Thursday, October 22, 2020
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To Freda's dear family:
I was deeply saddened this week to learn of Freda's passing. For some reason I was certain she had passed quite some time ago. I wish I had known otherwise, as I would have loved the opportunity to tell her directly what an impact she had on me as a student. I was in Freda's last Grade 6 class at Talmud Torah in Winnipeg before she retired. The photo I've attached here is one I took of Mrs. Hryciuk, as we knew her, on her very last day teaching. Clearly she was so happy to be moving on to the next chapter of her life. It may surprise you to know that, of all the staff in our school, Freda was widely regarded as the strictest and "meanest." She was very tall, with a strong voice, a sober disposition and little patience for nonsense. Most kids were terrified of her!! It wasn't until I spent the year in her class that I learned who she really was as an educator. She was indeed strict. And if you annoyed her, watch out! At the same time, she was a skilled, knowledgeable teacher who not only transmitted facts but also taught us about critical thinking, discipline and completing work with care. All these years hence, I remember her giving me a grade of 99% on a test about Christopher Columbus because I misspelled one word. When I spoke to her about it afterward she said: You'll never spell that word incorrectly again. She was right! (And besides, once you learn to spell "Hryciuk," you should be able to spell just about anything.) She demanded excellence, and she made me want to do my best work. She also liked to have fun with us, orchestrating some heated rounds of competitive "Geography," and sharing her favourite puns. I would have liked to tell her my former classmates and I have thought of her often with fondness; that I still remember her lessons, which helped shape my love of learning. I would have liked her to know that I obtained a Masters degree in English at the University of Toronto and that I've spent my career writing... and editing other people's spelling errors. I was delighted to learn she married again and lived the second half of her life among beloved family and friends, pursuing activities she enjoyed. I know I speak for my friends as well when I say we are very sorry for your loss. It is the Jewish custom to say "may her memory be a blessing." I am certain it will be.
Andrea Ritter
