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Judy Addie posted a condolence
Saturday, February 21, 2015
January 2015
Dear Bymph,
I was very sad to hear about Miss B's passing, and I know that you will be sad too. She will live on through the hearts of Ouareau campers and staff because she lives on through you. Remember when she told us that she was selling the camp in 1970? You and I sat on the rock wall underneath the bell and had a chat. You were worried because you thought if she left, you would be gone too. You lived on through the words and voices of directors Madelene Allen and Jacqui Raill.
Here are some memories that we shared that day. I will say them again because we are both much older; well I am anyway.
I remember:
* glorious sunrises and beautiful sunsets
* shore breakfasts, Wednesday picnics and counsellors' tea
* songs in the Lodge and around the campfire
* hymns in Chapel and during Sunday Evening services
* canoe trips through sun, rain and BUGS!
* Miss B. with her special dogs trailing behind her wherever she went
* activities galore and special programs that went ahead in any weather
* Miss B. and Mrs. Ridolfi writing cabin lists and table lists… without the use of computers
And, of course, I remember Bymph stories which Joyce read in the Lodge on Sunday night. Oh how we listened and what an honour it was to hear our names in a story.
What I remember most of all was the feeling of belonging and acceptance and the feeling that we were all part of a special family.
I learned so much from Miss Bertram.
I learned:
* to always plan ahead for whatever might happen. We had sunny programs, rainy programs and sunny with a chance of shower programs
* to think through an event so as to plan for all possibilities. Remember the "three day blow" when we packed up the whole camp and hiked to Lac Sauvage?
* to have high expectations for myself,my campers and later, for my students
* that it's okay to have a tough exterior if you are a softie inside
* to always pick up litter. Remember that booming voice yelling " Who is the C.O.D.?" The counsellor of the day had missed a candy wrapper on the beach and everyone knew; she never missed it again.
Some of her expressions are repeated by mothers and grandmothers everywhere.
She used to say:
* " You're neither sugar nor salt. You won't melt "
* " Always wear bright colours on a rainy day… and smile."
* " We don't stack ( plates) at Ouareau."
and, of course, "Walk!!!"
So Bymph, please don't be sad. Miss Bertram, Miss B, Joyce taught so many young women so much.
She was a special lady; she was a special friend.
Yours in camping,
Miss Chown
Judy Chown Addie
Camp Ouareau staff
1966 to 1971
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Anne and Susan Charest lit a candle
Friday, February 20, 2015
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Thinking of you.
K
Keith (Buddy) McClain posted a condolence
Friday, February 6, 2015
I don't know about others, but when it comes to Joyce, there is plenty to tell. Having landed in Toronto from California as an eight year old, Joyce who I never heard of before was a plenty formidable character (at least from by young eyes). However, that rough and strong exterior just covered up a rather interesting mixture of character traits, but I only discovered this over many years of sporadic interest with her. One of my earliest memories was one summer around 1956 when my mother (Joyce's sister) and my sisters and I took a train to Saint Agathe to spend a bit of time at Camp Ouareau. It wasn't until we got there that I realized I was in the midst of hundreds of girls (it seems that many) and unfortunately I was too young to understand the opportunity that faced me. Because Joyce thought I would enjoy staying in a tent I was relegated to once outside the cabin my mother stayed in. this went Ok for a while until some one mentioned that I should be careful of bears. I spent many sleepless nights, waiting. I am sure that it was at Camp Ouareau that I got my taste of canoeing, which I enjoy to this day. Another other amazing event always happened while at Ouareau, I met Jesse (I don't know her last name but she resided in the boat house; she was a sheer delight and my first ever crush. I never saw her after that summer, but I think about the experience often.
Joyce's creativity was certainly evident through her stories about Bymph, who to me was as real as real could be. Even as our family shared Christmas', Joyce took turns with her brother Ron to write poems about each family member and were read after Christmas dinner and carol singing. Each poem lead to a belated and amazing Christmas present. This remains as a very fond memory for me to this day. I have often wished that I had the creativity and writing skills that Joyce demonstrated so often. I guess I missed the download.
