Jill Toll Farrugia
1941-2018
I am a part of all that I
have met
Tennyson’s Ulysses
Jill Toll Farrugia passed away peacefully at her residence at Stirling
Heights on November 12, 2018.
Predeceased by her father Dr. Charles Toll and her mother Laura Ina
Toll, Jill will be lovingly remembered by John, her husband of
fifty-one years, her daughter Laura McCann of Toronto, her
grandchildren, and in-laws Bert Hilhorst (Holland), Violet Depares
(Malta), Anna and Sunnie Farrell, Orae Hiester and Yuanita Farrell,
the latter all of San Diego. Jill leaves behind an array of family
members in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, the United States, the
United Kingdom, Holland, Malta, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.
Her life revolved around the arts, be it literature, music or
sculpture. She loved to share her passion for English with her
students and through her monthly book club meetings with her friends,
who continued to visit her as her health declined. Many a time Jill
filled in with her father’s band and would then rush uptown to play
the violin with the Trail Rossland Orchestra. She enjoyed creating
beautiful sculptures, which she shared with family and friends and for
which she received recognition.
In her youth in British Columbia, she was active in sports, mostly
tennis in summer and, in winter, skiing Red mountain with Nancy Green
when both were members of the high-school ski teams.
In her late teens, she took part in the Commonwealth Youth Movement in
Canada and later spent a summer in the United Kingdom visiting and
meeting youth members from other countries of the Commonwealth.
After graduating from Queen’s University in English, she
obtained an education degree and later a master’s degree in
English from UBC. There she met her husband John, marrying him on
Canada Day, July 1st 1967 in Blyth, Ontario. After moving to Ontario,
she became active with Cambridge University Women, the Cambridge Book
Club and the Cambridge Cine Club as a member and later as
President.
Jill did not simply visit this world, but gave generously of her time,
both in her personal and professional life. She made a difference in
the lives of many: teaching at Wilfred Laurier University, counseling
at the Waterloo District School Board, mentoring at Open Door Adult
Learning Center, teaching at the Toronto School Board and serving at
the Community Justice Initiatives as Board Member and Vice-Chair.
Family was most important to Jill, and many memorable gatherings took
place at the cottage on Lake Huron where she spent her summers with
family and friends sharing tales whilst enjoying the breathtaking
sunsets. Jill took great pleasure in helping her extended family
prepare a Toll Family Float for the 150th Celebration of Auburn
Ontario, which was like a hometown for Jill and many members of the
Toll Family.
Perennially gregarious, Jill gathered a group of friends every Friday
afternoon for a strawberry social to discuss current events. Stirling
Heights ensured that these continued during her stay there.
As her mobility declined, many persons assisted Jill and for this we
are truly grateful, but we extend special heartfelt thanks to the
staff at Stirling Heights for their compassionate care during her stay
and to Dr. Mueller who, giving unstintingly of her time, eased
Jill’s journey.
At her request, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of
Jill’s Life at the Dettwiler meeting House, 3445 Roseville Road,
North Dumfries in the spring of 2019: Saturday, May 11th. At 2:00
pm..
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Justice
Initiatives, 49 Queen St., North, Kitchener, Ont. N2H 2G9 or to a
charity of your choice.
A private interment will be held in Blyth, Ontario at a later
date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jill Toll Farrugia 19412018.
Décès pour la Ville: Cambridge, Province: Ontario
