The Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association notes with sorrow the passing of the following members (based on information received in the last year.)
NGA “NINA” DE LA CRUZ
1943—2020
Join us in celebrating Nga—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
On August 26, 2020, Ngoc Nga “Nina” de la Cruz passed away peacefully at the age 77 after a long illness with CNS lymphoma. She is survived by her son, San-Ching de la Cruz (Hiroko), grandchildren, Taisei and Sayari, and a large family including 3 sisters and 4 brothers. She is preceded by death of her parents and husband, Vicente de la Cruz.
Born in 1943 in Vietnam, she learned French, English and Vietnamese. She took her studies very seriously and upon high school graduation from Gia Long high school in Saigon, she was awarded a Colombo Plan scholarship to study in Quebec. She earned a Master’s degree in Geology at the University of Alberta before spending 7 years teaching English at a university in Taiwan. Upon returning to Canada, she was proud that she held down multiple jobs and even helped secure a position for her husband in academia. She was happily married for nearly 50 years.
She worked as a Professional Geologist in the Alberta Environment Department of the provincial government and eventually became the manager of the hydrogeology branch. As a manager, she was known for being fair, principled, caring and protective and so colleagues became like family.
She was passionate and serious about recycling and water conservation.
Guided by strong principles, she campaigned for protecting the environment and for political and social causes. The Edmonton Journal published a number of her letters to the editor – she wisely used a pen name given that she could be critical of the institutions that employed her. While serious when it came to government policies, she was not above merrily high-fiving the police during an Oiler Stanley Cup parade.
She was very outgoing and spirited and indeed had so many dear friends that she decided to retire in Edmonton instead of seeking more hospitable climates elsewhere. This didn’t mean that she was content to be always in Alberta; fluent in 4 languages, she enjoyed traveling extensively to both sides of the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. As an avid reader, she enjoyed gifting books to her young relatives. She was a good listener, often acted as advisor, consultant and peace maker in family matters. A few of her favourite words were “ridiculous” and “unnecessary.”
In retirement, she brought her inquisitive mind and energy to her volunteer positions: treasurer for SALT (seniors advocating for social justice issues), on the board for Edmonton Lifelong Learners and taught French. Outside of giving back to the community, she loved walking in the ravine near her house and going out for lunch with friends.
The family is grateful to the staff of the Good Samaritan Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre for taking good care of Nga and helping to keep the family “present” on Facebook’s Portal device 24/7.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you spend time with your loved ones, celebrate friendships and remember to be kind.
TOTH, Charles (Karoly) February 7, 1943 – August 7, 2020
Charles was a treasurer for ELLA Board for 3 years.
Died at home, surrounded by his family, after a “kick-ass” year and a half long struggle with cancer. He faced this trip as he had others, with courage and resolve. Born in Budapest, he fled following the 1956 revolution to England, immigrated to Argentina in 1958, and settled in Canada in 1979, where he finally found the home and family he was searching for. He is survived by his wife Ellen of 41 years, his son Sebastian (Peebles), his daughter Jennifer (B.J.) and 3 lovely little granddaughters: Evie, Hazel, and Vera. He will be missed by many other family and friends on three continents. Many thanks to Dr. Karachiwala and absolutely everyone at the Cross Cancer Institute and AHS Palliative Care. You were so caring and we deeply appreciated it. A COVID safe Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 14:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cross Cancer Institute.To send condolences to the family, please visit www.hainstockedmonton.com.
Ray Lieberman
RAYMON (Ray) AARON LIEBERMAN passed away peacefully in Edmonton, surrounded by family, on February 24, 2020. Beloved husband of Liz McCord for 44 years and father to Mike (Melanie), Joe, Jill (Lorne), and Alex (Amy). Ray was an adoring Zaida to his grandchildren Keara, Marni, Lily, and Isaac. Ray is survived by his loving brother, Lucien (Carole), and will be fondly remembered by his many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends all over the world.
