The family of Dianne M. Scott, wife of the late L. Mansel Scott, and daughter of the late LeBaron and Freda (Holder) Sheldrick are saddened to announce her passing which occurred on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a brief illness.

Dianne was a 1959 Teachers’ College graduate and a longtime member of NBHEA. She spent her working career as a Home Economics Teacher for over 36 years, most of these at Barnhill Memorial School. Together, Dianne and Mansel loved to travel across the Maritimes and Eastern United States by trailer with kids and dogs in tow,  finally spending many years at Pine Cone Trailer Park in Sussex.

In retirement, Dianne spent most of her free time volunteering with the School Milk Fund, Saint John Art Centre, Saint John Sculptures, and the Imperial Theater, among many others. Specifically, she was very active with the School Milk Fund organized in 1961 to provide milk for school children in need of extra nutrition in the Saint John schools.

Dianne is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Mike Splane) and Kim (Everett Crawford), her sister and best friend, Donna, sisters, Terry, Debby and Lori along with many nieces, nephews, numerous friends and her cherished pets. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by brother, Billy.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). Visitation will take place on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens at a later date. Donations in memory of Dianne may be made to the Saint John School Milk Fund or to the ICU at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.

Vivian May Bruce (May 4, 1931 – October 12, 2023)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Vivian Bruce on October 12, at the age of 92.

Vivian was born in Regina and spent her early years in the small town of Bechard, Saskatchewan where her father was a grain buyer for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. She was an only child who grew up with family around her. Vivian was especially close to her cousin William (Bill) Long, and as an adult she became a member of his family sharing holidays and celebrations with them. Her family moved to Regina in her high school years where Vivian graduated from Balfour Tech.

Vivian continued her education in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba where she graduated with a B.Sc. (H. Ec.). She completed a dietetic internship at the Vancouver General Hospital in 1954. She then began her career in dietetics at the University Hospital in Saskatoon where she met a lifelong friend and colleague Vera Moroz. In 1960 Vivian returned to the University of Manitoba where she completed her M.Sc. in Nutrition.

In 1963 Vivian began a 33-year career at the University of Manitoba. She took a study leave to complete a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin in 1972. In 1981 she was a visiting associate professor of nutrition in surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Vivian took an active interest in her students. As one said on the occasion of presenting her with an award in clinical nutrition, “Her undergraduate students were her children and her graduate students were her family.”

In 2019, Vivian was recognized with an Order of Manitoba. The citation stated, “As professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Vivian Bruce was instrumental in conducting the first research exploring the health benefits of canola oil and establishing its unique nutritional properties. Working with her colleague, the late Dr. Bruce McDonald, she conducted important research with positive ramifications for food science and the economic viability of key Manitoba crops.”

Vivian was an active member of the University Women’s Club for many years where she was involved with the walking group, current events and bridge. She was a member of Crescent Fort Rouge United Church where she participated in the outreach program that led to her volunteer work with refugees. Vivian enjoyed travelling for many years with her friend Jackie Dupont.

Vivian was predeceased by her parents Douglas and Lela (Long) Bruce and cousins Bill and Eleanor Long. She will be lovingly remembered by her many cousins, among them Margaret (Bruce) Young, Lizabeth (Stan) Oleksinski, and Timothy (Brenda Beckman-Long) Long and their families. She will be deeply missed by her many close friends including Kim McKay and Tracy McKay.

We would like to thank Carrie and Jasmine and all the staff at Riverwood Square for their kindness and care while Vivian lived there. Thank you to Dr. Cavers, nursing staff and nursing assistants on 4 South Victoria General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held November 15 at 10:30 am at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Avenue Winnipeg. For those who wish to attend virtually, follow one of the links below.

https://twitch.tv/crescentfortrougelive

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_yu6hzsG1yoisFBHvGm5A?view_as=subscriber

https://www.facebook.com/cfruc/

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Dr. Vivian Bruce Bursary Fund, at the University of Manitoba or the charity of your choice.​

Sustain Ontario’s Food Literacy Working Group submitted a Proposal to the Ministry of Education in July 2023 outlining recommendations for the government to further advance food literacy in Ontario. We await a reply from the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile, OHEA members can now read the Proposal as posted on the Sustain Ontario site here.

