In memory of

Edward Stephen Sobolewski

February 15, 1940 -  June 29, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and a profound sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Stephen Sobolewski on Sunday, June 29th, surrounded by family, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Ed was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, father-in-law, brother, and uncle.

Ed was born on February 15th, 1940. He was a Lakeshore boy who grew up in the Long Branch area, attending James S. Bell School and New Toronto Secondary School. Ed pursued a career in teaching after attending Lakeshore Teachers’ College. His first few years teaching were spent in Peterborough and in the Niagara Falls region.

Returning to the Lakeshore area, Ed took a teaching position at John English School in Mimico for the Etobicoke Board of Education while, at the same time, he pursued a degree at Waterloo Lutheran University (Wilfrid Laurier). He then went on to complete a Master of Education degree at OISE. He taught at a number of schools in Etobicoke, including Parkfield, Humber Valley Village and Park Lawn, where he met his future wife Betty Wood in 1972. Betty and Ed married in 1973, and they had two wonderful children, Heather and Mark. While on staff at Sunnylea Junior School, Ed retired in 1997 after 37½ years of teaching. Ed was a highly respected teacher who was well-liked by students, parents, and his colleagues.

His retirement years were spent travelling with his family throughout Canada. He would say that the best part of retirement was family time with his wife Betty, his son Mark, his daughter Heather and her husband Paul Gardiner, grandchildren Cole and Abby, as well as 6 animal rescue cats. Ed enjoyed sports and was a lifelong fan of the Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Canadians. He was also an avid fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Vikings.

At Ed’s request, there will not be a visitation nor funeral. Donations in the memory of Ed can be sent to Trillium Health Partners to help conquer cancer.

Guestbook 

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Linda Koch (Friend)

Entered July 5, 2025 from Etobicoke

I was so sorry to read of Ed's passing. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I knew Ed through his wife Betty, whom I used to volunteer for back in the '90s when my daughters Charlene and Venessa attended Westmount Junior Public School. Charlene was one of Betty's grade 1 students. Those were some of the best years of my life, volunteering with Betty. We were close and she was an important part of my life. Whenever I saw Ed and Betty and visited them at their home, he was a polite, hospitable person and made me feel very welcome. I have missed spending time with my friends and Ed will be sadly missed. I know only too well what you are all going through, as my own mother passed away in 2017 of pancreatic cancer. I hope Ed had quality of life and was able to spend his remaining days with all of you in comfort and love. Be sure to lean on one another as you all are going to need to depend on each other to get through this time. Remember all the good times you had with him and it will put a smile on your faces. He lived a long, happy, enjoyable life and he loved you all dearly. Love Linda

Leonard Wasylnchuk (Friend/Colleague)

Entered July 6, 2025 from Orangeville

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Ed and I taught several years together at John English. His classroom was right beside mine. We had many adventures together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Joe Andrew and Susan foster (Teacher)

Entered July 8, 2025 from Brampton

3 of us grew up in Mimico we went to John English in 70 80 u taught us geography thank you for that always rember u and all the great teachers at John English we are in are latte fifties now miss the good old days rest in peace Mr sobolewski

Shirley Fraser (Friend)

Entered July 16, 2025 from Aurora

I was deeply saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. I had the privilege of teaching with Ed at John English many years ago and his family and I have shared a friendship that has spanned over 50 years. Ed was deeply devoted to both his family and to sports—two things that meant a great deal to him. He will be truly missed.

Photos 

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