I was thinking of Alison after many years. I knew her from CIUT radio. We didn’t know each other well but both hosted By All Means. She was a dedicated broadcaster and a good person. I’m sad to learn that she passed.

I can't believe Alison has been gone these many years! I came across this obituary doing a search. We lost touch but I wanted to do a check because of the quarantine. I'm saddened by this news!

Alison was my mentor back in the 90's on a show called By All Means at CIUT FM. We used to go for coffee after the show and discuss movies and books and life.  I even visited her home a few times, when she lived on London Street. 

She was a lovely person with a great sense of humour and a wonderful chuckle. Her speaking voice was like velvet. She also had the cutest nose and I used to tell her that all the time. She would just laugh.

She touched the lives of many and will live on in our memories.

Hello to all of Alison's friends who took the time to write a memory here. My sister and I have seen them all, and have reread them many times. They are very helpful to us and we thank you for all your kind wonderful comments. Alison clearly touched many people's hearts with her genuine kindness, her humour and her intellect. We still miss her everyday. 
Thank you all,
Nora and Chris
x


I did not know Alison for very long.  We lived in the same building and I often bumped into her because she was frequently on the go somewhere.  As we became friends, I was struck by her spirit, her heart, her humor, her intellect and her refusal to be limited.  She inspired me in many ways.  You will be missed Alison.

Alison was a wonderful person to know and work with. Welcoming, smart, with a great sense of humor , and compassionate.  I admired her ability to share her knowledge through her enthusiasm for the exchange of ideas. I enjoyed  listening to her thoughts on literature, Japanese print art, and the Italian language she recently began to learn. She surprised me once by quoting the Polish poet Zbigniew Herbert , as I hadn't known that she was also interested in poetry. I suggested that that she read one of his collections of essays, Barbarian in the Garden, but as it turned out the only available copy in our library, was a reference copy. We commiserated the fact, jokingly.  She will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy to the family during this time of sorrow.  I worked with Alison for many many years and she will be dearly missed.  May she rest in peace.

Alison struck me as a kind and knowledgable person.  I didn't know it at the time, but had listened to her radio program of Indian music on CIUT FM.  This was before I got to know her at the library.

My sincere condolences to Nora and her family.

Alison was one of the kindest and smartest people I ever met. She was courteous, friendly and loyal. She loved her family and spoke warmly of her friends and her colleagues. Rest in peace, Alison. Thank you the good times hanging out together. You'll be fondly missed.

I felt stunned at speechless at the passing of Alison, a new friend to me. We were to meet that day but I was waiting in the wrong spot. She had baked a cake. I will always remember Alison for her keen insight, her touching poetry and her determination. She will be missed.

Please accept my deepest sympathies. Alison was one of the first people I met when I came to work at the Library. She always had a smile ready when you met her. Her kindness will be greatly missed. Mary Alice White

It was a pleasure to work with Alison in CDD. She was an Excel master, and I was very fortunate to have her train me. I enjoyed many conversations with Alison, including our love of the WKRP show. A great loss on earth, but a bonus in Heaven! Until we meet again...

Our sincere condolences to Alison's family, we worked with her at TPL for many years and remember fondly having great conversations at break time and her jolly laughter.  She had great intellegence and an adventurous spirit and love of the Arts.  She will be greatly missed.
Barbara Quaintance and Nancy Quaintance

Thank you Alison for all the warmth, welcome and humour you brought into my life - I will miss you.  Deepest Sympathy.

                                                                              Rosemary

Our deepest condolences on behalf of the Local 4948 membership. Alison's courage, wit, and kindness will always be remembered. We will really miss her.

Alison and I worked together at the library for many years. I greatly admired her fierce intelligence, her compassion and her courage. She was passionate about so many things - music, movies, children's literature - but most of all, she never gave up. I will miss her.

My deepest condolences to Alison's family.  Her smile, warm heart and kindness will be greatly missed.

Dearest Chris, Nora, Heather and Family

I don't think we have yet begun to comprehend what an inexpressible loss Alison's passing will be to all of us.

Alison was my dearest friend for over 40 years.  She had a brilliant mind which was enhanced by her compassionate insightful wisdom. She had a gentle and tender heart - which was wonderfully juxtaposed with her cutting wit which never ceased to amaze and delight.  Alison was fiercely protective of her family and friends and always, always the people in her life knew they were loved.

Alison faced her challenges with extraordinary courage and never let them prevent her from pursuing her goals and dreams. She lived more fully, more deeply, more richly than  anyone I have ever known.  

She was my hero, my comrade, my counsellor, my friend, and the world is a much emptier place today.

I love you all very much.  God bless you all.

I will deeply miss Alison's very special sense of humour and her keen insights on music and literature.  She was a beautiful person, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family.

My deepest sympathies to Alison's family and friends.  May knowing her spirit will be with you forever give you peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Alison.

Alison will be missed  she was a kind and friendly person.  She will be missed.

