Adèle "Couchie" Page (Statten) Ebbs
1909 - 2003

Couchie was encouraging. At 17, I'd never even walked in water deeper than four feet when she said, "Go learn to swim twelve lengths before you come as a C.I.T. this summer!" I did, but still couldn't keep up to the rest of the girls at camp. She must have asked five different people to help me "Get it", because at least that many did help, and Couchie came out cheering when it was finally accomplished. Same thing with diving. People came to help and I failed, failed, failed til I got it, and Couchie hurried from the office beaming her warm smile with congratulations. I felt like she was always watching and believing, ready to celebrate success. I couldn't paddle either. She said, "Go around the island daily", and I did. She came to see us off on my first canoe trip. I tipped the loaded canoe and had to return to dock. I stood too close to the guide as he dumped the water and was knocked into the lake by the bow. Another splash, another humiliation, and another hand up from Couchie. It was safe to make mistakes so long as you kept trying. She gave a few tips to handle the extra weight of packs and campers and off we went again, uplifted by her smile and words of encouragement.

Couchie and Harry arranged for me to work at a Caribbean hospital after high school. One of their friends, a toy supplier, wanted to donate toys for the Adventure Room project. After I finished selecting items for the hospital, he said, "Santa wants you to pick something for each of your 12 brothers and sisters, since you won't be home for Christmas this year. We'll deliver them for you." I was overwhelmed at this generosity. Dad always worked extra jobs to provide a nice Christmas for us. He never accepted help, and insisted we earn everything we had, and was uncomfortable and suspicious of anyone trying to give us anything. Couchie and Harry met Mom and Dad, and impressed them with their gracious sincerity. They made my parents "A-list", and the gifts were accepted.

The next year an anonymous $100.00 bill appeared in our mailbox before Christmas. We kids were in awe. Dad suspected Couchie and Harry. His pride made him want to give it back, but he couldn't be sure who had brought it, and it would be embarrassing to start questioning people. We watched him pick up and study that bill for several days after he came home from work. Mom finally convinced him that someone really wanted us to have it and it was OK to use it for Christmas.

A new tradition was born for our family. Delivering mailbox money, anonymously at Christmas. The thrill of putting it in their box without being seen, and imagining their reactions wondering "Who?", and viewing more people with gratitude, just as we did. Sometimes we hear the impact these gifts have; that they uplifted people and made them feel they weren't alone in their struggles, that someone cared, that they arrived in the knick of time and there wouldn't have been a Christmas without them, that they had received help to go on. Multiply Couchie and Harry's generosity by 15 Sullivan children and you realize the dividends such a gesture makes. Sometimes we go in together to help individual families who come to our attention, but usually it's done by each of us separately. The twins weren't even born when I went to camp, but they are enthusiastic supporters of The Anonymous Gift.

I saw someone using dental floss for the first time at camp, and met kids with no cavities. I brought this knowledge home and worked for the President of Ontario Preventive Dentistry. My younger siblings learned about floss and grew up cavity-free, as did my children. I paid for swimming lessons for my little brothers and sisters, and they became Phys Ed teachers, firemen, nurses, geneticists, accountants, business managers and craftsmen.

My kids are all good swimmers. Veronica's been an Instructor and wants to become a Lifeguard. I met my husband, Bob Edmonds, at the Caribbean Island your parents sent me to. He was doing Land Surveys for CUSO. Though I got lost in the woods at camp, his built-in compass always gets us directly to where we should be! Thankfully the kids inherited that from him.

Other benefits from camp were hearing about Outward Bound and joining in the first Sailing program to the Queen Charlotte Islands in BC, and loving the solitude of a vigil by the ocean, doing the Alberta Mile Swim, running 10k for the first time. I've worked at other camps and always try to recreate something I learned at Wap—the most important thing—a good example and words of encouragement spread a little Couchie, one life, a positive influence on many others.

You amazed me, too, Swebbs. Once my kids arrived I often remembered you running the camp, leading songs, dancing with your husband, balancing your family and camp responsibilities. I loved having Cindy in my cabin. I hoped my kids would have some of that, "Yes, I can!" attitude, and that I would be able to be a good example to them through community involvement outside of family life, too.

Thanks for this website and a chance to express feelings about your Mom and Dad. I loved the story of your Dad dropping a love note from the plane to your Mom on her canoe trip.!!

It's been fun to see recent photos of Holly, Caspar and Gaye, for they were also so memorable. Take Care!

