Louise Bockner

We have lost a treasure. A beautiful soul gone way too soon. So full of life, intellect, wit, grace, compassion, Gone but never forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to Howard, Elaine, Sandy and all those who loved and admired her. One of my very favorite people. I am grateful that I was able to know her. I will miss her but take comfort in the knowledge that her suffering has passed and she in blissful heaven, an angel among angels. Her memory will always inspire us.

Dear Howard and Elaine. I was heartbroken from the news of the passing of Louise. (ז”ל). she was a good person and the memory of our brief times together will be engraved in my heat forever and a day.

Dear Howard and Elaine, we are so sorry to hear about this sad news and we send your our love and heartfelt condolences. Whenever we had the pleasure of spending time with Louise at your cottage or other times, we always talked about how nice she was and judging by the messages that others have left, you can see how very special she was to many people. We are thinking of you in these difficult times.

So sorry to hear of Louise’s passing. A beautiful woman and a beautiful person. Taube and Herb Samuels

Dear Howard, Elaine and Sandy... It is with tremendous emotion that I write this tribute to my dearest and oldest friend Louise. We became friends in the early 1950’s when we lived across the street from each other at Dewbourne and Peveril Hill. She was a year older than me and we became thicker than thieves. It wasn’t long before we were standing on the street corner yelling BUM spells bum at all the cars passing by.. Thinking that was so risqué and doubling over with laughter. Whenever Howard would have his friends over for a get together we would always offer to take the refreshments to the basement and eating 1/2 a bowl of chips on the way down, saying “oh my, we touched it I guess we have to eat it now” We never lost touch and have remained steadfast friends for 70 years.. My mother , Betty, Louise and I would meet regularly to celebrate each other’s birthdays and various special occasions. After Betty passed away, Louise would come to Toronto on a regular basis to continue this tradition taking special care to always treat my mother like a queen. Here phone calls to my mother were always a highlight for her right up until she passed away last May. There are no words to adequately describe what a joy and honor it has been in my life to have had this unique and treasured bond with my outstanding friend. We were communicating up until last week and I knew the end was near...it doesn’t make it any easier or less painful to have known in advance.. I will forever treasure the friendship we had and Louise will remain in my heart forever..

I worked with Louise for many years, particularly in International Education. She was such a great person and the partners and friends in different countries enjoyed her wit, collegiality and caring. She continued to care for the many international students who made Mohawk College their home. Louise made a difference in many people's lives both personally and professionally. She continued to provide care to students at York Institute, a private college in Toronto,. She will indeed be missed!

Dear Howard, Elaine, Aaron and Sandy, We are so very sorry to hear about Louise. I have so many fond memories of many Passovers at Auntie Betty & Uncle Mickey’s home where I was so honoured as a little girl to be asked to join Louise in opening the door for Eliyahu. We left the table full of food and prayer and walked the long checkered hallway together chatting all the way. As she opened the very heavy door to the outside, I can still remember the squeak of the screen door and the cool rush of air. Her kind and gorgeous eyes kept focused on our conversation (of course making sure to scan the street for Eliyahu), and her quick wit unfolded as I got old enough to understand more about the world. We were always so enthralled chatting that we had to be called back to the table (sometimes pretending not to hear/heed the first call), where we made sure to walk slowly back -first only her heels clicking on the checkered floor, then, as I got old enough to wear heels also, ours both in unison clicking and chatting back to the table. I cherish those moments we took together and spoke of Louise to my daughters this past Passover about the tradition of walking to the door and what “big girls” they were to join it. I will forever think of her each Passover as the cool wind rushes in and hope I can make them feel as special as Louise made me feel. Heaven gained a great soul today. I like to think that she will be greeted by Eliyahu opening a great big door. Love, Adrienne, Oren, Ezra, Jazmin and Gizelle Katz

Dearest Howard ,Elaine ,Aaron and Sandy. Michael and I are so sorry for your profound loss of Louise and for your tremendous sorrow. My recollections of Louise is as young cousins sharing giggles whenever she came to Montreal to visit your grandparents and family. Louise was so beautiful with compelling eyes and an enchanting smile. When we moved to Toronto your parents and family welcomed us all and opened home and hearts. We belonged. Jason and Adrienne felt at home at the cottage and at 25 Berkindale. All of us so enjoyed the many warm and wonderful holidays and dinners and parties together. May you all find peace and comfort, memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the family and friendships of those who share your loss. May Louise’s memory be a blessing .love Deanna and Michael

