Obituary
The passing of Michele Hornby is a loss to the world. Born in Chatham, Ontario to John Robert and Gilda Hornby (sister to Robert (Bob) and Carol), Michele loved to write and had a vibrant imagination. She moved to Montreal to explore the bounds of her creativity and found a love for the people and the culture. Her move to Toronto saw Michele start a family and build her career both in the arts and social services. She was dedicated to all with whom she worked and loved her family deeply.
Michele loved books, poetry and a good cup of coffee. She loved to people watch and was a loyal friend. Michele's creative side fuelled by her love of the arts, saw her earn a Canada Council Grant for a book of photography and led to her work with many in the Toronto art scene. Throughout her life, she continued to write and be immersed in the arts. Michele is survived by her daughter Alexandra and her family.
She was loved and will be missed.
One of Michele's wishes upon her passing, was to have the following poem shared in remembrance of her:
Splendour In The Grass
by William Wordsworth
What though the radiance
Which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass,
Of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
In memory of Michele, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, The Chatham-Kent Women’s Shelter or the University Health Network.
Visitation
Service
Burial / Entombment / Cremation
July 16, 2024
I fondly remember walking to school with Michele and my sister all through grade 12(grade 10 for them, circa 1968) and sharing slides of a year long trip through Europe in 1979 with her and a boyfriend (they didn't yawn once). A lovely, funny, artsy, erudite soul. May her memory grace the daydreams of wondrous times and youthful delight.
