pleasure of meeting Nerene back in 1990. We both worked at CFTO, Nerene hosted Eye on Toronto. I was in awe of her. Her powerful yet gentle presence was the envy of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Not to mention her infectious smile. I believe it is Nerene´ smile that will stay with me the most. Her smile was a true reflection of love. Rest Peacefully Nerene, you will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to the family....

So sad to hear of Nerene's passing. Like so many others, I loved sharing Today´s Special with my children.

Sue Somers

Today's Special was a huge part of my childhood. Thanks for the memories and joy you brought me and the rest of the world.

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Nerene. I had the privilege of working with her on the Council of Early Childhood Educators where she served as an outstanding public member. She contributed so much to the council and was an excellent mentor and friend. She was a beautiful person, and my sincere condolences go out to her family. I grew up watching her on 'Today's Special', where she played the character of 'Jodie'

I was a kindergarten teacher and a mom of 3. Today's Special was truly SPECIAL and a not to be missed part of our day. Jodie and her pals gave my young ones wings to fly, investigating their creativity ! For me, Nerene Virgin re-affirmed what I was doing in my classrooms throughout my teaching career.

I remember you from Eye on Toronto, Today´s Special and many other projects from years back, Nerene. You have made all Hamiltonians proud, presenting the news, et al. with class. A multitalented person who reminds us that it´s never too late to change careers.

Nerene brought me many house of joy Watching her on nickelodeon on today's special. Thank you for being part of my childhood.

To Nerene's family and friends, a cherished childhood memory of mine, was watching Today's Special after school. Nerene's character taught me the value of using your voice, treating others with respect, kindness and empathy. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

I worked as a writer at NWI when Nerene was an anchor there. She was a joy to work with and just a lovely person.

My condolences to the family.

Her laugh, smile, and kindness were infectious and May it continue to be so and guide.

Hope you find peace sharing wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

On the day of her passing, I was telling my mom how even as a woman in my 40´s, I am still comforted by this lullaby she sang to Jeff in an episode of Today´s Special. I had no idea she had just passed, but I´m glad I was thinking of her. Today´s Special was my first most loved show of my childhood. I was so obsessed with it that my mom came up with a game she´d play where she would go into another room and make her voice sound like Sam´s and I´d race in and she´d say I "just missed him" and then she´d give me a sucker and say it was from him. lol. I never got upset, I was too excited that I got a sucker from Sam. lol. I also fondly remember Nerene in a show called Ramona that I also loved. I´m so sad that she passed away. She was an amazing woman and I wished I could´ve thanked her for singing me to sleep and being one of the most beloved parts of my childhood.

Growing up in Metro Detroit, I'd watch TVO with antenna. I watched Today Special, Polka Dot Door.... She was instrumental in me growing up as a person. She will be greatly missed and has made the world more beautiful for being here.

I´m so very sorry for your loss, she was an amazing person.

She will always be Mrs Virgin to me. When I was in Grade 6 she just started working as an educator. She planned a spring concert for the year of the child. My entire class couldn´t wait until the day we had music, she taught us songs that were well recognized and about love and happiness. The following year she didn´t come back to my school and everyone was so disappointed.

I can´t hear sesames street´s opening song without singing along.
Sunny days sweeping the clouds away, I´m on my way to where the air is sweet.....

I remember watching Nerene as Jodi on Today´s Special. I watched everyday with my young daughter who just loved the show. My condolences to her family. She was a unique and wonderful person. R.I.P. Nerene

Nerene, lovingly known as Jodie to me throughout my entire childhood, may your soul rest in eternal peace. It is with deep sadness that we hear of your passing, but oh what wonderful memories of your beautiful smile and kind heart to mind! You lived a beautiful life, full of so many accomplishments, and your legacy will forever live on. Thank you for bringing me much laughter and joy throughout so many years. To Nerene's family, may you find some comfort in knowing she is at peace and in the arms of the good Lord. My sincere condolences.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Nerene Virgin (aka) Jodie ,i remember as a child watching today's special, my children have also watched as they grew up in the 90's , you where and will always be a part of my childhood icon you will be sadly missed by all family and fans

I watched the local CTV morning show with Nerene Virgin as the host when i was a student , i never forgot they had a contest to win a computer and Nerene Virgin announced that i had won it ! I never met her in person but she seemed like such a kind,caring person . She had such a beautiful smile i will miss her for sure. May she rest in peace in heaven .