Louise Bockner was more that just my first cousin. She was a very special person. She was a font of knowledge-academic, historical, entertainment trivia [TV, movies and music (especially gospel)] and, especially, familial ! She was open and easy to talk to and be talked to, knowing she was always listening and actually cared about what you had to say. I will miss the visits both my sister and me made two or three times a year to Louise's home in Stoney Creek, where there was always good food and good conversation to be had, as well as the little trips we made to Louise's favourite eateries. I will miss her talks about, the souvenirs she brought back from and the photos she took of all the different places around the world she visited-for work (in China) and for pleasure-with and without her best friend Sandy. Most of all I am going to remember her as both a wonderful and fascinating person to have known and been with, her genuine niceness and ever-present smile and sense of humour (she even laughed at my puns)!!! To put it all in a nutshell, all I can say is, unequivocally, she will be sorely missed by me and leaves a hole in my life that will never be filled. Feelings and thoughts that, I'm sure, have been and will be echoed by all family and friends who were lucky enough to have known her!!! Finally, my thoughts go out to you both, Howard and Elaine, for the loss of your beloved sister/sister-in-law. My sincere thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to you both. Louise will never be forgotten!!!

Dear Howard & Elaine please accept my sincerest condolences. I worked with Louise at Mohawk College for many years and we had remained friends after she retired. We shared many good times together. Thankfully i have great memories that I can cherish. Iwill miss her terribly. She was not only smart but was a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. She had a special way with people and will be missed by many. She left us too soon. But we can be thankful she is at peace now. God rest her soul.

Our heartfelt condolences, Aunt Sandy, on the loss of your soul sister, to Juli on the loss of your Lule, to Howard and Elaine on the loss of your dear sister and sister-in-law, and to Louise's other family members and friends. May your wonderful memories of such a beautiful person bring you comfort as you grieve.

It came as a shock to me! So sad ! Louise was so helpful to all. Personally, I am grateful to her for understanding the details of the Continuing Ed. operation. She also helped my wife during the admission of my wife, Aditi, to the Educational Assistant program. I pray for the peace of her soul.

Dear Howard and Elaine, I am so very sorry to learn of Louise's passing. On the few occasions when we had a chance to talk, Louise was so kind and gracious. A truly authentic lady. Sending you much comfort and strength. Cathy (Hirsch) Davis xo

Dear Howard and Elaine, Words cannot express my sadness on learning of Louise's passing. Over the years we established of a very special bond, and were in touch on a regular basis. One of my regrets is not to have seen her more recently. My sincere condolences to the Family. May her memory be a blessing to all.

Mohawk College friend and colleague for half a century, you leave us diminished, but with memories of friendship, and the example of your determination to overcome obstacles and succeed.

My sincere condolences to Louise's family as well as Sandy. Louise was a great friend, I'll miss her & our lunches

To Howard, Elaine, Sandy and all family and friends who loved Louise, Words do not suffice to express the heartbreak that we all feel for her passing, but please accept my deepest condolences. It was my privilege to meet Louise over 45 years ago when she began her career at Mohawk College as a faculty member teaching in both the Child and Youth Worker and Social Service Worker Programs. And what a remarkable career and impact she had on students and learning! Whether as a popular teacher, an innovative Chair or as a resourceful Dean, Louise impressed all with her competence, hard work and engaging manner. So successful she was in managing a diverse number of programs in Applied and Creative Arts, Business and later in International Education, the college just kept giving her more responsibilities to the point that she was referred to as the “Dean of Everything”. Louise handled it all with commitment and humour. I am grateful that our working relationship over the years developed into a close friendship after retirement as we bonded over a shared love of Chinese culture, good food and clever song parodies. Louise will be terribly missed. She was so loved by all and will be cherished in our memories forever.

Howard, Elaine and Sandy, My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family and friends of Louise. It is so sad to see that Louise has passed away so young. I have many fond memories of working with Louise at Mohawk College. She was so hard working and committed to her role. During the time I reported to Louise, she was always thoughtful and kind. She was a great mentor for me. She had a wonderful sense of humour and there was always time to have a laugh. I wish you peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.

My sincere condolences to Louise's family, friends and work colleagues on the loss of this amazing lady. Louise was simply the best!

As a former boss and colleague at Mohawk College in Hamilton, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Louise Bockner. Even though we both left the college many years ago, we have still remained in touch, to share lunch now and then. Louise was the most remarkable person and she was always ready to take on the most difficult assignment, and resolve problems between people. She will be greatly missed.

My heartfelt sympathy to Louise’s family and friends. I remember Louise’s grace, warmth, listening ear and generosity, in time, to me as a newbie instructor coming into Mohawk College’s Continuing Education department in 1986. May her soul Rest In Peace.