We were proud to represent OHEA as one of 29 organizations involved and thrilled to work closely with like-minded professionals  across the province.

At the AGM celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Ottawa Home Economics Association (OttawaHEA) June 2023 a decision was made to establish the Ottawa Home Economics Association Fund within the Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF).  The goal of the fund is to establish a legacy in support of the goals of home economics to improve the quality of life for families and individuals.  The inaugural focus of the Fund will be support for: 

- Pre-natal and infant programs with a strong nutrition component
- Organizations providing nutritious food to at-risk populations

The initial donation of $7,000 was the result of initiatives and projects undertaken by members of OttawaHEA over many years  This amount is not yet sufficient to generate annual grants to finance stand-alone programs.  On an annual basis the OCF will consult with OttawaHEA through the Fund Advisor (currently Ellie Topp, P.H.Ec., OttawaHEA Treasurer) regarding joining with grants from other Funds to support existing programs in line with home economics goals.  A report on the Fund will be included in the annual report of OttawaHEA.

At any time people are invited to make a donation to the Fund simply by visiting Ottawa Community Foundation. Click on ‘Donate to a Fund', then ‘Donate Online' and type in Ottawa Home Economics Association Fund where you may choose to donate either to the investment part of the Fund or directly to the grant portion which ensures that your donation will go directly to the annual project chosen for support. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for individual donations. Members are encouraged to invite friends to donate to help build our new Fund.  

OttawaHEA is excited to launch this initiative and to know that its funds are being used to support home economics related projects within our city.  

​It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Margaret Arcus, Professor Emerita of the School of Family and Nutritional Sciences, on June 27, 2023. Margaret was born on April 30, 1935 in Auburn, Nebraska, U.S., and completed her PhD in Home Economics Education from Iowa State University.

​Despite only 4 days’ notice, 10 members of the Ottawa HEA were enthusiastic attendees of our first Bring your Own Picnic at the historic Maplelawn Garden, on August 17, 2023. 

Maplelawn is the beautiful walled garden of one of Ottawa’s earliest surviving stone houses.  It has been maintained by volunteers for 30 years, and was in full mid-summer bloom.  We strolled the garden paths, caught up on personal news, and enjoyed lunch on picnic tables under the shade trees.

Cathy Enright, P.H.Ec. brought extra treats to share:  drinks, marinated vegetables and cookies!  The consensus seemed to be that we should do it again next summer.  

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Joan Marilyn Allen-Peters, age 90, of Kentville, NS formerly of Amherst, NS. Joan passed away at the Evergreen Home in Kentville, NS on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

Born in Amherst, NS, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Patterson and Dora (Jones) Allen.

Joan attended Amherst Regional High School then Acadia University where she graduated in 1953 with a B.Sc with honors. After receiving a Masters degree in science from Penn State in 1955 she worked as a nutritionist at University of Delaware, was an instructor of home economics at the University of Hawaii and served as a home economics advisor for Iroquois Gas in Buffalo, NY before eventually settling in Durham, New Hampshire where she worked as a professor of home economics at UNH. During this time Joan was involved as an editor and host of several television programs at WENH in Durham where she received many accolades and awards for her service and programs in TV. In 1967-8 Joan took time out to work at Queen Elizabeth College in London, UK before returning to UNH.

In 1970 Joan took a job with the United Nations Development Program and worked at an agricultural college in the Philippines until 1972 when she returned to New Hampshire.

In 1979 Joan worked for the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute and was stationed in Kingston, Jamaica where she was nutrition educator and coordinator for much of the West Indies until 1982 when she returned to Nova Scotia briefly before taking an education post at Bath College of Higher Education, Bath, UK in 1983. During this time she travelled extensively and lived in Geneva, Switzerland and Sri Lanka for a spell.

In 1987 Joan returned to Nova Scotia once again and became a professor of Home Economics at Acadia University, her Alma Mater, until her retirement and she remained active in the Wolfville community.

