Friday, March 8, 2024 5Brooklin Town Crier International Women's Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognize the achievements and contributions made by women in various fields.The day embraces women from all walks of life, regardless of their backgrounds, professions, or accomplishments. It is fitting then that this year we shine a spotlight on a local school teacher who had an unwavering belief in the potential of the future generations. Terasa Jane Gizelle Fraser began her teaching career in 1957 after graduating from the Ottawa Teacher's College. One of 15 children (two didn't survive), her commitment to education took on a personal touch when her youngest brother became one of her first students. Early jobs She married William Fraser and, in 1959, the couple settled at 56 Mitchell Avenue in Brooklin. William taught at the Ashburn school and supplemented his income by working part-time at the Stokely Van Camp canning factory in Whitby. Meanwhile, Terasa dedicated herself to teaching at various schools in the Durham Region until 1964 when she found her long-term home at St. Leo's Catholic School on North Street. There she took on the role of Acting Principal at the school's opening and played a pivotal role as a primary support for students with special needs. Throughout her teaching career, Terasa's contributions extended beyond the classroom. She was elected to the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) Durham Unit Executive and honoured with the unit's President Award in 1986. She embraced retirement in 1996 but remained connected to her passion by substitute teaching across the Durham region until 1998. In a heartwarming twist, she returned to St. Leo's, now on Watford Street, to take charge of the kindergarten class. Her daughter Lisa Anne mentioned that, during this time, Terasa became the teacher of the children of students she had once taught at the original St. Leo's. She preserved her family's ancestral Metis heritage, tracing her lineage to the union between a French fur trader and an Indigenous woman from the Algonquin nation. She kept this heritage alive through stories and philosophy passed down by her beloved grandmother she called "Mere Mere" and expressed it in poetry and Native-inspired art. Her drawings were shown in the Whitby Art Gallery and in a gallery on Salt Spring Island in B.C. She loved to cook and when celebrating Louis Riel Day, the family dined on traditional French Canadian dishes. Community contributions She was a woman who not only taught by example but also actively contributed to her community. She established Brooklin's first Brownie pack and organized the Brooklin Kinettes, a group of volunteers who served the Brooklin community by hosting and sponsoring events and service projects. Her community involvement extended to organizing Brooklin Spring Fair parades which included judging floats and costumes. Terasa canvassed neighbourhoods, seeking donations for causes close to her heart, including the MS Society of Canada, Diabetes Foundation, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Her compassion for the marginalized was also evident in her fundraising efforts for the St. Francis Leprosy Organization. Terasa Fraser's life was marked by continuous unconditional service, leaving a lasting mark on all who had the privilege to know her. She passed away on August 27, 2020, at the age of 81. An International Women's Day Honour By Jennifer Hudgins THINKING OF SELLING?THINKING OF SELLING? BROKER 289-251-4907 NOT INTENDED TO SOLICIT CLIENTS UNDER CONTRACT. SOME CONDITIONS APPLY. LISTING WITH Johnny Percolides HAS ITS PERKS! WELL MAINTAINED 6 PLEX WALKING DISTANCE TO BEACH TRULY A RARE FIND MLS# X8092136 WE SPEAK REAL ESTATE! • Greek • English• French Johnny Percolides