Sincerely,

Sheila (Sullivan) Edmonds

Memorial Service for Couchie

The Celebration of Couchie's Life was held on Thursday, September 4, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Lawrence Park Community Church, Toronto.

Some years ago, when Cathy and I visited our children Sylvia and Alan at TSC, I was prompted to paddle over to Little Wap to see Couchie. At the time, I wasn't exactly sure why. We had a delightful visit, sitting in the sun on the back porch, looking at camp pictures from years earlier, laughing and reminiscing together. Perhaps I had done so simply to visit an old friend. However, paddling back to Ahmek, her influence on me, both during my 6 summers as one of her guides, and perhaps more importantly, afterwards, struck home.

So far as camping itself is concerned, she was of course a visionary. Her dedication, it seems to me, was always quite remarkable. Couchie just seemed to always understand what was required in a given situation, which is to say that her wisdom and patience were always at work. I think of her decision, in circumstances beyond her control, to assign me to Quetico '68 on about 24 hours notice. Always one to be direct, she made her expectations of me very clear, but also took the time to share practical and helpful advice on what I might expect and have to cope with during the trip.

And she possessed an equally remarkable generosity of spirit. Mistakes, and we all made them, were forgiven, if acknowledged, and second chances always provided.

Far more than just a friend, Couchie was as well a mentor. Some of us perhaps understood that at the time; others, and I am one of them, didn't realize that great good fortune until later in our camp careers, or even until after they came to an end.

I remember the Canoe Lake reunion, when I had another chance to visit with my friend, and mentor. Not a lengthy visit, but time to laugh and reminisce a bit more. Time to answer her questions about family and friends. Time to hear her thoughts about camping in general, and Wap in particular. I was amazed by her recall of an incident from our time at Wap 30 years earlier, and her desire to know how it had affected my life and career.

Dedicated, direct, personable, caring. Remarkable!!

Jim Smellie

I shuttled my 14 year old daughter onto the barge today at 2:00 p.m.at the Portage Store, for her 7th summer at Wapomeo (Kipawa, no less...) It was damp and drizzling and cold. I kissed her goodbye and told her that I was sorry it was such a miserable day. She whispered into my ear—"It is a Silver Day, as Couchie would say."

Having spent of 9 summers under the careful watch of Couchie myself, I knew she was right.

Thank you to Couchie ... for always seeing the "silver" lining.

Courtney Wallis Simpson

Couchie meant (and continues to mean) a lot to me on both a personal and a societal level.

What most impressed me was her faith in the physical strength, stamina and mental toughness of girls and young women—a faith that no doubt came naturally to someone who possessed these characteristics in abundance right from her own early years. This was no textbook faith—it was something she put into practice at Wap. She lived through the immense changes of the 20th century and she was way ahead of the times in her approach.

I was lucky enough to be at Wap when her ideas and aspirations meshed with my own in terms of taking the canoe trips to a new level. My admiration for her began then and deepened as I learned more of her background. Her impact on many generations was immense.

Joss Haiblen in Australia

Monday, July 7, 2003 — COUCHIE'S 94th BIRTHDAY

"Here let the Northwoods Spirit kindle fires of friendship." Today, as I sit here while visiting friends on Fairy Lake, I am watching a canoe trip paddle by and it is almost as inspiring as sitting on Canoe Lake.

I can't help but think about COUCHIE, Dr. Harry, Bobsie, Sue and John today and, of course dear Chief and Tonakela. I know you all will be REMEMBERING THE HAPPY TIMES as you reminisce with friends on Canoe Lake this afternoon at LITTLE WAP. I am with you all in spirit!

My 14 summers at WAP were wonderful to say the least, and lasting memories and friends are only a part of the story.

Couchie, sending us home after the Wednesday night musical one July, telling us in no uncertain terms to, "return the way we came", is a tale of future sailing instructors!! Ian Cameron having picked me up at Senior Wap and paddled me to WAP, decided to paddle me back as Couchie requested!! Suddenly, the "IMP" (Couchie's power boat) drew up alongside our Ahmek canoe and her words were full of embarrassment,—"of all the people that I would least expect to go against my wishes, it is you Ann Lloyd. Get into the IMP and Ian, be on your way!" Words to this effect were embarrassing beyond belief.

Several years later, in 1956, I became Sailing Instructor at WAP and Ian, Sailing Instructor at AHMEK. We had great races and such wonderful sailors. WAP even won the Wilson that year for the first time in many years and the IMP became my watersafety boat!

