Ann Borooah (née Fairley)

(Oct 26, 1954 – Oct 29, 2017)

Ann Borooah passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on Sunday, October 29, 2017. She is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her devoted husband and best friend, Ronji Borooah, to whom she was married for over 35 years; daughters Maya Borooah (Michelle Thomarat) and Donna Borooah (Andrew Weir); brother H. Scott Fairley (Eden Oliver); nieces and nephews Miranda Fairley, Rohit Borooah and Nishant Borooah; sisters and brother in law Romy Borooah (Preston Staley), Renee Jhala (Shombit Sen), Jayanta Borooah (Indranee Borooah). She is predeceased by her parents Donnell and Florence Fairley (née Mistele).

Ann dedicated her life to public service. She sought to contribute to the betterment of the city and province throughout her career. She studied architecture at the University of Waterloo before completing a Bachelor of Urban Studies at the University of Toronto and a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Toronto, where she received the Ian D. Macpherson Memorial Award upon graduation.

Ann progressed from her position as the Director of the Buildings Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for the Province of Ontario, to her appointment in 2001 as the first woman to be Chief Building Official for the City of Toronto, and Executive Director of Toronto Building. Ann made a difference in every role she occupied. At the Province of Ontario, she expertly guided her team through the development of the Ontario Building Code. While at the City of Toronto, she introduced and implemented the City’s first ever sign bylaw, first green roof construction standard, and first updated zoning bylaw for the amalgamated city, among other initiatives. With her team, she developed policy and legislation and led a Division responsible for regulating development in the City of Toronto. She was a leader in her field, a consummate and down to earth professional, and an enthusiastic mentor. We all benefited from her example as a leader, mentor, colleague and friend.

Ann was known for her enthusiasm for friends, of whom she had many; travel, which she did often; food, which she skillfully prepared; and combining it all in ways that enhanced all the lives she touched. She cared for people by arranging everything to the smallest detail, easing the path of everyone around her. Ann was a legendary hostess, presiding over countless dinner parties filled with good food, wine, and laughter. More than anything, she loved her family and friends. She will be remembered fondly for her warmth, generosity, and her irreverent sense of humour.

Ann’s family would like to thank the amazing nurses, staff, and doctors on 17B at the Princess Margaret Hospital for their skill, care, and compassion. They would especially like to thank Dr. Butler, Dr. Bonilla and Dr. Bernardini, who helped her wage such a brave battle against cancer and the many nurses and other caregivers, including Andrea, Wendy, Linda and Jessica who made her as comfortable as possible throughout her courageous fight.

At Ann’s request, a private cremation was held on Friday, November 2, 2017. There will be two evenings of visitation on Wednesday, November 8 and Thursday, November 9 from 6 - 8pm at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Funeral Centre at 375 Mount Pleasant Road. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 pm on Friday, November 10, 2017 at Eglinton St George United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto, Ontario. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in Ann’s memory can be made to the Endometrial Cancer Research Fund at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation www.thepmcf.ca. For online condolences, please visit www.etouch.ca.