Dear Howard and Elaine I am so very saddened to receive your message about Louise passing away. So hard to fathom. So much beautiful family history together to remember and cherish Louise was indeed a shining star throughout her life. We contacted each other on occasion and without fail on each other’s birthdays; the last being a lovely reply to me on her birthday.. December 31st. My deepest sympathy to you both and family. My thoughts are with you during this most difficult time Howard, thank you for calling me...I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness Please keep well and safe With love, Carol

Shock, sadness and disbelief that Louise has left us. We met when we both worked at Mohawk College in the 1980's. She called me "Mer"; I called her "Lou". As colleagues, we shared a deep commitment to programming excellence and student success. As friends, we adored great food and wine, art and music, fast black cars, and irreverent gossip! Post Mohawk, we kept in touch. My husband David Riggs, our dear Mohawk colleague Gaye Yachetti, and I were always thrilled to send time with Lou and hear about her latest international adventures. Smart, funny, endlessly talented, always up for a new challenge and, to paraphrase T. S. Eliot, never 'ceasing from exploration' -- we'll never forget you, Lou, and we cherish your memory. We send our sincerest condolences to your family and dear friends. Mary Hofstetter and David Riggs

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Louise’s death. She was a colleague at Mohawk College, greatly admired for her wit, kindness, intelligence and management skills. A role model for many. All my sympathy to Sandy, family, friends and colleagues.

My prayers are with Louise's family. What a wonderful person. Louise was immensely "giving" of herself to her Mohawk colleagues. Always calm, always thoughtful in her discussions, and so genuine. May Louise rest in peace.

I met Louise at Mohawk College. She was a lovely woman to talk with, and over the years she was very supportive of my educational goals and was, in fact, the person who launched my passion for taking courses. I missed her when she left the college, and I will miss her all the more now.

My condolences to the Bockner family. Louise was a colleague and friend. We worked on projects together and I frequently sought out her advice. She will surely be missed. Alvin Gallay

For Howard, Elaine, family and friends....With gracious regard for your loss as we honour and remember Louise with love. We shared a heart space with Louise at Mohawk College. She embraced us each day with her respect, warmth, humour, sincerity, caring and kindness. Thank you for sharing Louise with us ….I am going to miss her. May your heart gently lead you where it most wants to go in remembering Louise.

Louise was a wonderful, caring friend. We shared many happy hours together. She will live on forever in our hearts & in our memories.

Howard, Elaine, Sandy and families, my most sincere condolences on the passing of Louise. I can't begin to imagine the heartache you must all be experiencing. My friendship with Louise started the first day I met her, that's just how she was. I was an chair of a department with many International Students, and enjoyed receiving visits from dignitaries of other countries to Mohawk College. This inevitably meant going somewhere for lunch, which was always an interesting, often humorous event. Lunch would be followed by long, drawn-out meetings through an interpreter, and that's where Louise's professionalism shone. She knew her business very well, and was always doing the best she could for Mohawk. After retirement, we continued our friendship with long walks often ending somewhere for coffee or lunch. The best was after she had been on a trip with Sandy, her precious friend. We would go through all the pictures and I got to relive the adventure through her wonderful story telling. Her eyes would light up and I felt that I was part of the trip. Louise was a vibrant, classy lady, and I have been enriched by having been able to call her my friend. I will miss her deeply.

Dear Howard, Elaine and Sandy I really loved Louise and knowing that you were there through all her difficult times, was a comfort. Now, is the time for you to take care of yourselves, because that is what She would have wanted.

Mohawk College is saddened to hear of the recent passing of one of our retirees, Louise Bockner. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. In deepest sympathy, Ron McKerlie, President & CEO, Mohawk College

Dear Howard and family, We were very saddened to hear of Louise’s passing. Fond memories of holiday dinners at your parents home with you and Louise. Your parents were warm and genuine people. The Apple does not fall far from the tree! May your memories bring solace to you and your family. Annette and Sherwin Shapiro

Dear Howard, It is with surprise and regret that I learned of Louise's passing. As you know, born 3 weeks apart, we were close friends until our mid teens, spending summers together in the same cabin. Then we lost touch. I am glad to read about how professionally accomplished she became, the high esteem in which she was held, as well as the joy she provided to others. Her life appears to have been rich and full. I'm sorry it ended so soon. My sincerest condolences to those who loved her.

Just found this out when i googled her. Shocked !!Lousie was my teacher for child and youth work from 1978 to 1980. She was one of those rare imdividuals who did not just instruct you in curriculum but touched u in a way that made you feel better about yourself. Remembered fondly.

Just learned from google with shocking. I was Louise's partner/friend on developing International education projects in China. So many trips, so many meetings, so many memories... Louise, we achieved a lot of things together. Chunqing will miss you.