We are sad to announce the passing of long-time Editors Toronto member Francess Halpenny. Francess died in Toronto on Monday, December 25, 2017, at the age of 98. She was made an honorary life member of the association in 1988 in recognition of her contributions to the profession.
From 1969 to 1988, Francess was general editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. She spent much of her career at the University of Toronto, first joining University of Toronto Press (UTP) as an editor in 1941. She went on to hold leadership positions at the university, serving as Dean of the Faculty of Library Science (now the Faculty of Information) from 1972 to 1978, and associate director (academic) of UTP from 1979 to 1984.
Francess was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1979 and Companion in 1984.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 26, in Toronto.
Friends and colleagues are invited to leave condolences on Francess’s memorial page.