Ms. Pippa Shaddick

In Memoriam: 
A Tribute to Pippa Shaddick, 
Member, The Linden School Board of Trustees 2011–2015 By Kimberley Noble Pippa served on The Linden School Board for a three-year term that was interrupted by a leave of absence to care for her much-beloved husband Victor and steer a new career path that led her to the AGO. Her work was bookended by enormous contributions to the mission of the school, as well as to the fun of the board meetings. Pippa was recommended to the Linden Board by Farida Sheralam in May 2011 as “a potential Board member who has an extensive background in development and fundraising in the not-for-profit sector.” Farida saw that Pippa was a natural fit for The Linden School. A staunch feminist who was so proud of her daughter, she shared all of the values embodied by Linden: a deep love for social justice, equity, diversity, and intersectional thinking. "I first met Pippa while working at the Arthritis Society.” Farida recalled this week. "She stood out as the one person you could always count upon when you needed help or advice with just about anything. Generous to the core, she was a gifted teacher, inspiring others with her work ethic, knowledge, and sense of care. She was also someone you could count on for a good laugh—our delightful banter ranks high in my memory of her.” Usually, it can take months of conversations and meetings for a potential board member to get a sense of what she or he is getting into, but Pippa was the exception. The Board of Trustees met her in May and by June she was on the Board, looking for things to do. The Board quickly discovered that Pippa brought a wealth of knowledge and ideas about fundraising—and, more than fundraising, about people. She was energetic and cheerful and full of life and enthusiasm for any task, no matter how small or daunting. True to her nature, she immediately stepped up and offered to do as much work as the Board would provide. Pippa and Ottie Lockey put their heads together that summer and early fall. Together, they spearheaded an elegant fund and profile-raising event at Nightwood Theatre, a special performance of Margaret Atwood’s play The Penelopiad, directed by Kelly Thornton and starring Megan Follows in the reimagined mythical tale of a witty and complex Penelope—followed by a high tea at the theatre and a Q&A with Ms. Follows. Pippa was also a pillar of strength and patience during some of the school’s more challenging times a few years later, again stepping up and taking on tasks that required a large amount of diplomacy as well as her ever-present sense of compassion and humour. She was instrumental in working with the Linden Board during the period in which we restructured the fundraising mandate and found our wonderful new principal, and we were very sorry to see Pippa go when her family and her fortunate co-workers at the AGO needed her time and effort. “We all know that women are under-represented in boardrooms across this country, but women of colour are even fewer in numbers. Our boards need more women like Pippa who can bring a breath of fresh air and much-needed energy to positions of power. Who can roll up their sleeves and get actual work done,” Farida said about Pippa's legacy and one of the many ways in which she improved and inspired the work of the Linden board.. Indeed, The Linden School is enormously indebted to Pippa Shaddick for her contributions. Her vibrant presence will always be felt and remembered, and her contribution to the mission carried on through an annual in-memoriam scholarship we plan to establish in her honour at our school.

Dearest Victor and Lily, I am deeply sorry. I last had dinner with Pippa on December 8. I spoke to her over the phone in January and we laughed, her infectious, wonderful sense of humour always tugged at my heart. Lily, your mom loved you more than anything in the world. She was always telling me stories about your latest adventures. Victor, from the first time I met Pippa I heard "Victor this and Victor that!" She was deeply in love with you. Pippa, I'm gonna miss you. I'm breathless by this news. Take care dear friend. May we meet again one day. Love.

I have dear memories of working with Pippa at Skills for Change. She was fun, funny, oh so smart, and full of Lily stories. I am very sad to hear of her passing. Much metta to her family.

We ache for you and hope that in due time your family receives God’s peace that excels all thought, so that it will guard your hearts and your mental powers. God is called the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation. And so, trust that he cares for us and he would never bring us pain. A soothing scripture we like is Psalm 34:18 “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” He promised that in the Paradise, we will have the prospect of enjoying life without end, free from all problems. Even our dead loved ones like Pippa will be resurrected. (Psalm 37:9, 29; Revelation 21:4) Until then, may you lean on God to give you the strength you need in the days ahead.

Oh Pippa. Why did he have to call you up so soon? I don't understand why some people are taken from our lives before others. It doesn't make sense and is unfair to those that are left behind. My memories of Pippa date back to BCS. She always had a smile on her face and that laugh, oh that laugh. My heart goes out to the entire family. Maggie, Duncan,Tricia, Anne, Liz, Bob, Andrew. Also to Victor, and Lily. I am so sorry for this loss and she will always remain in my thoughts for many years to come. God Bless.

As friend & neighbour to Pippa's sister Trish it was with shock that I heard of Pippa's sudden passing. Our thoughts and condolences to Trish, Dylan & Jack, to all the Shaddick family and to her husband Victor and daughter Lily..with love..Sue, Eric & Kevan

Dearest darling Pippa, taken much too soon. She was my colleague and a good friend for many years. My deepest condolences to Victor, Lily and the Shaddick family. Pippa was beautiful — inside and out.

Pippa was a fine colleague at Skills for Change and a dear friend to my sister, Cathy. Pippa generously included me in her circle. She was fun and positive, yet also thoughtful. I am thinking of you, her family members, at this very difficult time.

To all members of Pippa's family, I was a colleague of Pippa during the time she worked at Access Alliance and am so, so sorry to hear this sad news, my thoughts are with you. Wishing you strength at this time and may it comfort you to know that there are many who care and share in the loss.

My condolences to Victor and Lily and the rest of the family.I know that what you are going through right now is very difficult, I am truly sorry for your loss.

To all members of the Shaddick family, we were shocked to hear of the untimely passing of Pippa. My wife and I last met her at Duncan's 90th Birthday in Place Kensington, Westmount. Pippa was well and in good form then. We learned the sad news yesterday during a visit to see Duncan. Please accept our sincere wishes and condolences at this difficult time for all concerned.

I was shocked to hear about the death of Pippa. My deepest sympathies to you Victor and Lily, and her sisters and brother and their families. I have some joyous memories of her.

My deepest condolences to the Shaddick Family, losing those we love is the hardest thing we have to experience. May you continue to find comfort in beautiful memories and Jesus promise "...the hour is coming where all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out...john 5:28, 29

It was a great pleasure to speak to Pippa at the beginning of the month, and to have lunch with Victor when they visited Maggie and Duncan in Montreal. Our love and our sympathies to Victor and Lily in particular, and to all the Shaddick family.

To Trish, Anne, Andrew and the rest of the Shaddick family, our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Janis, Jim, Tyler, Elise and Richard

My deepest condolences. Pippa was a kind and caring colleague. I have many pleasant memories of our time together working at the AGO.

My deepest sympathies to first and foremost, Victor and Lily, her parents and siblings. I will miss Pippa's friendship and her thoughtful ways.

To all of Pippa's family, our sincere condolences to all, may she rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Pippa. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Phil, Debbie, Adam and Dawson Queen

Such a shocking tragedy! Our deepest sympathy to Victor and Lily and all the Shaddick family. Chantal Montreuil and Andrew Macdougall

Dear Anne and Family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Pippa. Our hearts are heavy for you. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Our sincerest condolences.

As we share your grief, please accept our deepest sympathy. You are all in our prayers. May Pippa's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Victor and Lily, Margie and Duncan, Bob, Liz, Anne and Andrew and your families. Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved Pippa. We are saddened and send you sincere condolences. Love and thoughts Susan Murwin Alexandra Joan Wilhelm Max George Wilhelm