Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Elizabeth (Libby) Ridgely
1943 - 2020
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Elizabeth Bishop pledged to donate to The George Hull Centre
Friday, February 19, 2021
Will be ever grateful for Libby’s wisdom and time together. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
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Barbara Miller pledged to donate to The George Hull Centre
Monday, November 2, 2020
To Libby's family
How fortunate to have had Libby as your mother and grandmother.
She gave so much
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Leore Davidovitz posted a condolence
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Dear Libby’s Family,
Our hearts are with you. My father, Bill Davidovitz, adored Libby from the moment he joined the externship program at George Hull Centre, and through his subsequent years working under Libby's inimitable leadership as a manager and then the Director of the outpatient clinic. They shared a wonderful bantering and sense of humor, until Alzheimer’s robbed them both of that, and of their shared clinical (and many other) gifts. If my father was able he would be writing wonderful things to you at this time, in lieu of that, know that Libby's presence made a mark on his life, and she lives on in the many stories and wonderful memories my father shared with me of his time working at GHC.
We know Libby’s memory is and will continue to be a blessing. May she rest In Peace.
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George Thomson posted a condolence
Saturday, October 31, 2020
I was a family court judge in Toronto in the 70s and 80s and got to know Libby professionally and personally. When I had the most dysfunctional families before me in child protection court I would often turn to her to try to work with the family to find an acceptable resolution. She always agreed to help, no matter how busy she was and she invariably found an answer that avoided a permanent family break-up. She had remarkable skills and brought a calm assurance and a real understanding of the issues that almost always gave me a workable plan to endorse. We were so lucky to have her as an essential court resource, even before she assumed the broader leadership role that she took on at George Hull.
George Thomson
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Daniel Bogue posted a condolence
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Working closely alongside Libby for over 25 years at the George Hull Centre as a colleague and friend definitely stands out as a significant experience in my life.
Libby contributed much to my skill development and knowledge, including creating opportunities for me that i might not have otherwise considered. She was also an engaging and caring friend.
Libby was a master at acknowledging, affirming and enhancing competencies within families and staff. In her exceptional direction and guidance as an Executive Director, she always kept an eye on our personal and family needs. Her sometimes "meddling"in our lives was always generous and selfless, leading to positive and meaningful changes in our lives.
A personal story: Early on, Libby supported and encouraged me to take a turn at raising my daughter as a single father, which turned out well for our whole extended blended family. Later, before her illness began robbing her of her brilliance, she coined this phrase by telling me I was a lucky man for "having been daughtered".
Libby was a gem, we have missed her!
Justine, Zac, Duncan and family, I send my heart-felt condolences to you. Wishing you solace in your grief.
Daniel Bogue
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Esther Welsh posted a condolence
Thursday, October 29, 2020
I will never forget Libby.
She was a pivotal figure in my growth as a family therapist.
It was Libby who gave me confidence when working with families as I was lucky to be one of her externs at the George Hull Centre when I was a social worker at the Interface Program at Thistletown regional Centre.( now no more)
Libby was an amazing clinician who really believed that “The personal is the professional”
She taught me so much about how to use myself in the service of the family
She exposed me to Carl Whittaker, and Mauritzio Andolfi,and several years later encouraged me to also go to Italy for Andolfi’s externship.
I was devastated to hear of her illness and found it hard to believe. I will always think of her as she was when I knew her ie a brilliant teacher, clinician, with a warm engaging personality.
My heart goes out to her family.
She will be greatly missed.
Esther Welsh MSW.
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lars Brok uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
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Dear Justine Zachary and Duncan, I got the messgae about Libby's death from Sheila.First my condolences for you all. Perhaps your beloved mother spoke sometimes about me. We were for many years very close friends and wonderful colleagues.. Of course I have lost contact with her already because of her Alzheimer but it is a big loss anyway.I remember very well how I met her in Corvara at the meta practicum. How much we learned there and how much fun we had. I remember the late night in the huge hot tub , Marcella Andolfi bringing asti spumanti. Libby and I became close friends and she gave me a lot of advice about working with women in the family. I even used to phone her from Rotterdam when I needed help in a session! She spoke with the mother or daughters and told them how to handle me haha. And we made a trip around Sardgna together before our meta practicum there. And I visited her in Toronto and she came to Holland several times. Strange enough I saw her the last time in a hot tub again! In Borrego springs where she stayed in the house of a friend of hers. I still drink from my Libby Cup she gave me, with a picture of us both on it, See pictures. I also still have all the very long letters she wrote to me during the years. She used to teach me about many family therapy things! And how funny she always was and sharp as a knive! I will miss her even more now she is dead! But keep all the fantastic memories. As all of you will have from her.It is strange we did not meet all those years. A lot of strength and I give you my warm love. Lars Brok.
