Dear Gracie and Shane,
Tanja will be so missed by so many of us, but by you especially. As a colleague and a friend, I knew Tanja as a terrific person. Her wonderful intellect was only surpassed by her kind and caring personality. She gave so much to so many. Her joy and laughter was always present. Her passing is a loss to so many and those of us in the library community will feel it greatly.

I am so sorry to hear about Tanja Harrison's passing. While I didn’t know her personally, it’s clear she was an incredible person who made a profound impact both professionally and personally. Her contributions to academic librarianship and her passion for education are truly inspiring. My condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth and energy. May her memory live on through the many lives she touched.

Her story of cancer has been shared by many on Facebook and we hope things will change for women who are denied secondary screening. So very sad.

Tanja was my supervisor at NSCAD in my first role as a librarian (2011-2012). I was so privileged to have had her as a mentor as I found my way -- even though I'll never forget that she left me there as the sole librarian as she took her role at Mount St. Vincent! I had such a blast with her at the APLA conference that year, dancing the night away with all our librarian colleagues. I knew her during this time very briefly, but have thought of her often and am thankful that she took a chance on me as a new grad. I've been a librarian at Emily Carr University of Art and Design for 12 years now and really owe it all to her and the experience I had at NSCAD. Condolences to her family. She was a bright light and will be sorely missed.

Shane,
This is such tragic news. I cannot imagine how devastating this must be; my thoughts and prayers  are with you at this time.
Be sure to know, that her fight for more equitable and complete health care for breast cancer  sufferers was not in vain. Many people have been inspired by her efforts. The fight will continue. Hopefully it won't have to go on for much longer.

We were so saddened to hear of Tanja’s loss. My husband went to school with Tanja and I met Tanja in Grade 9. Tanja’s warm and welcoming personality always stood out.
Our deepest condolences,
Trevor and Lara Gill

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Donovan/ Harrison family on the passing of Tanja.  As Gracie’s teacher I got to know Tanja through her chaperoning several of our school events.  She was always positive, upbeat, understanding, and so proud of her daughter.  She was supportive of the high school and all the activities that her daughter was involved in.  So sorry for your loss.

I knew Tanja from the RNS Historical Society. When I joined the Executive, she was there to help me find my way. She was a bright light, knowledgeable, a leader and an inspiration to everyone. Now that light has gone. I wish it were not so.  Strength to Shane and Gracie and her close family for the days ahead. She flies with the angels.

Dear Shane and Gracie
We are so very sorry for your loss.  We had hoped to join you today in celebrating Tanja’s life and immense impact she had on so many.  Unfortunately, the weather today was not cooperative.  
Meeting Tanja as a new librarian at Acadia so many years ago is still etched in my memory.  It was so easy to get caught up in her enthusiasm for libraries, people, books, ideas and her innate let’s do it attitude.   She dreamed big and then she did big things in a life that has been cut much too short.  I remember those years with fondness and joy – that’s just what Tanja did!
You both will have so many memories that will yours forever and I hope will ease the sorrow that you are feeling now.   Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. You are both in our thoughts and hearts.  
Love Janet and Gary

Tanja had a rich, full life. Her warmth, compassion and joyful laugh touched all who knew her. Her standards were high, nothing but excellence was her constant standard. And yet, she loved the wildness of a garden, a walk in the cold of winter, sunshine on a tree, art that she both appreciated and created and (of course!)  80's new wave music.  She loved many people;  those she served, worked with, protected, befriended and most especially, those she spent her life with. To Gracie, Shane, Chris, Doris and John, and all of her nieces and nephews, know that you are not alone in your grief or in your love for her. We all mourn  with you for an exemplary  life cut short. Go well, be happy, give generously- as Tanja would.

Dear Doris, John and family, I was saddened to hear the news of Tanja’s passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember and celebrate Tanja’s beautiful life. ❤️
Take care,
Cailin MacDonald

My heartfelt condolences to Tanja’s family.  I met Tanja around 2009 while finishing grad school and I looked up to her as a mentor and friend. She was a light to so many people in the Canadian librarianship community, and she will be remembered and missed.
 - Michael Steeleworthy.  Waterloo, Ontario.

As a longtime employee of the Mount library I knew Tanja for her whole term as university librarian. I didn't work with her directly but while I was a few rungs down the ladder you'd never have known it as she treated all her employees with the same dignity and respect. I fondly remember the times when the weather was terrible and she'd offer me a drive home.  On the way we'd chat about family, gardening, ceramics, travel and whatever was going on in our lives and I'd feel completely at ease.  You never felt the professional distance between us .  She was a wonderful person and I'm very sorry for your loss.

