Havergal College & The Havergal College Foundation Impact Report 2020-21

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ENDOWMENT

Endowment Donor Story: Marcelle De Freitas (1920—2019) One of Havergal’s most beloved teachers, Marcelle De Freitas, left an indelible impression on the school community. During her impressive 40-year career at Havergal, from 1944 to 1984, she enjoyed teaching Spanish and sewing, serving as senior mistress and spreading her contagious enthusiasm across many fundraising, charitable and community endeavours. In 1995, she became the namesake of one of Havergal’s 10 Houses, affectionately known today as “MDF”. “From my first term, I realized that the school revolved around Marcelle,” says former Dean of Students Brenda Robson, who joined Havergal as a physical education teacher in 1963. Under Marcelle’s direction, the annual Bazaar (currently known as Celebration Saturday) grew more and more successful, increasing student and parent involvement and raising more money for the Houses and their choice of charity partners. By all accounts an incredible cook, Marcelle also spearheaded Christmas dinners for the homeless and cooked for the Out of the Cold meal program at the Church of Saint Stephen-in-the-Fields. She also volunteered with The Stop Community Food Centre, the Scott Mission and other non-profit organizations.

Marcelle De Freitas

Marcelle’s death in 2019 was a loss felt acutely by Old Girls and staff members alike, who remembered her as a warm, generous and compassionate cornerstone of the school community. Now her legacy will continue to be felt at Havergal, in support of the Former Staff Student Assistance Bursary. Marchelle’s bequest is the largest legacy ever to be donated to this fund. In keeping with the school’s goal of furthering socioeconomic diversity, the funds will allow deserving Havergal students to benefit from an education they would not otherwise be able to afford. “She would do anything to help anyone,” says Brenda. “In her spare time, Marcelle helped other people. That’s just who she was.” Born on the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean, Marcelle was the third of 11 siblings and the eldest daughter. An outstanding student, in her final year of high school she was awarded the Island Scholarship which she used to attend McGill University in Montreal. She graduated with a bachelor of arts in 1942 and joined Havergal two years later. Marcelle’s tenure spanned a momentous era in Havergal’s history, one of shifting philosophies of education, social upheaval and the evolution of the role of women. Guided by then-principal Catherine Steele, the school began to accept a broadening of horizons with greater social freedom for the girls. Through it all, Marcelle remained a nurturing presence. “She was a motherly soul,” Brenda says. “She was the no-nonsense type, but you felt a warmth and kindness from her.” Marcelle and Catherine, who spent much of their time together after retirement, also modeled a spirit of kinship among Havergal staff. “They made a point of checking in with former staff who had left, making sure they were all right and helping them financially if they had fallen on difficult times,” says Brenda. When Marcelle found herself alone and showing signs of dementia after Catherine passed away in 2003, it was Brenda and Judy Ratcliffe, along with other former teachers, who organized her move to Lakeside Extendicare nursing home, where she received excellent care until she passed away peacefully on June 5, 2019. Marcelle is buried in Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in the same plot as Ellen Knox, Havergal’s first Principal. “Marcelle taught me that once you became a member of the Havergal community, you were in it for life,” Brenda remarks. “The continuation of the respect and love we have for one another is what makes the Havergal community so special.” This strong sense of community and connection is felt today through Marcelle’s thoughtful philanthropy, which provides Havergal students the opportunity to grow, thrive and shape the future, just as Marcelle did during her time at the school.