In her later years, Joan lived at Wickwire Place then finally in assisted living at Evergreen Home in Kentville, Nova Scotia.

She is survived by son Karl Peters, brother Deane Allen, sister-in-law, Nancy Allen, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her mother Dora, father Kenneth and brother David Allen.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church Street, Amherst, NS, (902 667 8777). A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church. Livestream will be available through the church website at Funeral Service for Joan Allen Peters - YouTube.

Donations in memory of Joan may be made to a charity of your choice.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.

Original obituary from Jones Family Funeral Centre.

In July, 1976, the Ottawa Home Economics Association (Ottawa HEA) along with the Canadian Home Economics Association (CHEA) hosted the Xlllth  International Congress of Home Economics and the Council meetings. It was the first and only time to-date that Canada hosted the event. 

Held at the then-new Skyline Hotel, the theme would still apply today — Life, not just Survival: Home Economics and the Utilization of the World’s Resources.  Linda Reasbeck, P.H.Ec., listed in the Congress Program by her maiden name, Linda Stepenoff, chaired the Organizing Committee. “What an incredible undertaking,” she recalled.

At the 90th Anniversary Luncheon of the Ottawa HEA on June 6, 2023, held at the Britannia Yacht Club, Linda reflected on memories and precious keepsakes from the 1976 Congress.  

With 1200 delegates from 52 different countries and proceedings available in English, French and German, it was a major project to organize.
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Approximately 50 Home Economists worked on various committees to coordinate essential activities. With the support of mentors such as Margaret Pope and Ruth Shaver, the relatively young, enthusiastic Home Economists did an outstanding job. 

Given a budget of approximately a quarter of a million dollars (considerable for 1976) we exceeded the IFHE’s Executives’ expectations and were one of the first Congress hosts to stay within budget and return approximately $40,000 to the IFHE. 

Most of our members hosted 5 to 10 delegates in their homes for dinner to provide a taste of Canadian hospitality.  With military precision, Margaret Ripley organized the feat of grouping individuals from different countries and coordinating transportation to members’ homes.

Miss Isabel Horne of Australia, President of IFHE at the time, was wonderful to work with and as hosts we were determined to prove that we from “the colonies” were capable of meeting and surpassing expectations of the European and American delegates.

Many of us were young professionals at the time. Teamwork initiated friendships and appreciation of one another’s professionalism and skills. 
Many of us remain very active in the Ottawa Home Economics Association to this day.  Forty-seven years later.”

On display at the 90th Anniversary celebrations, Linda had memorabilia from the event including a handful of the registrations with fascinating postage stamps from around the world. Clearly, 1976was an era well-before online registration.

Many thanks to Linda for sharing memories of this special event in the history of Ottawa HEA, making the 90th Year Celebrations even more special.

In addition to chairing the AGM and 90th Year celebrations on June 6th, Elizabeth Lee, P.H.Ec. created an amazing timeline featuring highlights of Ottawa HEA events from 1932 to 2023. She researched minutes to capture the most fascinating details for the 80th year celebration and updated the paper history with the last 10 years for our 90th year.  
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A few highlights that Elizabeth recalls:
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• We had more than 250 members in the 1970's, when there were Home Economists working in the federal government, at Agriculture Canada, Health and Welfare and Fisheries, ODA County Home Economists, many Home Ec. teachers in High schools and middle schools, staff at University of Ottawa and Kemptville College, and one at Ottawa Gas.  (I think the Dietitians had their own group by then)
• Even though we haven't had a president for more than 20 years, we had 8 former presidents in attendance at the 90th anniversary and received messages from 3 more who could not attend.
• Over the years, we've had some interesting projects - the warship in WW2, Dial-a-Dietitian as a Centennial project, fashion shows, bridge parties, rummage sales, hosting the IFHE Congress in 1976 and in more recent years, offering student Awards at Brescia and Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University) and several years of hat making for local charities.
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Ottawa HEA members are forever grateful to Elizabeth for her many contributions to Ottawa HEA and for creating this remarkable and tangible history.