Our respect and love for Couchie and how she managed to keep the "lid on" active, energetic, headstrong campers, who were being constantly challenged to be the best we could be, develop our talents and abilities and most of all those wonderful fires of friendships kindled on Canoe Lake have continued throughout my life.

Couchie and all the family—my thoughts and love are with you all as you gather today at Little Wap. I am with you in spirit. A big "HOW! HOW!" for all those treasures you gave us. May many happy memories rekindle friendships today and for many years to come.

"LLOYDIE"
(Ann LLOYD Plummer)
WAP 1944-1957

I just received word that my aunt and namesake Adele Ebbs passed away last month. I did not know her too well because we lived in Peterborough and Florida. I always admired her strength and friendliness. I think of her often because of my name.

Adele Miller Scott

GATHERING AT LITTLE WAP TO REMEMBER COUCHIE
Monday, July 7th, 2003

Three o'clock, no rain as anticipated, clouds blocking the sweltering sun, the warm wind keeping the insatiable mosquitoes and flesh gouging horse flies away. Perfect! Within an hour the Ebbs' cabin was filled, with overflow on the verandah and paths.

Oh, the stories! About Couchie, about life on Canoe Lake as cottagers, about escapades at camp (and quaking under the "Couchie Look" if caught!), about canoe trips, about September Camp, about people who wanted to come, about those who had passed on. Heads together over pictures of the Statten and Ebbs families, The Chief and Tonakela, Couchie (at all ages) and Dr. Harry, Dr. Tay, Dr. Page. "How's J.B.?" "She's feisty as ever!"

A few brief words from Bobsie, Couchie's eldest. Appropriately brief as Couchie would have insisted. This was about bringing together old friends and shared memories, regardless of eras. All believed though that Couchie did insist upon two things: that a young moose remain grazing a few hundred yards across the water on the mainland throughout this gathering and that a magnificent great blue heron glide low around the island. Those reminiscing were:

Henri and Jane Leuty Audet, Diane Bald and Michael Budman, Christy Henderson Biggar (with baby Finley), Vicki Brown, Jennifer Gibson Cathcart, David Conacher, Ruth Byers Cond, Nick Diciano, Jack and Elizabeth Eastaugh, Jennifer Eastaugh Gray, Candace Eastaugh Steele, Rosemary Fleming Featherstone, George Garland, Dan and Helen McClure Gibson, Chuck Gray, Cindy Hayhurst, Jimmy Hayhurst, Barbara Hayhurst, Joan Clark Hewitt, Deb Hildebrandt, Janet Jacob Hood, Viiu Kanep, Lesslie Hall Lang, Louise Laurier, Linda 'Lecko' Leckie and Don Stanfield, Don Lloyd, Sandy Statten Manjuris, Brooke and Greg Manjuris, Sally Manning, Mary Manning , Jill Clark Matthews, Sarah Matthews, Tamar Adaskin Nelson, John Olsen, Keith and Mary Kendall Percival, Jack and Jackie Haggarty Riddell, Miki Mitchell Spring, Tike and Sue Statten, Taylor C. Statten, Bill Statten, David Statten, Janie Warwick Statten, Dr. Tay Statten and Janet Boland Statten, Hugh Statten, Holly Gibson Stewart, Betty Tomsett, Alison Turnbull and Dave Stanfield, Judy Statten Walter. (A few who remained on popped a bottle of Mumm's and sang happy birthday to Couchie.)

Sue "Swebbs" Ebbs

I first came to Wapomeo in 1927 at the age of 8. Couchie was my first counsellor and I was rather afraid of her. But one incident a few years later showed her in a very different light.

It was on a canoe trip to Ragged Lake, and we were camped on a small island. At supper time, as we were standing around the camp fire, a small plane appeared in the sky and circled low over our clearing. As we looked up, an object was thrown from the plane and landed in the water near to us. It was a small glass bottle with a note in it.

So who was the audacious pilot? Dr. Harry. And what was the note? Well, it was for Couchie, and we awe-struck girls just knew it had to be a love letter. What a romantic episode performed right before our eyes! Couchie could never again be the stern task master that she pretended to be.

Elizabeth (McDonald) Shapiro
Westmount, Quebec

Toronto Star, July 7, 2003

Adele Page (Couchie) Ebbs, 93: Ran summer camps

'Had a sixth sense about mischief'

Facility begun by family in the '20s

ASHANTE INFANTRY
OBITUARY WRITER

"Couchie" Ebbs knew her way around a campsite.

Born into a family that ran popular children's camps, she worked her way from camper to counsellor to camp director and developed a knack for dealing with her charges, be they nervous first-graders or hormone-fuelled teenagers.