Shane and Gracie, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tanja.  May you find comfort in friends and family during this difficult time.  Know that you and Gracie are in my thoughts.

Shane and Gracie, Wayne and I had hoped to attend Tanya's Celebration of Life but weather has intervened. We will be with you via the Live Stream. You two were a big part of our lives in Wolfville at Acadia, on the golf course, at your wedding, with Gracie's birth and as Wayne helped you sell and buy houses. We had lost touch but not our fondness and admiration  for you and were shocked to learn of Tanya's death.  Our sincere condolences. Tanya was a special woman and you have her foundation under you as you make your way forward.   Much love to you both.   Jill and Wayne

To Tanja's Family,
I was a colleague and friend of Tanja's from MSVU. She and I bonded over our shared named, same age,  and same interests.  She was a spirited individual who was full of life and love and who I valued immensely.  I was happy to have her as a friend outside of work and enjoyed our time together. While her life may be short her impact on me and MSVU will be never ending. My deepest condolences to Gracie and all of Tanja's family.  Her light will never dim.

Gracie, I was one of your leaders in Sparks and I was so sorry to learn that you have lost your mom at such a young age. I remember you and her well, and it was clear that you were absolutely cherished by your mom.  She was always so supportive to us leaders and she was willing to help out in any way we needed.

Our deepest condolences to you Shane, Gracie and family. Wishing you strength for the difficult days ahead and may you find comfort in the love from your family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My deepest condolences to Gracie, Shane, and the entire family. Tanja was the head librarian during my time as a Library Assistant at MSVU. While I didn’t directly report to her, she always took the time to engage with me in a warm and welcoming way. Tanja's kindness and positive influence extended not only to her colleagues in the library but to everyone she interacted with. Her passing is a shock, but I will always remember her bright smile and generous spirit.

John, Doris, Christopher, Shane and Grace

I am so very sorry for your loss. Tanja’s light touched so many lives, and her memory will continue to shine. My greatest hopes for all of you is that you find strength in the love and support that surrounds you and someday, happy memories replace the sad in your heart. My sincerest condolences.

Doris, John, Christopher and family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tanja!  I know how much you all loved her.   Keep her memories and her bright smile with you.  It will help in the days, weeks, months and years ahead!  
Much Love, prayers and hugs to sustain you all.
Sharon Kennedy❤️

I'm very shocked and saddened to hear of Tanja's passing. I moved out west shortly after my MLIS so I have lost track of many former colleagues from the Halifax area. I worked with Tanja as a SLIS student at Dalhousie and our paths crossed a few times after graduation. I remember her as very down to earth, fun and always energetic. She was a great role model for early career librarians and I can only imagine what a loss this is for the local Library community as well as her friends and family to whom I extend my deepest sympathies.

Shane and Gracie,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Please know that you have our deepest condolences.

Paul, Gill & Katie Sulley

My deepest condolences on the loss of Tanja.  We went to school together, and I remember her as a lovely, funny girl with a beautiful smile.  I hope you can find solace in your happy memories.

My deepest condolences to Tanja’s family. Tanja was a neighbourhood friend growing up. Gone way too soon ❤️

My sincere condolences to the Harrison family. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to lose a daughter.  May Tanja's memory bring comfort to all her family and friends.  

I have know John Harrison since 1984 at the start of my military career when he was the recruiting officer. 

Eileen Vaughan
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel 
36 Service Battalion 
Major (retired)

Tanja was part of my PhD cohort; she was always so welcoming and friendly, and I enjoyed our chats around the halls of MSVU. Tanja will be missed by the MSVU community but my heart especially goes out to all of her family and friends. Gone too soon. ❤

Dear Shane - I was saddened to hear of Tanja's passing. She was a wonderful woman and I remember you two as a very special young couple especially as you welcomed Gracie into your fold. Wayne and I send our condolences and our thoughts are with you and Gracie.
Gwen

Shane, Gracie and family, 
Sending our most heartfelt love and support to you during this difficult time.  We always enjoyed Tanja's wonderful smile, warm personality and how she always made us feel "at home" when our paths would cross on visits to Miramichi.

Colleen Dunn, Dale, Kate and Molly

Shane, Gracie and Family - I'm very saddened by the news of Tanja's passing.  I was fortunate to work with her during her years at Acadia University.  She was always so full of life and took on projects with real enthusiasm that was contagious.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

We are sad to learn Tanja's passing. We have many fond memories of her as a friend and a colleague. She will be missed. Our profoundest condolences.

Nirmal & June

Very saddened to hear of Tanja's passing, and full of fun memories of her time at the Killam Library years ago.  Her joie de vivre was always her defining characteristic from the time I met her until a few months ago when we last spoke.

