DEXTER, MOIRA
Moira Dexter, aka Moish, left us at the age of 89 on July 11th, 2021 at a time of her choosing. Moish was always a trailblazer. As a young woman, at a time when career opportunities for women were limited and it was relatively rare for a woman to pursue higher education, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and went off to St F.X. in Antigonish to pursue a degree. From there, she joined the fledgling CBC and worked on productions ranging from political commentary through variety shows and live presentations of the National Ballet.
She met her husband, Robert Dexter, at the CBC and together they raised 3 children – Amanda (Marc Cockburn), Jennifer and Grant (Carol Neshevich) – to be contributing, kind and accomplished adults. Her guidance will be sorely missed despite this achievement.
She returned to the world of television as a creator, producer and director of various shows, most notably Realities and The Palace, with TV Ontario and other production companies. When the lure of television faded, she returned to university and achieved her Master of Library Science degree at the age of 60.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Molly and Charlotte Cockburn had the advantage of her time, her attention and her example for many years and she was extraordinarily proud of the women they are becoming. She fostered their love of music, art and theatre and was beyond thrilled when they were able to share reading lists, book recommendations and discuss her other great love, literature. Her grandsons, Hudson, Clark and Wyatt Dexter had less time but no less love from her, and she was thrilled to see them developing into warm, caring and kind young men.
She loved her kids, her grandkids, her honourary kids, friends, food, wine, intelligent conversation, and acts of kindness. She presided over many dinner tables as host and welcomed all who sat at them. Her favourite meals were when she hosted a diverse group of people at her beloved cottage where the discussions often went well past dessert. She was a consummate cook, and she had no hesitation in creating a “Julia Child” meal with a complete disregard for the number of pots involved, as long as her guests and family enjoyed the food, as much as they enjoyed the lively conversation.
Her friends were many and varied. Her Toronto book club began many years before such clubs became the norm, and these were some of the most enduring and precious friendships she had. Her volunteer experience with NACOA introduced her to an entirely new group of people who supported her in various roles within the organization and shared in her love of music. The same was true of her volunteer work with the National Gallery. Her favourite volunteering was with the children of St. Anthony’s school. She was so appreciative of the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, and they certainly returned that sentiment. Even in later years, Moish continued to forge lasting and important friendships. Her “Jean Seasons” book club was a highlight of her month and she enjoyed the luncheons as much as the discussions and the friendship offered. The same could be said for her “Kiwaniannes” book club. Her newest but no less valued group was the “Coffee Ladies” whom she met with every Tuesday.
There are many who will mourn her passing, her family most of all. However, she would be the first to tell you that she had lived a long, productive, and fulfilling life and that she didn’t want people to be sad. Be reassured that we informed her this wasn’t under her control, and that the likelihood was remote people would obey that dictum. Moish was a strong, funny, modern woman who suffered no fools, and she will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
In lieu of flowers, which she loved but can no longer enjoy, donations to Dying With Dignity Canada, Ottawa Chapter would be much appreciated.
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Sunday July 11th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Moira Dexter Sunday July 11th 2021..
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc
Décès pour la Ville:Ottawa, Province: Ontario