"Couchie didn't just have the keen eyes and ears a camp director needs, she had a sixth sense about mischief," recalled Libby Stephens who attended Camp Wapomeo from ages 8 to 16.

"The very night 16-year-old girls were expecting a visit from boys from Ahmek (the brother camp), she would decide to take a leisurely paddle around Senior Island, ruining any chance for a romantic rendezvous.

"Or if we decided to make an illegal foray to the Portage Store for smokes, she would suddenly appear alongside our canoe in her motorboat to escort us back to camp."

Adele Page Ebbs, 93, died at home in Toronto of natural causes on June 28.

Mrs. Ebbs was firm, but compassionate.

"When children had problems, she and my father would take them on and help them get along," recalled her daughter, Susan. "She was a great believer in second chances and of good in every human being.

"Ironically, the kids that were the most trouble are the ones that made a point of keeping in touch with her."

She made an impression on the boys as well.

"She was remarkably upbeat about what I realize now was a demanding and stressful job," said University of Toronto history professor Michael Bliss, an Ahmek camper and Wapomeo's first male sailing instructor.

Mrs. Ebbs was the eldest of three children of Taylor and Ethel Statten, who in the 1920s founded the Taylor Statten Camps in Algonquin Park: Ahmek for boys and Wapomeo for girls.

"She arrived at Lake Couchiching when she was two weeks old and became the camp mascot," said Susan. Her mother later took her camp nickname from the lake.

At Bishop Strachan School, Mrs. Ebbs excelled in athletics. She obtained a B.A. in English and phys. ed. from U of T where she played on the women's hockey team. In 1935 she married medical student Harry Ebbs. They moved to Birmingham, England, while he completed residency. Each summer she returned to Camp Wapomeo to assist her mother, who was the camp's director.

The couple settled in Lawrence Park when they returned to Canada: Mrs. Ebbs assumed the full-time directorship of Wapomeo and her husband joined the staff of the Hospital for Sick Children. He was also the camp's medical director. In 1975, Mrs. Ebbs and her husband retired from the camp that is now run by various family members.

Predeceased by her husband and brother Page, she also leaves brother Tay, children Bobsie and John, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial is being held today at Little Wapomeo Island on Canoe Lake from 3-6 p.m.

I think there are few of us who have spent our childhood (indeed even our adulthood) summers on Canoe Lake who were not touched in some way by Couchie. I'm too young to remember Couchie in her heyday when she was an active member of Wap, participating in all aspects of camp. However, my clearest recollection of her surely comes from my first summer at camp. As a scared and homesick little girl of 11, I wasn't sure this was the right thing for me (even though my brother was at Ahmek and loved it!). The first lunch we had in the dining hall did not impress me, however the great canoe hanging from the ceiling did. I turned to my counsellor and asked who "Couchie" was and why the canoe was hanging from the ceiling. She looked at me with a smile on her face and said, "Why don't you ask Couchie herself?" and looked to the other side of the table where an impressive, older woman was standing looking at all of us. I remember she came over to my side, sat down and began to tell me the story. The only thought I had after that was, "I think I'm going to like this place." Thanks Couchie.

You could tell the greatest stories, and your Tom Thomson ghost stories live on to this day. Over a thousand miles away from home, and especially Canoe Lake, I tell your stories to a whole new audience that maybe, with luck, someday will see the place we love and cherish. We shall miss you Couchie.

Dianne M. Lane

I was a little girl of seven when my sister Vicki pulled me aside outside the Wap dining hall. She pointed to the stairs where Couchie and Tonakela were making their way down. Vicki cupped her hands around my ear and whispered fiercely, "Look at the respect Couchie has for her mother."

In the summer of 1971, my first year on staff, it came up in conversation that the old tradition of the morning skinny dip seemed to be on the wane. Not wanting to see this pass, I devised a plan and challenged Couchie. I asked her to join me in a vow to swim before breakfast every morning and that if either of us were to slip up, we would pay the other a quarter, with proceeds to go Camp Tonakela. She accepted, shook my hand with that warm, firm grip and we were off to the races. I made a point of meeting her boat as she and Doctor Harry arrived each morning after their trip over from Little Wap. I wanted her to see my wet hair and feel my cold hand as I helped her to the dock. Likewise, I would hear, day after day, about her morning dip. Dr. Harry always smiled as we made our reports. As the summer wore on, we started to talk about how lovely the mornings were, how much we were enjoying the challenge and how we were not doing Camp Tonakela much good. When I think back to my many years as her camper and then her employee, when I recall her serving 'freshie' on my first canoe trip to Nominigan, when I think of the abiding love and gratitude I will always have for her, I can pare down her teaching to one crucial lesson. She taught me to be determined. Ernest Hemingway once said that there is no such thing as failure of talent—just failure of character. Daughter of the Chief and Tonakela, Couchie led us by example; she taught us to be strong; she told us to throw our hair curlers in the garbage and impress the men in our lives by our strength and by our courage. She was the strongest paddler I ever saw, and a great model of a doctor's wife.