Lillian MItchell

Alison was always so kind and thoughtful to me and my kids when they were young, always sending us things in the mail. I know she loved my sister Neena very much and my Mom too. That was Alison always loving and caring of others. How you two grils will miss her so much. Such a wonderful soul taken so young. There is another angel in heaven now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sandi & Glen Good (Neenas sister)

Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky  -Objiwa Saying 
Alison will be sadly missed but happily thought of by all of the staff at Helpful Hands Inc, never a dull moment and always busy as a bee, Alison was #1 of the few who I will never forget for her strength of mind and heart to succeed at anything she put her mind to.
Peace at last..... when my body lies without a song...... my spirit and the eagles will soar together.
All of our Blessed Love to the Macphail Family,
Harry C. Greenblat

I will miss Alison very much - we had lunch together almost every day. She was a good listener and was always interested in hearing about my boys.  Alison loved to tell stories from the many books she read - this was inspiring. Alison was our go-to excel person! She was always happy to share her knowledge and insights with those of us who should have known more and new staff members just learning.  Alison was a valued colleague and a friend.

Alison always had a smile for everyone. We remember her fondly.

As feminist colleagues on CIUT radio in the early 90's and recently as participants in a small writing group, Alison's humanity and light shone radiantly. A dear and kindred spirit. She knew how to listen well and had a delightful sense of humour.
I loved Alison.

Please accept my deepest condolences.  This is a terrible loss. Alison was a lovely, intelligent and sensitive person. Smart and funny, and a great conversationalist with her own strong opinions gently expressed.  We had many wonderful talks, especially about books and film, music and knitting. Alison was a wonderful friend to me. I will miss her.

Dear Alison,

You are such a brave lady.  I will miss seeing you.

Elizabeth Lai

Alison was a dedicated and valued staff member who will be greatly missed by colleagues throughout the library system. My deepest symphathies to Alison's family and friends.

Please accept my sincerest condolences.  I had the pleasure of meeting Alison through working at Toronto Public LIbrary and she was such a good and kind soul.

My deepest sympathies to Allison's family and close friends.  I will always remember her cheerful presence on the Library picket line - never complained, always a support!  Allison will be missed!

Alison was one in a million.  She was so smart, caring and funny.  It was a pleasure knowing and working with her.  My deepest condolences to her family.

Extending deep and heartfelt Sympathy to Alison's family. Alison, was a very caring and thoughtful person.It was a joy to know Alison. She has left us with so many wonderful memories. I will cherish them forever. 
In Deep Sorrow
Parveen Inam

May God Bless her, and give strength to all her family and friends.

                                                                                   A.M.
                                                                                   OV

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your sister.  I knew Alison from work at the "new" TPL and I liked her and enjoyed her company.

Sincerely,
Sue Medhurst

Alison had a very pleasant disposition and a warm and welcoming spirit. I am happy to have had the opportunity to work with her.  My condolences to her family and loved ones.

                                                                        Pauline Ijeh - Brampton, On

Dearest Alison, may the light from your Beautiful Spirit  continue to shine, in peace and prosperity!  Our time together at CIUT will always be cherished and fondly remembered , as a special time in my life.  Your friendship and support will always be a wonderful part of me.  
Your Galpal forever, Sonja Dzagic

Alison is a very helpful, polite and patient person. May she rest in peace. She will be missed. 

Cecilia Cheng

I worked with Alison during the ILS project and she was outstanding in so many ways, her intelligence, her wit was invaluable to us and I know everyone who was on our team will miss her, So sorry for your loss,

...blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted... Matthew 5:4
 May Alison's memories bring comfort to all of us (families & friends). She's kind, smart and funny. I will miss you Alison. and rest in peace.

Alison inspired me with her tremendous courage, intelligence and sense of humor. She was tremendously caring and compassionate; she will be missed. I wish my heartfelt condolences to you all; I pray she is at peace.

I will always remember Alison's kind and gentle manner.  She will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her.
I will miss you, Alison!

Alison was one of the kindest, smartest person I have ever known. She was a pleasure to work with. Alison  will be missed by those who knew ,  respected and admired her.Rest in peace Alison.
Freda Page. Lagoon City

Alison always greeted me with a smile. Alison had a real interest in children's literature, and I remember her with affection.  Kathleen Bailey Children's Librarian, North York Central Library

My sincere condolences to the family. I have known Alison for a very long time. What a beautiful ,sweet ,caring person she was. I'll always remember her .  May her soul rest in peace.

My deepest sympaties.  I will alway remember the times we've worked together.  Alison was always a gentle & thoughtful person, I will miss her.

Alison - dedicated, kind, deeply courageous.
Linda Liima, TPL

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Alison was a very kind ; very compassionate person.   I shall always remember the sparkle in her eyes and her lovely laugh. I worked with her for many years at Toronto Public Library.  
With heartfelt sympathy, Sandy Sposato

Deepest sympathies. Alison was sweet & funny. She will be missed very much.

May God give you patience in this difficult time. We'll always remember Allison's gentle and angelic character. May she rest in peace.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Remember always the twinkle of her eyes and the wonderful sense of humour Alison possesed.

You have my deepiest condolences i worked with Alison at the Toronto Public Library she was a very kind person you will be missed.
Barb Oneill

OBITUARY

Alison Jean MacPhail

16 October, 1958 – 26 June, 2012

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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