Ray graduated from the University of Alberta in 1957 and shortly after began his career as a chemical engineer at Imperial Oil where he remained until his retirement in 1991. After retirement, he continued volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society and Alberta Cancer Board Research Ethics Committee. He was integral in establishing City of Edmonton Off Leash Dog Parks, and was a founding member of ELLA (Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association).
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Old Timers Cabin, 9430 – 99 Street (Scona Rd), on March 28, 2020 from 2-4:30pm. If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
David Hamilton Winfield
May 25, 1941 – February 8, 2020
We are profoundly sorry to announce the death of David Winfield. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on February 8, 2020, following complications from surgery. Dear David is survived by his sisters Anne Parkinson of Edmonton and Jane Wilson of Witney, Oxford, UK, and many cousins, nieces and nephews who adored their “Uncle Deda”. Born in Liverpool, England, he started his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 16. Following extensive experience throughout Europe, he emigrated to Canada in 1970. He was quickly embraced in the same industry and continued the next chapter of his career serving in hotels across BC and Alberta. David loved life and with his upbeat, warm and welcoming demeanour, “Winnie” was perhaps best known for his wicked laugh and sense of humour. You could always hear him long before you saw him. His passions in life led him to become an integral part of several different international and community organizations whose primary common goals were those of servitude, fraternity and fellowship. No matter the gathering, David’s greatest gifts were to include people and to make them smile and to feel worthy. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2020, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 11111-57 Ave NW, Edmonton with a reception to follow in the Church Hall. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rotary Club of Edmonton Gateway Award Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation in his name, https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/in-memory-of-dave-winfield/.
Published on February 14, 2020
ARMOUR, Margaret-Ann
1939 – 2019
Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour died peacefully and gracefully at the Cross Cancer Institute at dawn
May 25, surrounded by a few of the many friends who have become family to her. Tributes
pouring in since testify to the legacy left by her inspirational mentorship and infectious passion
for “doing science as if people matter.”
Margaret-Ann loved stories. Her own story began in Scotland on September 6, 1939, amid the
outset of the Second World War. Born to Annie Dunlop and Robert Armour, she was raised by
her mother, a teacher who fostered her curiosity about the science of everything, beginning
with Scottish baking.
Holding a BSc and MSc from the University of Edinburgh, Margaret-Ann earned a PhD in organic
chemistry from the University of Alberta and then did post-doctoral studies at both universities.
Joining the U of A chemistry department in 1979, she persevered as a woman in a traditionally
male field and became the University’s first-ever Associate Dean of Science for Diversity in 2005.
Known worldwide for leading-edge research and teaching in hazardous chemical waste handling
and disposal, she is equally revered for championing women in the sciences through initiatives
such as WISEST and the WinSETT Centre. “Create an environment where women thrive, and
everyone thrives,” she would say.
In addition to her induction as a Member of the Order of Canada, Dr. Armour’s many awards
include the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, Canada 150
Ambassador and the prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowship. Her multiple honorary degrees include
degrees from her Alberta and Edinburgh alma maters, as well as a degree from Concordia
University of Edmonton presented just the day before her death.
Despite her passing, Dr. Armour’s story lives on in the many individuals, institutions and
networks shaped by her kindness, integrity and commitment to equity and inclusiveness. Her
dedication to wider community shone through in the leadership she nurtured within
organizations ranging from Beta Sigma Phi, to the Edmonton Glenora Rotary Club, to St.
Stephen’s College where she served with distinction as Board Chair. The students of Edmonton’s
Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour School will be among the many who dearly miss her perceptive
questions, playful scientific demonstrations and heartfelt hugs.
A memorial service in celebration of Dr. Armour’s life will be held at the Dr. Margaret-Ann
Armour School, 3815 Allan Drive in southwest Edmonton, on Wednesday June 12 at 7 p.m.
Donations in her memory may be made to St. Stephen’s College, WISEST, and Southminster Steinhauer United Church.
Marg Stephen
There will be a Memorial Service for Marg Stephen who was an active member of ELLA for many years:
Crest wood Community Hall
14325 – 96 Ave Saturday May 25/19
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Vivianne (Viv) Harris – March 30, 1940 – January 6, 2018 – Edmonton
