SCHATZ, Diana Michener - PhD - Died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 24, 2020.
Daughter of The Rt. Hon. Roland Michener and Norah Willis Michener.
Survived by Roy, her loving husband of over 60 years, and children Laura (Cameron Binkley), Joan (Geoffrey Belisle), Roland, and grandchildren DK, Roland, Abbey, Michelle, Delaney and Riley.
Diana began her career as an Assistant Chemist at Toronto General Hospital (TGH) in 1958 after she finished her PhD at the University of Toronto in Biochemistry – in itself a significant accomplishment for the times. She founded and was Director and CEO of The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences, initially known as the Toronto Institute of Medical Technology, for 37 years. Her work has supported the health care of millions of Canadians and set the standard for medical technology education in Canada, China and the Middle East.
Diana not only blazed a trail for healthcare education nationally and globally, but as one of the first female directors of a major educational institution, she also paved the way for women in leadership roles in Canada.
Although Diana cast a wide shadow with her many accomplishments and contributions, to her children she was simply Mom, and to her grandchildren, Nana – a Mom who wielded a chainsaw, could plumb a cottage, and enjoyed playing with power tools perhaps, but still Mom. In addition to having been an amazing role model, she leaves to her children a host of many wonderful memories: fresh-made bear claw at Christmas, early morning trips to St. Lawrence Market with her famous lists, a book and a coffee on the porch at Georgian Bay. She had three children by birth but informally adopted many more along the way. From holidays to Sunday dinner, her table always had room for a few more.
Together with Roy, her husband, partner, and teammate, Diana worked hard to make a difference and improve the world around her. This generosity of spirit, and the many lives touched and impacted by it, will perhaps be her most enduring legacy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, 270 Gladstone Avenue, Toronto when the pandemic is over.
For those who may wish to donate to Diana’s cherished causes, they are St. Anne’s Anglican Church Restoration Fund and the Dr. Diana Schatz Scholarship Fund at The Michener Institute.
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