September 5, 1925 ~ August 1, 2018
Lola Pedret died peacefully on August 1st, 2018 at her home in Vancouver, Canada.
Her life started in Reus, Catalonia, Spain. In her own words: “I was not blessed by much more than a sturdy character and loving parents”. She survived the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and World War II by focusing on her passion for education and mountain climbing. She always believed that education changes lives, and the world, for the better.
In 1955 Lola immigrated to Toronto, Canada, with her husband Benjamin Pedret, and began what she describes as her second life as a loving mother and home maker while embarking upon a 30-year career in architectural drafting. Lola has always considered herself blessed to be given the opportunity to live in this “incredible country” and to be able to call herself Canadian.
In 1985 she retired to start what she refers to as her third life. Lola spent 21 years teaching and living in West Africa. Much of that time she taught geometry, mathematics, and drafting for the overseas aide organization CUSO. She considers many of her former students as extended family, caring about them far beyond the bounds of the classroom. The central role of education and love for others remained steadfast throughout her life.
Lola is survived by her sister Pacquita, two children Annie and Ben, her daughter in-law Mary, two grandchildren Kayla and Max, and a number of other loving relatives and close friends. She will be deeply missed.
Lola has requested no burial service and that her ashes join those of her mother on the shores of Georgian Bay, Ontario.
9 Comments
Colleen Humer
Our love to all the family – Colleen, Frank, Julian and Elisabeth.
Dawda Nyangado
I am very sad to know about a lovely mother to me during her time in the Gambia. On behalf of all the members of my family, we are sending our condolences to her family for the demised of our beloved mother. May God the Almighty Grant her soul in peace. Though I miss her contact for over 13 years ago please.
Claire Dionne
Dear Annie. It has been a long time sjnce we spoke. I am so sorry . Your mother was an extrodinary woman. My thoughts are with you and Ben and family
Claire
Peter Laywine
Dear Ben, Mary and Annie- I was saddened to hear the news of Lola’s passing. We go all the way back to Colborne St., my family and yours… she lived a remarkable life.
Wishing you comfort in your memories of her.
Ed T
My condolences to the family and friends of Lola. Having been through the pain of losing a loved one I can truly sympathize with all. When I’m feeling down I turn to the Bible for comfort. Revelation 21:4 was very soothing when it speaks about how one day God will wipe away our tears and even death will be no more . Please take a minute to open your own Bible and read the scriptures., it will definitely help.
Catalan Center of Toronto
The Catalan Center of Toronto just received the news of the passing, to eternity, of Lola. She has been a long resident of this City, Toronto, and we pass our condolences to her family.
Susana
Tuve la oportunidad the conocer a Lola en un viaje por Gambia ahora hace ya más de diez años. Una mujer impresionante. Su huella permanecerá en todos los que la conocimos. Mi más sentido pésame para sus seres queridos.
Sori
My condolence to the Pedret family. She has planted many trees in The Gambia. She taught me Geometry in 1990. I was talking to somebody today who mention the word sketch. I said to her I know what sketch is from my Canadian Instructor Lola Pedret. I came home and googles Lola Pedret a Canadian geometry instructor from Canada who thought in Nasir Ahmadiyya Muslim High School in Basse. I did that out of curiosity and got search result that matches the Lola that taught me.She did so many great things in this world. RIP.
Lamin Ceesay
Condolences to family, friends and students of Mrs Pedret. She helped to transform lives through education. She is an exceptional human being and will be greatly missed.