Obituary

Toyich, Boyanna, University of Toronto, Faculty of Music teacher.  On June 19, 2019, with her beloved sister Lilian and brother-in-law, Wolfgang Skeries, by her side, Boyanna passed away at the age of 70.  The daughter of the late Miodrag and Vida Toyich and sister Lilian Toyich, Boyanna was born in a German war camp and raised in Sudbury, Ontario.  At age 14 she was the youngest person in Canada to get her ARCT diploma and graduated from the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto.  She was a piano teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto and then the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, for over 40 years.  She was the founder and CEO of her non-profit organization, Toyich International Projects (TIP), dedicated to promoting music education.  Teaching was her passion and she was devoted to her students.  She enjoyed travelling to Rome, Italy with her sister and best friend, Lilian, and her enthusiasm and love of music inspired everyone.

Visitation will take place at the Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst Street, on Sunday, June 23, 2019, from 2 – 4 PM.  The funeral service will also be at Cardinal Funeral Home on Monday, June 24, 2019, at 11 AM, followed by internment and a period of refreshments and fellowship at the York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road, North York.

Visitation

Date
June 23, 2019
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Service

Date
June 24, 2019
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst
Time
11:00 AM

Burial

Date
June 24, 2019
Location
York Cemetery
Time
12:30 PM
Memo

Arrival Time is Approximate

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October 12, 2022
Gayle Brown-Hutchins
It is with sadness that I have heard of Botaana's passing. She was always a bright star who would lift your spirits whenever needed. She always had a smile & a cheery word. My sincere condolences to her family. "May Light Perpetual Shine"
July 26, 2022
Leona Cavotti E
I was shocked to hear of her passing. I was also fortunate enough to be one of her many thankful and devoted students. Her gentle yet persuasive guidance moved me to become her protege and become her first student to get my ARCT in piano performance. If not for her I’m sure I never would have achieved that goal in my life. It’s been many years since I have spoken with her yet I will never forget what an incredible part she played in my life. God bless you and may you rest in eternal peace. You changed my life all for the better. I will always miss you.
March 04, 2020
Karl Fraser
Very sorry to hear of Boyanna's passing. She was an inspiring teacher who gave this Jamaican confidence as a performer. Very fondly remembered for our deep conversations during lessons. May she rest in peace.
June 24, 2019
Leslie and Barbara Kinton
Barbara and I are so sad to hear of Boyanna's passing, and we send our love and condolences to Lillian, Wolfgang and the rest of her family. I first met Boyanna when I was a naive 15 year old piano student, and she took it upon herself to take me under her wing, and help me adjust to music school life. I have never forgotten her compassion and empathy, and we have been friends ever since, going on 55 years! She made such a positive difference to so many lives. Barbara and I wanted to be there today, but circumstances have made this not possible. Again, our love goes out to the family
June 21, 2019
Rosa Mirijello-Haynes
I am so saddened to hear of Boyanna's passing. She was my piano instructor but really so much more than that! The first time I met her, she was adjudicating at a music festival in Toronto that I was in. Her sunny disposition was so different than any others I had met adjudicating before. It was striking how positive she was with all her comments and examples. I was determined to be part of her studio! Finally the time came when I entered UofT. I was thrilled that she was on the faculty and signed myself up to study with her while pursuing my degree. She celebrated you and helped you through your difficulties too. Some of my best piano RX for my own piano students, still come from my lessons with Boyanna. She was full of great helpful keyboard remedies that really worked to make your playing better. My deepest condolences to Lillian, Boyanna's family and close friends. Rosa Mirijello-Haynes
June 21, 2019
Barbara Byczko
Dear Lillian and Wolfgang, please accept my sincerest condolences and prayers for your loss. Boyanna was a pivotal figure in my life and I will miss her dearly. We kept in touch over the years and she was always in my heart. She was a kind, gentle soul and fiercely protective of the ones she loved. She taught me many things that will remain with me forever. I love you, Boyanna! May the Lord rest your soul in peace.
June 21, 2019
Jane Fitzgerald
I was so sad to hear of your sisters passing. I remember Lillian and Boyanna as the most devoted of sisters. Sincere condolences.
June 21, 2019
Jelena Cingara
I am deeply saddened by this news! Boyanna was my piano teacher for 6 years at U of Toronto, and I will always remember her kindness, positive attitude, and her support on my musical path. I heard this sad news just before I was about to perform a concert tonight! All my condolences go to her sister Lillian Toyich! I wonder what happened she wasn't that old! God bless her soul:(
June 20, 2019
Amy Valyear
Boyanna was my piano teacher at UofT. She was a huge inspiration to me. She was so positive and supportive. I also performed in her Monster Concerts. I'm now a piano teacher and I often hear her voice as I try to pass on the knowledge she gave me to my students.