A few weeks ago I had the most amazing dream. She appeared and gave me a radiant smile followed by a long, exuberant hug. In my dream, I kept telling her how well she looked, and how happy. She came to me as she was in her prime. Her skin was brown and warm, her hair, slightly wet at the edges. She wore a big plaid shirt, soft and comfortable, worn and true. Heartglad to see her, I did not want the dream to end. When I awoke, I was happy and then started to realize something else. Somehow, I felt brave.

Now I am given the strong sense that she came to me because she knew she could count on me to tell everyone, to spread the good news. The long portage is over and she has seen the lake. All we hope to be true, is true. Oh what a beautiful morning!

Godspeed Couchie. May stars shine on thy journey. Thanks to you I have known the bliss of growth.

Love to All Daughters of Canoe Lake Moon,
Elizabeth Brinton

I didn't find Couchie intimidating at all. As our boss at Wapomeo in the late 1950s she was passionately devoted to excellence in camp programming. The way to get on her good side was to do something well. She was always tremendously pleased, for example, when all our little sailing dinghies were being used. So we would schedule special occasions when the whole Chippie or Ojib section would be out in the boats. It would be a pretty scene, and I would make a point of finding Couchie to come and see. Afterwards she would happily give the sailing program whatever we wanted.

She was a superb director of a summer camp, because she was an endlessly enthusiastic camper herself. I thought Wapomeo in those years was a beautifully run camp—the fact that girls seemed to have a better spirit for camping than boys helped as well—and all of us who lived and worked there with Couchie Ebbs and her family were very privileged.

Michael Bliss

Although my father has been dead for many years, the memories of his summers at the camp are for ever in my mind. They were so real, I almost felt that I was there.

Of course his twin sister Gretel is still with us and continues to tell us of those wonderful days.

May the memories continue to live in the minds and hearts of all of us and to those to come.

In memory of Hans Haeberlin (My aunt Gretel Aeberli) 1920s
Elizabeth Haeberlin

Dear Couchie:

You were an inspiring, trusting leader whose spirit has remained with me always. With great affection,

Sonja Common
Cobourg, Ontario

Since Saturday, I've been going over many happy memories of very big and small events with Couchie. These are of our early acquaintance and friendship, and ever since at Camp, little Wap weekends, or at home in Toronto.

One memory keeps recurring to me. In my first year at Wapomeo, we once had a rare day off together. It was a special day of laughter, rest and quiet conversation, sun and showers. We discovered a lot more about each other.

Thanks Couchie, for a cherished small time slot of our own.

Eleanor Parmenter

Couchie was my mentor and my friend. We will miss her.

Jane Currie Hugessen
Wap 1946 - 1951

July 3, 2003

Dear Sue and Bobsie (and John—not so well known by me),

It is with great sadness to hear of Couchie's passing and I send heartfelt condolences to you all. I have so many wonderful memories of Couchie and camp that picking one is downright impossible. She shaped and touched many lives and she will live as long as those whose lives she imprinted breathe and can enjoy memories! There was an element of fear that Couchie projected which kept us as campers and staff a little closer to a straight and narrow path than we would probably have trod...what a job she had to keep control of such exuberant young lives whose judgment was definitely not always mature.It is some comfort to know that her life was long and full and productive and that her passing was peaceful. We should all be so lucky! I expect that this has put opening camp on a sober footing for you all. Live in joy that your Mom (and Dad) was admired and will be remembered by so many far and near.

I have attached some aerials that I shot in the 70s of Wap and the Ahmek waterfront. I have hi res images of these and would be happy to share them if you think they could be used on cards or as photos to raise money for the camp fund.

With fondness,

Susan Ellis Van Etten Lawson
Wap 1948-59

Couchie and Dr. Harry were close friends of my parents for years before I went to camp. My father (Stobo Prichard) was at Sick Kids like Harry, my mother was a founding member of the Sick Kids auxiliary like Couchie and we all lived on St Leonards Ave. And so going to Wapomeo was a decision made without my consultation, it was just assumed.

