Tuesday, July 17

Bluma Appel - A Life Well Lived

Even as a teenager growing up in Montreal, Bluma Appel possessed a hatred of intolerance, writes Sandra Martin. It was a theme that later wove through the many disparate parts of a hugely complicated life to embrace politics, the arts, health care, social justice and human rights


Growing up, her son David said, "our home was filled with laughter and intense discussion." He described his mother as a dynamo. "The passport into our home had nothing to do with your station, but whether you were interesting and what you brought of yourself. It was an incredibly febrile and exciting environment. You take it for granted, but, in retrospect, you see the extent to which our mother and father enriched our lives."

Last month, she was given an honorary degree by Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont. Here's the advice she gave the graduates in her convocation address: "Stay curious. Don't make the same mistake twice, life is rough - it is a battle for turf - so learn by observation - take notes - write memos. Listen to opinions but not to the opinionated. Do not tolerate intolerance. Cherish the environment. Keep an open mind and stick to your principles. And dream big dreams!"

Bluma Appel remembered for charm, generosityToronto Star, Canada - 6 hours ago
Luminaries from the Canadian arts scene gathered Tuesday for the funeral of arts supporter and social activist Bluma Appel. About 250 mourners attended the ...
Bluma Appel, 86 Globe and Mail
She cherished them all Globe and Mail

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