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Linda Sumner posted a condolence
Monday, October 26, 2020
Dear Justine, Zachary, Duncan,
I am saddened to hear of your mom's passing. I was privileged to have Libby as my practicum field instructor during my MSW studies at U of T in the 1970's. She would continue to influence my clinical thinking over the next 40 years of my career. She was a driving force in bringing new ideas to the therapeutic community in Toronto, most especially, in the area of family therapy. I am grateful that I was part of that community during "Libby's Time."
Deepest sympathy to you and all your family and a fond good-bye to an amazing woman.
Linda Sumner
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Don Bocking posted a condolence
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Dear Justine, Zachary and Duncan,
I was a student in your mom's Family Therapy Institute when she was at Oolagen. I was a new social worker in London, Ontario and a group of us would drive to see your mom each week. I can tell you that your mom had a profound impact on me and made me the therapist I wanted to be. I am forever grateful to have met your mom and had the incredible benefit of her wisdom and teaching. I returned for many more years to see her at training events and always came away in awe. She was an inspiration.
I recall she had our little training group over to your home for dinner at the end of the training. This would have been in the late 1980s. I do not recall seeing you kids then but we had a wonderful evening at your home on Russell Hill Ave. Many years later I saw Libby after the birth of Sophie and she was entranced. I think that you were in London, England then and she had been over for a visit.
I wanted to send you all my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom and am sorry there cannot be a massive public celebration of her life as would be fitting. Please accept my good wishes to all the family. I was very lucky to have known Libby.
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Lisa McDonald posted a condolence
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Justine, Zachary and Duncan, my condolences on the death of your mum. My mother was Janet Osler McDonald, a lifelong friend of Libby's before her passing in 2002. I admired the friendship of those Havergal girls, the 'bridesmaids' as they were sometimes called; the fun they had, the trust and respect they held for each other, and the longevity of their friendship. I remember Libby just as she is described in the notice: direct, strong, funny and smart. Someone who engaged with you when speaking, who was interested in what I had to say, even when I was a kid. Someone elegant and confident. She connected with my friends at my mum's funeral and together they hosted a joint wedding shower for me at her house on Cottingham. It was so generous and lovely, and something only a friendly, out-going person like Libby would do.
I hope that you get to hear from the many people who loved and admired your mum, gathering new stories and forgotten connections. She was a treasure.
Lisa McDonald
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Gillian (Loeb) Bookman posted a condolence
Sunday, October 25, 2020
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Libby. My condolences to her family. Libby guided me through a challenging time. Her insight, wit and empathy spurred me on to many a new achievement. For this I will always remember her and be grateful.
Gillian (Loeb) Bookman
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Laraine Naft posted a condolence
Sunday, October 25, 2020
I don't think it was possible to have a relationship with Libby without being effected by her. I'll always remember the years we worked together with fondness. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Andrea Charlton posted a condolence
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Justine, Zachary & Duncan: your mom was among the most impressionable adults who succeeded in encouraging me to contemplate the various paths which lay ahead while I was a teenager.
I have never forgotten her wit, courageous words, or loyalty to my mom during those later years.
We are only too pleased to make a gift to the George Hull Centre in her memory.
Andrea Charlton
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Ken Goldberg posted a condolence
Saturday, October 24, 2020
I feel privileged to have had Libby as a trusted and knowledgeable colleague and friend.
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George James posted a condolence
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Libby was so incredible -- her smile says it all. She will be missed and she will be remembered.
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Faye Mishna pledged to donate to The George Hull Centre
Friday, October 23, 2020
Libby was a role model for me as a social worker. The George Hull Centre is a wonderful legacy.
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The family of Elizabeth (Libby) Ridgely uploaded a photo
Friday, October 23, 2020
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