In memory of

Juanita Evelyn Bay

January 28, 1930 -  August 27, 2022

Juanita Bay passed away on the morning of August 27th 2022, at Highland Wood LTC in Haliburton, ON. Born Juanita Boozer in Mount Kisco, New York, in 1930, Juanita was raised by her grandmother Lena Isham Williams. She spent her childhood in New York City, Los Angeles, and Richmond, Virginia. A trailblazer, she was the first African American student to graduate from St Mary’s College in Indiana, where she completed a BA in 1952. Juanita had a rich and rewarding life. Married to Christian Bay in 1959, she enjoyed over 30 years with her beloved Christian prior to his death in 1990. The Bays made a life for themselves in Toronto, where Juanita worked as an administrator for a variety of organizations including the policy division at the Ontario Women’s Directorate, where she served as Acting Director prior to her retirement in 1995. A devoted mother, Juanita leaves behind three children: Marit (Daniel LaPierre), Mia Bay and Jonah Bay, and two much-loved grandchildren, Megan and Jordan LaPierre. As per her wishes, she will be interred at Mount Pleasant Cemetery next to her husband, Christian. A memorial service to celebrate Juanita’s life will be held September 23, 2022, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at Toronto’s Quaker Friends House. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions to the Juanita Boozer Bay ’52 Scholarship Fund 600365, St. Mary’s College, 110 LeMans Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556. For online condolences, please visit Juanita’s memorial page at www.etouch.ca.

Guestbook 

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Cleve & Liane Roberts (Friends)

Entered September 1, 2022 from Haliburton

Dan, Marit & family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Ann Buttrick (longtime friend)

Entered September 3, 2022 from Toronto

Juanita and Christian Bay arrived from Alberta about the same time as we from Minneapolis, in Toronto in 1970's. Fresh from US, I think we both felt a little like fish out of water. Our families found a great deal more than crossing a border that drew us together. Politics, peace issues, Toronto black community struggles, cultures, family. Especially family.

Premier Bob Rae knew Juanita, and he wisely saw and chose to employ her strong administrative skills and her cool wisdom in his government, one which was looking to advance social change.

Every step of the way our families have shared. Juanita joined my husband John, an organization formed to legally protect older people from exploitation by relatives.(GAINS?). While Christian could be seen with plastic bag holding academic paper, outside the US embassy while demonstrating vs war in Nam

Juanita was a quiet-spoken woman. She and I met weekly for walks and talks. Those discussions that will stay with me are for her sharp observance of nature, her intelligence. Her sharings about patience, foresight and understanding that remains from her own life experience. It is a joy to me to know that Juanita had the capacity to love well..

Vicki, Tom, Sarah, Johnny (Friends)

Entered September 4, 2022 from Toronto

Our deepest condolences to you Mia, and to Marit and Jonah and family. Your Mom was a remarkable woman. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Please take care.

Jens Eric Bay (Per Christians sister son)

Entered September 6, 2022 from Hjørungveien 5 B , 0375 Oslo Norway

Rest in peace, lovely,clever and brave Juanita.
So easy to talk to for a young rebelling boy back in the time you and your family where living in Norway.
Jens Eric

Martha Jones & Jean Hebrard (Friends)

Entered September 19, 2022 from Paris, France

Dear Mia and Family,

We are so sorry about Juanita's passing and we know how very much loved she was by you all. Peace to you during these days.

Love, Martha & Jean

Photos 

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