It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Estelle Klein today - June 17, 2004. Estelle died after a brief battle with cancer.
To all who knew her, Estelle was a true force of nature a very special person with an unbridled passion for experiencing and embracing all that life had to offer music, books, theatre, art and architecture, food, travel, crafts, to name just some of Estelle¹s many interests.
Estelle changed the world of folk music in Canada. As Artistic Director of the Mariposa Folk Festival her innovative approach to programming and organizational ability set a standard that influenced and shaped every major folk festival in Canada. Estelle also brought her unique multidisciplinary approach to programming to her work for the Ontario Science Centre, Harboufront Centre and many other preeminent cultural organizations.
Most recently, she was instrumental in helping to form The ArtsCan Circle, a remarkable organization dedicated to bringing music and a sense of hope to children in some of Canada¹s most remote and distressed Aboriginal communities. She spent her last hours listening to music and reminiscences from many of her closest friends who paid tribute to Estelle at a benefit concert for ArtsCan Circle on May 9th in Toronto.
Her insightful and thoughtful conversations, letters, and emails enriched Estelle¹s friends and family. Her egalitarian approach and deep respect for people of all ages and backgrounds was unwavering. Her strong sense of principle informed everything she did and profoundly influenced those close to her.
Her loss leaves an enormous gap in the lives of our family husband of 54 years Jack, son Paul, daughter in law Joanne, grandchildren Sophie and Joshua, sister and brother in law Pearl and Steve Dacks, and brother in law and sister in law Les and Alice Klein. Estelle also leaves many close friends across Canada, the United States, and in Prince Edward County where Estelle and Jack lived for the last 14 years.
We wish to thank staff at the hospitals in Belleville, Picton, and Kingston for showing such kindness and respect to Estelle during the course of her illness.
Donations in Estelle¹s memory may be made to The ArtsCan Circle (cheques payable to: The Agora Foundation in Trust for The ArtsCan Circle), 1360 Lakeshore Road, Sarnia, Ontario, N7S 2M1.
A memorial event celebrating Estelle's life will be announced at a later date.