Because I had known Couchie all my life, I think I found her less intimidating than other campers. But it was like having my mother around and I knew that any misbehavior would be quickly relayed directly home!

Although I have many memories of Couchie, one of my favourite is this. I was on the 14 day canoe trip in 1965 (then the longest trip in camp until that year which was the first Quetico). I was only a one month camper, but I was allowed to go even though one was supposed to be a 2 month camper to go on the 14 day trip because the trip straddled the last week of July and the first week of August. (I assume in retrospect a special exception because of the family connection but I of course never was told that).

At the end of the trip, I spent one night in camp and then Couchie drove me to our cottage just outside Huntsville instead of my parents picking me up. Couchie spent the rest of the day there and stayed over night at our cottage. She asked me all about the trip and I freely told her all the stories of the adventures and misadventures of the trip just like I would to my parents and friends. I remember her just relaxing at our cottage and telling my parents how wonderful it was for her to get away from camp for a day ...I could not really relate to that because I just wanted to be back at camp instead of at my cottage!

I subsequently learned that the stories I related about our trip revealed that there had been some violations of camp policies re staff behaviour and at least one of the counsellors was reprimanded...oops! Like I say, talking to Couchie was just like talking to a friend. After my Quetico trip the next year, I told her nothing!!!

I last saw Couchie when she came to my brother Rob's installation as President of U of T in 1990. My parents had both died by then and she told me she went to the ceremony to be their representative. We hugged and cried. She was an extraordinary person.

Sarah Prichard

Adèle "Couchie" Page (Statten) Ebbs died serenely, at peace, on Saturday, June 28, 2003, in her own home, 10 days before her 94^th birthday. Companion since 1924 of the late Dr. Harry Ebbs (1906-2000).

"Their portages often diverged but they paddled as one."

Daughter of the late Taylor "Chief" and Ethel "Tonakela" Statten. Sister of Dr. Tay Statten and the late Dr. Page Statten.

Wonderful mother to Bobsie, Susan, John Ebbs. "Geeya" was so proud of her grandchildren (children of Jim Hayhurst and Sue Ebbs) Cindy Hayhurst (Scott Hanson), Jimmy Hayhurst (Beth) and Barbara Hayhurst (Paddy Flynn). "NanaGeeya" was joyously entertained by her great-grandchildren Ben, Cameron, Griffen Hanson; Statten, Quinn, Tatum Hayhurst. Dear to her always, Eleanor Parmenter and Jean Buchanan.

From birth, Couchie summered under canvas, first at Geneva Park, Lake Couchiching, where her father directed the Central Toronto YMCA camp, and from 1913 when the Stattens took a lease on Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park. In 1921 and 1924 Camps Ahmek and Wapomeo were founded.

Graduate of Brown P.S., B.S.S., University College U of T, OCE. Inductee of the U of T Sports Hall of Fame. Teacher at Oakwood Collegiate, after which she assumed full-time directorship of Wapomeo until retirement in 1975.

Involved member of the Canadian, Ontario and American Camping Associations, Bolton Camp Committee, YWCA Board. Founding member of the Society of Camp Directors. Supporter of the Taylor Statten Bursary Fund and Camp Tonakela in Madras, India. Recipient of the Directors' Award of Friends of Algonquin. Patron of the Tom Thomson exhibit, in memory of her husband, at the Algonquin Park Visitors Centre. Loyal sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Avid member of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Toronto Mycology Society, the Toronto Camera Club, Rotary Club of Toronto Inner Wheel, Women's Auxiliary at the Hospital for Sick Children, University Women's Club. Enthusiastic member of Osler Bluff Ski Club and Rosedale Golf Club. Founding member of Lawrence Park Community Church.

She and Harry traveled widely sharing their passion for children in camping, paediatric medicine and other youth causes. Her strong leadership, fairness, integrity, wisdom and instinct to see the good in all has touched thousands and will be her legacy for generations.

If you wish, remember Couchie by donating to The Camping Archives, Bata Library, Trent University, Peterborough, ON  K9J 7B8 or to any of the above organizations.

In early September, a Celebration of her Life will be held at Lawrence Park Community Church, Toronto. Friends on Canoe Lake are invited to reminisce and tell tall tales at her beloved Little Wapomeo Island on Monday, July 7^th, 3-6pm.

Memories may be posted at www.firesoffriendship.com.

"Here Let the Northwoods' Spirit Kindle Fires of Friendship."