Joyce wasn't always about camping. She enjoyed country living too. She lived her passion on 40 acres of rolling landscape north of Bolton, Ontario on the Orangeville Moraine. Shared with her dear friend Anne, Merravae afforded spectacular views and the opportunity to share great times with their dogs; however, it had a scarcity of trees except for a couple of maples and a big old beech tree.
Joyce and Anne were very concerned about the possibility of erosion so they arranged to purchase popular whips, spruce and white and red pine seedlings to plant in erosion prone areas throughout the property. As it turned out, I was conscripted along with several high school chums from North Toronto Collegiate Institute to help plant the trees (it cost Joyce a steak BBQ). Knowing little about planting trees other than I was convinced that green side up was best, we proceeded to plant the trees everywhere. As it turned out, we returned years later to see the results of our handy work - we were amazed to see a green landscape of trees. The trees were tall and one could hardly see through them or pass them. Unfortunately, some of them fell prey to Joyce's axe because she could not see the hill beyond. Once all that could be done at Merravae, Joyce sold it and purchased another property near by and started the process all over again - building a summer home, planting trees and establishing a beautiful garden. When I think of Cedarvale I think of the Muskoka chairs that she and Anne positioned on the back porch to relax in and have a refreshing glass of sherry.
It is funny what one remembers when one is prompted to do so. I have many more memories. Thanks for the chance to remember some of them, Joyce. Love Bud.
P
Patti Thom posted a condolence
Friday, February 6, 2015
Joyce was a legend in the camping and the independent school world. Her work with thousands of girls at Quareau and at Havergal College will live on in the lives she touched with her wisdom and experience. She was a mentor and friend to so many! My sympathy to Joyces family and the Quareau community.
J
Jamie Black Musick lit a candle
Monday, February 2, 2015
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My thoughts are with the family of Miss Bertram. I want her family to know that she an impact that was widely spread. My sister and I came from Galveston, Texas to attend Camp Ouareau. And we came back year after year. I loved Miss Bertram's spirit of adventure and the sparkle in her eye. She helped me be brave. She was a great role model. I saw her last at the 1996 reunion. Please give my condolences also to Anne Thompson who I enjoyed getting to know as well.
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Heather Heagle posted a condolence
Monday, February 2, 2015
On behalf of the Ontario Camps Association, I am writing to offer our membership's condolences to Joyce's family and Ouareau's camp family. Sincerely, Heather
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Kathleen Brown Herman posted a condolence
Sunday, February 1, 2015
"Ouareau's friendships strong and deep Forever in our hearts we'll keep." A few lines from the Closing Ceremonies came to mind as I remember Miss Bertram and the time I spent at camp. My aunt Jean was a great friend of Miss Bertram and my sisters Pat and Nora and my best friend Ann Harris Anand and I spent each August at Ouareau. Our thoughts are with Miss Thompson and the Bertram family. Kay Brown Herman
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Bev lit a candle
Saturday, January 31, 2015
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I continue to miss your lovely letters, Joyce.
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Nancy Hausner Golberg posted a condolence
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Camp Ouareau has held a very special place in my life for more than 50 years. Miss Bertram was a kind and caring camp director who helped a teary homesick junior get over the initial strangeness of a new camp. Sunday evening programs were always my favourite evenings at camp; singing hymns, listening to classical music, laughing with Winnie the Pooh and Bymph are forever etched in my memory. I enjoyed Joyce’s wit, her sage advice, and her dignified manner. I loved her drama classes and her opening and closing ceremonies. One of my fondest memories is from a closing ceremony at which I played the piano during the 90’s. Having surprised Madelene and Robin with a tape I had secretly made, I sent a copy to Joyce and Anne in Toronto. I still have the long letter in which Joyce thanked me and then told me how she and her senior tent group had written “Those Silent Hills” and the Ouareau Hymn. We kept in touch all these years with our annual letters and with a few visits in Toronto. Those of us who were campers and counselors in the 50’s and 60’s were fortunate to have Joyce as a mentor in our formative years. I will miss her, but I am glad to know that she is at peace. My deepest condolences to Anne Thompson and to all the Bertram family. Nancy Hausner Golberg
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Helen (Papadopoulos) Brown posted a condolence
Thursday, January 29, 2015
I was very saddened to learn of "Miss Bertram's" passing. My fondest memories of Ouareau are with Joyce. Of course, Bymph stories top the list but I also recall her dogs following her around (she was rarely without them), leading Chapel on Sundays, her beautiful garden around her cabin. I was one of four sisters and other family members who attended Ouareau for many years. She will not be forgotten. Ouareau has always been deep in my heart and it always will be and I am so glad to have known her. Quareau Alumni 1963-1974
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Wendy Booth posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
50 years later, my Camp Ouareau experience is among my fondest memories. A brilliant writer and story teller, Miss Bertram was insightful, a trusted leader, and a respected role model. Thank you for inspiring so many young women! Regards to Miss Anne Thompson and Miss Bertram’s family. Counselor,1963; Nurse,1967; Canoeing Director,1968.
