In Memoriam: Professor Emerita Blossom Wigdor

Photo of Blossom Wegdor by Andrew Stawicki/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Professor Emerita Blossom Wigdor, the Founding Director of the first program in gerontology at a Canadian university, passed away on October 25 at age 101.

Professor Widgor founded the University of Toronto’s first program in gerontology in 1979. In 1989, when the program was transformed into the Centre for Studies on Aging she was the founding director. In 2005, the Centre became the Institute for Life Course and Aging (ILCA), an interdisciplinary and interprofessional institute now housed at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

“Dr Wigdor’s courage to chart new territory in gerontology gave all of us a foundation to build upon — her legacy lives in every gerontological scholar, every practitioner and every community who benefits from her work,” says Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, ILCA’s current Director. “It is clear how one person’s lifelong dedication can transform a field. Her vision continues to guide us at the Institute for Life Course and Aging.”

In 1988, Widgor was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of her tireless efforts “to foster research and education in the problems of aging and to improve the circumstances of the elderly.” Over the years, she was also recognized with honorary degrees from the University of Guelph, St. Thomas University, and the University of Victoria.

“Although we mourn Dr Wigdor’s passing, we celebrate the seeds she planted — in research, education, and service to older adults — seeds that continue to flourish in the Institute for Life Course & Aging,” says Fuller-Thomson. “Her influence will ripple for generations.”

Learn more about the Institute for Life Course & Aging at FIFSW.

Read more about Dr. Blossom Wigdor’s legacy in The Canadian Jewish News.