Obituary of Judith McErvel

JUDITH ENID JANE McERVEL 1927-2016 After a most remarkable and rich life of 88 years, Judith McErvel died suddenly in Toronto on Sunday. April 24, 2016. For 30 years, Judith was the long-time companion to the late Herbert Phillips. She was dearly loved by Bert's daughter-in-law Karen Phillips and son Jeff, their children Michael (Trish), Jonathan (Sarah), Elizabeth, Shannon and Adam and grandchildren; nephews Peter Grav (Tom Arnold); cousin Drina Blair (Brian) and their children; and cousins Yvonne and Mike Pringle (Nicky). Judith came from fine Scots-Irish stock, born to William Alfred and Jennie (Scott) McErvel in Hamilton, ON, where she spent her childhood. Her mother tragically died when Judith was only 9, yet she had instilled in Judith a love of theatre that would last a lifetime. Judith graduated from Havergal College and, in 1949, earned an honours degree in Philosophy and History from University College, University of Toronto. A member of the Alpha Gamma Sorority, she made dear friends at U of T who remained with her for 70 years. She went on to graduate school at the University of London, and, astonishingly, took a tour through post-war Europe in a red MG convertible with three girlfriends. Returning to Toronto, Judith began work for J. M. Dent & Sons as Trade Advertising and Sales Manager. It was in her next job, however, that she made her mark on Canadian cultural history. As Archivist for the T. Eaton Company from 1961- 98, Judith set about collecting and cataloguing documents and objects related to the company's history, an undertaking that has given us invaluable insights into Canada's social evolution. She lectured widely on the topic and was the co-author of A Shopper's View of Canada's Past: Pages from the Eaton's Catalogues, 1886-1930 (1969). After Eaton's, Judith became archivist for Toronto's Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. She was involved with the establishment of the University of Toronto Art Centre, and, in 2005, she led a team to bring order to the much-neglected University College Archives. Asked why she took this on, she replied simply "I love history, I love books and art, and I suppose I love a challenge." A licensed real estate agent, she also worked part-time for Bosley's well into her 70s. In retirement, Judith's love of Toronto history led her to become a Member of the Toronto Historical Board and her much-beloved Town of York Historical Society. An avid bridge player, cryptic crossword devotee and voracious reader, Judith was also a great theatre and classical concert-goer. Where Judith will assuredly live on though is in the hearts of the many people she touched over the course of her life. Her ability to make people feel loved and important ensured that her friends were legion. Her Cabbagetown neighbours will miss her cheery greetings and her unfailing willingness to help. What we will all remember was her incredible wit; she was always quick to laugh and doubly-quick to inspire laughter in others. Having a natter on the phone or having dinner with her was always a treat as the conversation flowed so easily from current events to arcane bits of information she had picked up to yet another wonderful anecdote drawn from her remarkable life. Inevitably though, the conversation would turn to how you were doing. One couldn't end a tribute to Judith without talking about her profound love of animals. Taking a walk with her meant having to acquaint oneself with every dog you encountered along the way. But, most of all, Judith loved her cats - Emma, then Andrew, succeeded by Sammy, and, finally, she is survived by Jasper who is probably missing her like mad, much like the rest of us. A service to celebrate Judith's life and a reception will be held on Friday, May 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue). Donations in Judith's memory may be made to the Toronto Humane Society or the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.