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Pat Parisi posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
I worked with Joyce in the 80s at Havergal College. She was a true friend and a great mentor of mine. Joyce loved a good joke and had a rapier-like wit. She was direct, honest and extremely efficient in her job. I shall be ever grateful to Joyce for "showing me the ropes" when I felt swamped in my new environment. Joyce was truly one of a kind and when she took school prayer assembly, she held everyone in the palm of her hand with her poignancy.
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Sara Frost lit a candle
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
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My condolences to family and friends of Joyce. I did not know her, only through her legacy at Camp Ouareau and as Bymph's first friend. I spent four wonderful years at Camp -- and her wisdom and passion for women and camping was quite known, and appreciated. A legacy in camping, she will be missed.
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Suzanne Bernardin posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
I was a camper at Ouareau from 1948 to 1957 when I was a CIT. On parent's day, it was not unusual for Joyce, Ann and Jean Machan to joint my family for lunch as my mother used to bring enough fried chicken for an army. Joyce's Sunday services in the cedar grove overlooking the lake are fondly remembered along with the music and stories on Sunday nights as we gathered together in the lodge in our pjs. My condolences to Ann and Joyce's family - Joyce brought out the best in all of us.
J
Jan Farrell posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Bymph stories, canoe trips, camp songs and Miss B. Lots of happy memories of Camp Ouareau. I learned so much in those summers that helped me in my career in education. Joyce was an excellent leader, organizer and mentor. Ouareau staff 1963-67.
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Sheila MacVicar posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Miss B. was an inspirational leader and mentor, a witty and sly writer and a wonderful fosterer of young women who lives large in my memories of Ouareau. Bymph, that foghorn voice, black-eyed susans, and dining room manners. Not to mention being sentenced to sit outside her garden gate (terrified!) when caught tent-hopping. I am so very lucky to have had her in my life, and I carry her legacy. Ouareau camper + staff, '66-'74
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HollyHeibein posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
I was a staff member at Camp Ouareau from 1990-2007. This was well after Ms. Bertram's era as the former camp owner. I vividly recall when she and Ms. Rutherford came to Ouareau for either the 80th or 85th staff reunion. Ferg (Madelene Allen) was both nervous and excited to have her mentors visit camp. I remember Ms. B spoke at a chapel service that was held during that weekend which was moving, thoughtful and reflective of her time as the owner and director. I also had the pleasure of reading many of the Bymph stories she wrote. Although my interactions with her were limited, I have always admired her grace, her strength of character and her hard work in helping to build Camp Ouareau into a fantastic place for young women (staff and campers) to grow and thrive.
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Marg Lech posted a condolence
Monday, January 26, 2015
I spent numerous years at Camp Ouareau and Miss Bertram was a special leader. I loved her Bymph stories and my years at Ouareau helped shape me into the person that I am today. I use my ten year paddle frequently with nothing but fond memories. RIP and thank you.
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Barbara Winn posted a condolence
Monday, January 26, 2015
Camp Ouareau camper 1944, 1948-51. I have wonderful memories of "Miss" Bertram, the tall counsellor whose voice could be heard above the din, who urged this camper to strive. My sister Liz and I thank Joyce for her BYMPH stories, remembered to this day.. Barb Winn Westmount, QC
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Judy Chown Addie posted a condolence
Monday, January 26, 2015
What a special lady; what a special friend. Judy Chown Addie Camp Ouareau 1966 to 1970
