Long time North York member and Member of North York Council Eva Lipa

Eva Lipa was an amazing lady who was a strong advocate for the Community Living movement. She first became involved with Community Living Toronto in the early 1980s when her daughter Christine entered our services. Eva, along with her husband, Michael, became Association members in 1985. After the Association regionalized, both of them became volunteers and then members of Regional Council contributing in numerous ways.

I first met Eva in 2005 when I became part of the North York Community Support team as the membership coordinator. I clearly remember meeting Eva and Michael at the first Council meeting that I had organized. I was nervous about the meeting running well. At the end of the meeting, a few of the members provided me with feedback about how the meeting was organized. I believe that the feedback was meant to be helpful but as someone new to the job it just sounded critical. In response to this, Eva and Michael leaned towards me at the table and told me not to listen to those Council members; they both thought I did a good job of organizing the meeting. Sadly, Michael passed away a few months later. However, I knew I had an ally in Eva and could count on her to provide guidance if I needed it.

Eva provided a lot of input into Council sponsored initiatives and hands on support organizing events hosted by Council. She was quick to help with the annual  holiday event Council hosted each December to thank staff and volunteers for their hard work. Eva enjoyed these events as she felt it was important for Council to express their appreciation to staff and volunteers in a face to face format.

Eva often voiced her opinion at Council meetings on matters she thought were important to take to our Board of Directors. She took her role as representative for regional members very seriously. Eva was also one of the first to support any new regional initiatives that were brought forward to Council for funding support for various social recreational programs.

Eva was a generous donor as well as a volunteer and advocate. During the time when Christine was living in one of our residences, Eva would provide treats for the residential holiday party. The party was always attended by the entire Lipa family. She often brought in treats throughout the year to the residents and to occasionally  take program participants and staff out  for dinner.

On a more personal level, Eva and I often engaged in conversations where we shared our personal experiences. She often spoke about her children, grandchildren and their family vacation properties. Eva always spoke of everything in a positive and up beat manner. I am going to miss our conversations, her laughter and her wise ways of looking at the world. I hope that her family and friends will find comfort in sharing their many memories of Eva.