Death Notice
Maria Eugenia Cañas, age 47, of London, ON, left this world peacefully on June 18, 2021. She left surrounded by her loved ones, showing endless courage, grace and composure after her
cancer diagnosis.
She will be forever remembered by her loving son, Rayne, and his father, Mark; her mother, Mercedes; her three brothers, Fernando, Francisco and Carlos; her sisters-in-law, Susan and Stella; her nephew and nieces, Miguel, Ella and Cate. She is predeceased by her father, Jose Canas.
Eugenia was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, where she spent her youth until her family’s move to London, Canada in 1988. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western University, followed by a Masters in Linguistics from York University.
Following her passion for art and writing, Eugenia spent a decade in Toronto working as an editor, including a 5-year tenure at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Eugenia’s interest in helping marginalized youth brought her back to London to work with various not-for-profits. During this time, she earned her doctorate degree in Health Information Science at Western University. Her care, enthusiasm, and positive energy for her research and work was held in high regard by her esteemed colleagues.
Eugenia’s love for the fine arts carried on throughout her life. Both hers and her mother’s houses are adorned with her artwork. Eugenia also loved to travel. Some of her prior destinations included Spain, Ireland, Patagonia, as well as numerous trips throughout North America. She adored her wonderful dog Georgia that she raised from a puppy. She was active in her community and made many friends as a result of her compassion and positive energy. But above all, her greatest joy and accomplishment in life is her beautiful, curious and affectionate son, Rayne.
Wherever she went, Eugenia lit up the lives of everyone who knew and loved her with her warmth and optimism. She will be forever in our hearts, minds and memories.
Eugenia’s colleagues at Western University have established a scholarship in her name, the Eugenia Canas Memorial Scholarship in Health Equity. This scholarship will provide funding support for a student in the Health Information Science Graduate Program who identifies as
equity-deserving, especially those with refugee/newcomer experiences, and/or who is conducting research in an area related to health equity, with a focus on youth. To donate please visit: westernconnect.ca/canasmemorial By mail, send your donation to Annual & Leadership Giving, Suite 110, Westminster Hall, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 3K7
You may consider donating instead to the Unity Project (www.UnityProject.ca), a charitable organization that was important to Eugenia that supports marginalized and vulnerable populations in London. By mail, send your donation to Unity Project, 717 Dundas Street, London ON N5W 2Z5
2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Maria Eugenia Canas 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:London, Province: Ontario