Thinking of Shane and Gracie, and of course her mom, dad, and brother during this terrible time.  

Phyllis Ross

Tanja was a classmate at Dal and a friend. I knew she was fighting but I hoped we had more time. I am so sad for her loss but will treasure her memories and friendship.  Fly high Tanja.

I was honored to be a part of Tania's life.  Our friendship started 16 years when she first sat in my hairdressing chair. I always looked up to her. She was such a strong woman who worked so hard for what she wanted and it showed. She has shared so many memories with me over the years that I will cherish. My deepest condolences to Share, Gracie and family ♥️

To Tanja's loved ones,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I was very saddened to hear of Tanja's passing. She was a wonderful person and I was privileged to work with her for a few years on a national committee. Tanja was an energetic, smart, thoughtful, and kind colleague - always a joy to be around. She will be missed.
With deepest condolences,
Denise LaFitte
Edmonton, AB

I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that Tanja had passed.  It seems profoundly unfair that such a creative, beautiful, and caring person should be taken in her prime from family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

While I've been retired for several years, I remember Tanja well from her work with CAUL-CBUA, the federation of academic libraries in Atlantic Canada.  Her smile and wit regularly lit up the room during directors' meetings.  Her imagination and energy were boundless.  Her respect for colleagues and her cooperative spirit were an inspiring model for us all.

I send condolences and sympathy to Tanja's family, friends, and many admirers in the Atlantic Canada library community.  Her death is a terrible loss.

Marc Truitt
University Librarian (retired)
Mount Allison University
Sackville, NB

I had the pleasure of working with Tanja when I first started volunteering with the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society. Her passion was infectious, and I soon found myself deeply involved with the society, which was largely due to her influence. She was always warm and welcoming at our meetings and had wise words to share. We used to chat about our PhD programs together and she always showed genuine interest in my research. Her encouragement will stay with me as I near the completion of my program. Tanja was an incredible individual and she will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to Tanja’s family.

So deeply sorry to hear of Tanja's passing. Her kindness, her energy and her light will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to her family and friends at such an incredibly difficult time.

I was very sorry to hear of Tanja's passing.  I met Tanja while working on the Halifax Run For the Cure this past year.  Tanja was kind and gracious  and a pleasure to speak with.  My thoughts are with her family at this time.

So sorry to hear of Tanja's passing. I worked with Tanja during her NSCAD days, and I remember the love, kindness and joy, Tanja shared with others. Truly. She had a delightful spirit and a beautiful soul. To this day, I recall her deep and radiant love for her daughter. Sending love to Tanja's family.

I first met Tanja when she was at Acadia University and kept visiting her in other institutions as her career kept growing.  It was always a professionnal joy to deal with her.  

My sincere condoleances.

Yves Vanier

So sorry to hear about Tanja's passing and my deepest condolences to the family. I always enjoyed meeting her during APLA or Novanet meetings when I worked at UCCB, now CBU.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I only met Tanja on one occasion when we got together in London. I immediately warmed to her and by the end of the day felt like I had known her much longer. My heart breaks for Shane and Gracie but I know you will take strength from each other and in the precious memories you will always have.

Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to John and Family for your loss. May Tanja Rest in Eternal Peace

John and Arlene Woodgate

My deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. 

Sincerely,
Carolyn Chiola

Here at NSCAD, we have so, so many fond memories of Tanja; her enthusiasm for both librianship and the arts, and the joy and passion  she brought to everything she did. 
She will be deeply missed, by me and many others here in our small NSCAD community. And certainly, in the much wider library community - and many communities beyond that as well. 
Sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones.

To Tanja's family, I will be one of hundreds of colleagues of Tanja's who benefitted from her sharp wit, good nature, and incredibly generous spirit. She was a great help and support in my years with the Journal of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society. I am heartbroken, you are in my thoughts.
Anne Marie

Dear Gracie and Family, 
Tanja was a great friend to me on the MSVU campus, and in the time we worked together she shone as a passionate, interesting, caring and wickedly dedicated professional. Moreover, she was so cool. She was excited to share how cool Gracie was growing to be, and she always eager to celebrate the cool things going on around her. She was a class act and a pleasure to spend time with. I'm thinking of you, and hope you have some calm in this hard time.

I'm so sorry to hear of Tanja's passing. She was a great mentor to me when I worked at MSVU as a student, and a wonderful woman. My condolences to her family during this time.