I worked with Nerene in the 90´s on a CTV Show called Eye On Toronto. She was intelligent, beautiful, lively, funny and there was never a dull moment. She was also a very kind and considerate human. Condolences to Al and Thomas and all other family members.

Nerene, you brought joy to millions of children, all over Canada and the USA. Not just Jodie, but yourself, on Polka Dot Door...thank you for just exuding kindness and warmth.
You will be indeed missed

RHIANNA

I was so saddened to read this morning that Nerene had passed.....my heartfelt condolences to all of Nerene's family. I met Nerene at the Hospital for Sick Children's when she interviewed my son for one of their telethons back in the 80s. I have a lovely video that I watch now and then of my son and Nerene together.
Rest in peace Nerene.

I am so saddened to hear of Nerene's passing. Whenever I had the pleasure of spending time with her, she was always lovely and gracious, warm and friendly. I still have the Eye on Toronto mug she gave me many years ago. Much love to Al and all her family.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my aunt. She was an incredible woman who brought so much joy and love into my life over the years. Growing up, I had the privilege of spending quality time with her and my cousin Thomas, creating precious memories that I will forever cherish. My aunt's warm and larger than life presence will be greatly missed. Love always, Lateasha

The first time I saw her as "Jodie" on Today's Special, I was in love. She was the most beautiful black woman I have ever seen.

-Nadia Williams

Nerene was funny, strong, beautiful and loved. See again one day. Love your little sister Latanya.

My deepest condolences to all the families. I had Mr. Smith and Mrs. Virgin as teacher at Winona Public School back in 1978/ 79.

I remember "Renee" from Teachers College in Toronto 1966-67. She was a wonderful person, and I have many fond memories of us at the college and practice-teaching at various Toronto schools. We haven't been in touch since then, but I have followed her great career with much interest. May she rest In peace.

Liga (Grinbergs) Hanley

I was so sad to hear about Nerene's passing. I worked with her on the Council of Early Childhood Educators. She was an amazing public member on our council and contributed so much! She was also a great mentor, friend and just a n awesome person. The world was a better place thanks to her, she will be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences to her family.

This show, and the people who played the characters, is a fond memory of my childhood; including arguing with my much-older brother for command of the TV remote when it was on. I had no idea that "Jodie" lived in Burlington, so close to me. As a Gen Xer/latch key kid, she brought much joy and comfort to my after-school routine. Thank you Nerene for bringing that show to life. RIP.

My children grew up watching you on Today's Special and adored you, as did I. She was so loving and kind and a wonderful role model, especially for children of colour who did not often see themselves represented on TV. I thank her for her tireless commitment to making this a better world. Deepest condolences to her large and beautiful family, those still with us and those now gone.

I remember watching Nerene on Today´s Special, but I met her for the very first time when she came to visit my classroom, and her husband was my teacher at Green Acres. Her smile was dazzling and she was so friendly. Fast forward, and I remember her coming to my school to visit my students at Ray Lewis to speak about her great-grandfather during Black History Month. My students were mesmerized with what she had to say. What an incredible lady she was. My deepest condolences to her family.

Her name simular to my Nora. Thanks for being nice.

Growing up times were rough and unpleasant. My time with "Jodie" on Today's Special was a balsam for my soul. "Today's Special, shout it loud and clear!" Thank you for everything Nerene.

My deepest condolences to Yvette and her family at this time. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Lynn Eagles

I watched Today's Special when I was growing up in the 80s. It was a very dynamic show and Nerene's positive and cheerful personality shone through it. She made an impact on a generation of children. May she rest eternally with God.

Just found out of her passing. I am crushed as Today's Special was my favourite show growing up and Polka dot door. She gave me so much joy and entertainment as a child and she was full of love....definately full of pure love. This resonated in her acting. A multi-talented woman we will miss forever.

