Fran Deacon, wife of our founder and champion of Toronto Foundation, recently passed away. She’s been a force for so long that it’s hard to imagine her gone, but hers is indeed a life to be celebrated and emulated.
A life-long volunteer, Fran believed that giving back was everyone's obligation. She liked to say (and we wholeheartedly agreed) that: "It's time for Rosedale to cross the street." The idea that connecting people from different areas and different backgrounds can improve the city was always the Deacons’ driving force—and Fran walked the talk. When we think about our social capital work today, it’s amazing how that same principle continues to drive us.
Fran was 102 years old when she died at the end of November. Back in 2015 we recognized her with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, also creating a video to capture her passion for community. We hope you’ll take two minutes to be inspired by Fran.
Donations can be made to the Frances and Fraser Deacon Legacy Fund.