Tanja was one of the first people I met when I moved to Nova Scotia for my librarian/archivist job at MSVU in 2020. She was so much more than my boss - she was a friend. She went above and beyond to ensure I was settling in well, felt supported both at work and at home, and invited me to events so I felt included particularly at a time when no one was around campus (due to COVID). She had a positive and nurturing personality that helped me a lot as an early career professional.  I am so grateful for that. Tanja was extremely dedicated to her work and her family, yet always found time to help others when in need, whether it was giving rides home to staff during snow days or just talking and showing support when someone was going through something. She was extroverted and easy to talk to.  She always showed genuine interest in my research and hobbies and made me feel valued. Most importantly, she was so, so selflessly kind. It was a privilege to know her and I will miss her dearly. I wish strength for her family who are suffering the greatest loss - I can only hope there is a little comfort in knowing that she enriched the lives of every person who met her.

Tanja was a beautiful mom. When Gracie was a Brownie, she was just one of those moms you could always count on. She was always so positive and happy. The loveliest mother. Life can be so unfair and cruel at times. I’m thinking of Gracie, and sending hugs.

It doesn’t feel real that some one so full of life, so kind, so beautiful and funny is now gone. My biggest regret is that we never had that last get together with our girls. We shared so many summer afternoons at the lake watching our girls grow up together, watching them act together in school plays, birthday parties, play dates.. I am really going to miss  you and I hope to continue to be a part of  Gracie’s life. Love you both

I had the great pleasure of meeting and working alongside Tanja when she was at NSCAD. It was always such a pleasure to be in her company. What a smile! She was so helpful to us all, and genuinely interested in many kinds of creative work and expression. I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

To the family of Tanja Harrison, please accept my condolences. Tanja was a remarkable and energetic librarian.  While our conversations were infrequent, they were always interesting, fun, engaging, enjoyable and enriching. I am so very sorry to learn of her untimely passing.  I hope the memories of her vibrant life bring you comfort during this time of sadness.

Nancy E. Black (librarian colleague)

Such a devastating loss. Tanja was so kind, joyful and lovely in every way.  My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.

I am saddened to hear about the passing of my dear Friend Tanja Harrison, however, I will remember her spirit and kindness because  "What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." — Helen Keller.  Rest in peace my friend.

It was such a real privilege and pleasure to share and spend time with you all for Thanksgiving! Tanja always had such a wonderful bubbly sole with the kindest heart always looked for the best in people!
I remember the special memories / laughter adventures we shared in London together too for Alice in wonderland! I am thinking of you all so dearly sending loads of hugs from all of us in 🇬🇧 UK! Xxx

Dear Shane, Gracie, and the rest of the Harrison Family

I worked with Tanja at MSVU. She was a wonderful colleague whose presence lit up every space, and whose warm heart made you feel like a better person for having spent time with her. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Wishing you strength and comfort, Susan Trenholm

I met Tanja exactly twice. She left an indelible mark on me. The grace and grit with which she battled breast cancer inspired me as I began my own battle. She will be missed.

Krista Pruys, fellow breast cancer warrior

Shane and Gracie, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you both.

Tanja and I met in 2012 when she first arrived at The Mount. Though our departments collaborated often, our greatest bond was our daughters. Born a year apart, we always shared stories about parenting and all the silly things little ones do. Gracie, her love for you was monumental! She was so proud of you and of every one of your achievements in life, especially this year, knowing how well you were prospering at MtA. Though she missed you so much, your success gave her strength.    

Tanja was a bright light, fiercely passionate and a true inspiration for me as we travelled this cancer journey together. We shared many tears and much laughter this past year and a half. She brought art into my life as a lovely distraction and, though I am still terrible at it, her ever-present optimism encourages me to keep trying. This ugly disease brought us closer than ever before and I am so grateful for the new memories I now have. Her light gives me hope, serenity, peace and comfort.    

As I was looking through pictures of her the last couple days, I came across this quote listed as one of her favorites:   

“If people we love die, then they are lost only to our ordinary senses. If we remember, we can find them anytime with our hundred secret senses." --Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses

I hope your memories bring you solace in this moment and always.

With my deepest condolences, 

Julie Fillmore
MSVU Accessibility Services

Dear Gracie,

I am so sad hearing this morning of your dear Mom's death.  Although I have not seen her for a long time, we were in touch on messenger etc. from time to time during these years.  From the first time I met her at MSVU, she spoke of you.  I so enjoyed being with her every time there was a meeting or social.  A couple of times we travelled together.  I do not have to tell you how wonderful she was.    Condolences to you and the rest of Tanja's family.

love and prayers,
Joan

Doris, I was so sorry to hear of Tanja’s passing.  I know the two of you were so very close.  I hope it helps to know that you and your family are being thought of.

OBITUARY

Tanja Elizabeth Harrison

19 April, 1971 – 2 December, 2024

JA Snow Funeral Home

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