In 1991 I was working for Reebok in Richmond Hill and Nerene had me on her show. I was decluttering a few weeks ago and discovered the VHS tape and had it converted to mpeg. I posted the video on my Facebook page on January 1st. It was my first and last time on TV and was nervous but Nerene was a calming influence (although she did call me Ted when we came back from commercial break). I remember that I had a crush on her and sent her a pair of walking shoes after the taping. RIP Nerene

I was the makeup artist on Todays Special. So sorry to hear this and my condolences to Al and Nerenes´ family.

I will always fondly remember watching Today's Special with my children. Nerene's beautiful smile will never be forgotten. She will be missed.

My children and I loved Today's Special and Nerene (Jodi's) warmth.

I was just a fan who grew up watching Nerene on shows like The Polka Dot Door and Today´s Special which I watched every day after school. These shows were formative in shaping who I became as I grew up, and Nerene was a big part of that. Years later, she did a story on my father and his insurance business on the local Toronto news. He said she was one of the nicest people he ever met.
She will be missed.

I just wanted to express my find memories as a child watching her as Jodi, I can definitely say that she inspired me and entertained me so much. I feel she has left behind a legacy of so many different things she meant to so many people and touched them in many ways. That´s a lot more than many can say, may she Rest In Peace.

I worked with Nerene on CTV´s Eye on Toronto for several years. She was an incredibly talented, beautiful woman with razor sharp smarts and wit. She was one of those people who commanded attention... she walked into the room and you knew it. But also so approachable... so kind. Loved a good natter and laugh. I´m sorry she is gone. She will be missed.

I had the pleasure of actually helping Nerene as a Physiotherapist. I enjoyed our time together and I looked forward to our sessions as she always had a story. Her positive outlook on life was an inspiration that has always stayed with me! I am sad to learn of her passing, but she already had wings on earth!

I met Nerene in the spring of 2007, I had been asked to Manage her campaign in Hamilton East Stoney Creek. I knew of her and admired her career as a journalist and actress but nothing prepared me for meeting her in person. She was brilliant and funny and so accomplished but so humble and genuinely nice, I loved her right away.

Getting to know Nerene and helping to get her so close to victory in 2007 was an honour for me and we remained lifelong friends. It broke my heart having to tell her we lost that night, but nowhere near the feeling I had when I heard she was gone.

My thoughts and prayers are with Alan, the kids and Jackson.

I once met nerene at my school cause Mr Smith was my grade 8 teacher. She was sooooo kind. I always remember that day cause I grew up watching today's special and was excited to meet her. My condolences to Mr Smith and her whole family and all her friends.

I miss her.... I will always remember her from Today's Special. She meant so much to the childhoods of so many.

Rest easy...

SIP Nerene. Thank you for bringing my generation smiles and laughter from Today´s special and the Polka Dot door. You will never be forgotten.

My goodness, I just read an article about her passing and it triggered a whole bunch of memories of her and Today's Special and how I use to watch it all the time. I felt such a warmth come over me along of obviously so sad to hear of your passing. You seemed like quite the woman with massive heart aside from your obvious talents on TV. May you rest in peace.

My sister and I were huge fans of Today´s Special. Nerene´s talent and kindness shone through the screen. Every week we were excited to have an experience with Jodie, Jeff and the inhabitants of the store! In later years, I always smiled when I saw that Nerene was on the news because it brought me back to those special memories of my childhood. I could vividly remember her warm smile, talent and great energy. My deepest condolences to Nerene´s family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Nerene, and thank you for the memories.

My sincere condolences to Nerene's family. May her memory be a blessing.

I grew up in Toronto in the 1980s and Today's Special was my favorite childhood TV show. Nerene played the role of Jodi and she was warm funny and caring. I also remember Nerene on CFTO and she hosted the Sick Kids Telethon as well. Rest well Nerene and thank you for the memories.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences at the loss of Nerene. She was definitely a favourite with my children on Today´s Special. We wish the family strength and hope at this difficult time.
Rosemary and Aaron Almas

She was my favourite as Jody I used to always watch todays special when I was a kid and I loved her character