Obituary
On July 14, Louise passed away suddenly but peacefully in the arms of her husband of 40 years, Alistair Macrae, following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Only daughter of the late Ted (Tadeusz) Wrazen and the late Janet Wrazen (née Sidorkewicz); loving mother of Michael and Emily Macrae; she will be mourned by her beloved in-laws Jane Hamer (David), Robbie Macrae (Naoko) and Martha Macrae and by colleagues and students at York University, where she was an associate professor in the Department of Music.
Shortly before her death, Louise, who was a life-long member of the Roman Catholic Church, recited the Name and Title Amitabha Buddha with her Buddhist son, who hopes that his mother’s meritorious deeds of body, speech, and mind will ensure that she has a good rebirth and will benefit others long after her death. In Michael’s words, his mother was a tireless encourager of and advocate for her children.
On July 28, following her cremation, all those who knew Louise are invited to attend a visitation at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst Street, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
At 10:00 a.m. on July 29, a Mass in Louise’s honour will be held at Toronto’s Blessed Sacrament Church, near Yonge Street and Lawrence Avenue West. A reception in the church basement will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be sent to www.cardinalfuneralhomes.com
Visitation
Date
July 28, 2023
July 28, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
July 28, 2023
July 28, 2023
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Cardinal Funeral Homes-Bathurst
Time
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Service
Date
July 29, 2023
July 29, 2023
Location
Blessed Sacrement
Blessed Sacrement
Time
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Cremation
July 28, 2023
Dear Alistair, Michael, and Emily, I met Louise the day she moved into Campus Co-op on Huron Street at the beginning of her undergraduate studies. At the time I was a graduate student and was part of the group at Co-op welcoming new residents. Louise's parents, who brought her to Co-op, were obviously more than a little apprehensive about leaving Louise to make her way amid quite a number of enthusiastic members of the counter-culture of the time, half a block from the infamous Rochdale College. Louise got on great with everyone. As others have noted, she had a calm warm voice and a wonderful smile. She sometimes entertained us all when she played the battered upright piano, with gusto as well as skill. Many years later our paths briefly crossed at Holland-Bloorview--where I am pretty sure I met you, Michael--and at York University at an elementary school track meet where my son was participating Louise was looking after a group of young children (from St. Ann's School?). What struck me each time was the interest she took--a real interest--in others and her easy warmth. I also remember how well she got on with the children in her charge. I am sorry for your great loss. Louise life was a blessing that I'm sure will not end.
July 27, 2023
Dear Alistair, Michael, and Emily –
Though you will likely not remember me, I wanted to express my sorrow at learning of Louise’s passing. I gave birth to our daughter, Sarah, at Women’s College Hospital just around the same time Louise had the two of you, Emily and Michael. I remember Louise at the NICU unit, singing and talking to each of you in her lovely, gentle voice. We shared stories, worries, and dreams for the future for all of you back then. There were a few birthday parties and picnics when you were young children, and I remember Louise as an attentive and engaged parent, always advocating for you and doing all she could to ensure that you lived your best lives.
My husband, Wolf, and I were stricken when we saw the notice of her passing; please accept our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
July 27, 2023
A friend like no other, Louise and I shared the day to day over decades, the highs, the lows and the in-between. We were childhood friends, farm kids from tobacco country in southern Ontario, and often found ourselves fondly recalling events with our families and the wider Polish community in whose midst we grew up.
After her parents passed, lovingly respectful of them and the traditions conveyed to her, Louise invited me and my partner Lew to join her family on the occasion most dear to her heart - Polish Christmas celebrated on December 24, wigilia - a ritual feast featuring recipes from her mother, grandmother and her aunts. It was a grand event that took us two full days to prepare. And consistent with her valuing cultural touchstones, when Hanukah coincided with Christmas, we lit menorah candles.
Alistair, Emily and Michael, I join you in your loss. Louise, I will miss you - your unfailing support and encouragement, your generosity of spirit, and the positivity you shared that sustained you to your last days.
July 26, 2023
Dear Michael and Emily,
Carolyn and I were very sorry to read about your mother’s death. She was one of our favourite JRR moms.
July 26, 2023
Dear Alastair, Emily and Michael,
It is with a sad heart that I write this note. Although we did not see each other over the years, we stayed connected with Xmas cards and notes. I have so many fond memories of our days together in high school. I loved going over to Louise's parents' place and listening to her hear play piano. Lousie was such a kind soul - always calm and generous and always seeing the bright side of things. I was so happy i was able to see her a couple weeks ago. May all the wonderful memories that you have keep you comforted.
July 25, 2023
The Baka family's hearts ache at the loss of dear Louise, with whom we had such a long history with her and her equally lovely parents going back to Burford days. She will always be remembered as a gentle soul with such generosity of spirit and incredible inner strength who gave so selflessly to her family and with such love. I am forever grateful to have visited her one week before she left us and will never forget the last laugh and selfie we took and shared, along with our mutual friend, Barb M. Even in that last hug and exchange of love, she never uttered a word about her declining state, nor shed a tear for herself. So Louise...
Alastair, Emily and Michael....may the good memories of your special wife and mother and the heartfelt tributes help ease the pain of her loss.
July 25, 2023
I was a student of Dr. Louise Wrazen. She taught one of the courses I took as a music student at York. I can say she truly loved what she did and I’m grateful to have met her and been inspired by her passion. I recall she provided students with an opportunity to view an opera. Where I come from this was such a grand opportunity for me and one that I’m grateful for taking. She will be missed! My condolences to her family.
July 24, 2023
Remembering such special moments with Louise, chatting briefly as we passed one another in the halls of the Accolade building at York. As others have remarked, she always shared a warmth and interest as she engaged in conversation despite the challenges she faced and concerns she carried as Chair of the Music Department. But it was those moments when we shared how, as mothers of twins, we gratefully accepted the blessings and the predicaments of juggling our academic and family life. The radiance of her beautiful smile and her gentle words of wisdom and encouragement will remain with me always.
July 24, 2023
Recently, I lost a kind and gentle soul who inspired me in so many ways. Her artistic and musical talent as well as her kindness touched my heart. Her bravery and faith during her illness moved me. Rest with the Angels, Louise! Love you forever. Your cousin, Lynne Yeates
July 24, 2023
Louise Wrazen was a gift to all those who interacted with her as she conveyed a sense of quiet joy and warmth that reached out to you and touched a deep core within.
