The Celebration of Life

We awoke the morning of Saturday October 18 to a beautiful sunny day - exactly what we had hoped for when we planned the event. Vicky and Mark headed in early to continue the set-up in the basement at Goward House that Vicky, David, and the Madronas had started the day before. On the drive there, as the car turned a corner near Goward House, a bald eagle flew overhead - and the first painting Mark noticed upon entering the space was one Marika had made of a bald eagle. A good ome, we all thought!


The downstairs space looked lovely - it really is a stark room ordinarily, but with the photo displays, paintings, and flowers all over, it was thoroughly transformed. We set up the DVD player so that the slideshow could play on the large screen. The caterers (Cook's Day Off, who did a wonderful job) showed up at 1pm and started setting up, and everything started to fall into place.

Some people started arriving before the 2pm start, and then they just kept on coming in. We had several people from out of town - from Vancouver, Prince George, Montreal, and Washington DC. Marika's sister Gyongyi was present with her husband Jerry and children Randi and Stephen. The room started filling up very quickly and we got to speak with lots of people.

We had to crank the music quite loudly to get people's attention at 315 for the start of the speeches - everyone seemed to be having a good time and very much involved in their conversations. Dad went first, and delivered a moving speech. He had been nervous that he would not be able to get through it, but he did marvelously, adding a few spontaneous touches (and a funny Freudian slip). Then Gyongyi shared briefly about childhood with her sister and how she misses her best friend. Mary Baldwin, a friend of over 40 years, gave a very comprehensive overview of Marika's academic life and accomplishments. And then Annelie Dominik crowned the speeches with a glorious tribute to Marika the artist, ending with a beautiful image of a Hungarian Firecracker letting off an "explosion of energy shooting up into the skies, transforming into an array of glittering stars and a rainbow of color, then descending and sprinkling us all with a little magic."

The party continued fully despite the fact that the main food from Cook's Day Off had been gobbled up! They had seriously underestimated the vibrant appetites of Mum's friends! Fortunately we had ordered some Hungarian apple squares from Mum's friend Katy, and these certainly were welcome additions to the menu.

We were happy that Dr. Wild from Hebden Bridge came by - he arrived in the middle of the speeches and was looking around very intently, taking in the life of a woman he had only known as a patient in hospital. He said that he had had to walk half a mile down the road because of all the cars of attendees - and this was apparently not a Yorkshire exaggeration! Vicky tried to get out to take a picture but with all of the social interactions that spontaneously popped up she didn't get one - so if anyone did get a picture, please send it along!

Near the end of the party, Vicky and Mark presented each member of the Madrona art group with a paintbrush from Mum's collection. It was a lovely way for us to gift her dear friends with something meaningful that they could use.

The three hours flew by and it was a really wonderful party. Of course, more than one person said that they wished Marika had been there - but she certainly was in spirit, and she was the glue that bound everyone together that sunny October afternoon, and who continues to be a part of the lives of countless people. Thank you to all those who attended, and to those who were unable to attend but sent their wishes. Another celebration was taking place in Prince George, and one is scheduled for November 9th at Concordia University in Montreal.

Annelie's Tribute

Below is the text for Annelie's moving tribute to Marika and her artmaking. She captured her essence so perfectly, and the ending in particular was awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing so brilliantly, Annelie!

David asked me to talk about Marika's paintings. But before I do that I want to let you know how we met.

Marika would tell people that I picked her up. Indeed, I picked her out of a room full of interesting people as someone I wanted to get to know better. So I introduced myself and asked her "for a date."

In Marika I found a kindred spirit with our shared interest in art forming the strongest bond.

Marika approached painting with the same zest and vigor she applied to her life, loving the creative process in itself. Bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors infuse her paintings with energy and spontaneity.

There was no "pussyfooting around" in Marika's art making style. I think the term "action painting" best describes her approach. I can see her now, spatula in hand, scraping away and re-applying paint to arrive at surfaces that are alive and have great emotional appeal.

Marika would return from trips all fired up and eager to translate her impressions into bold new canvases. She would often incorporate collected natural mementos into her paintings which greatly enhance the tactile qulity of her work. For example "Techno-Totem" has the sand of this Australian site mixed into the paint. This is one of David's favourite paintings. He says that it totally captures the spirit of the place.

One of the hallmarks of a good painting is that it challenges the viewer in some way. With "Haida Gwai Totem" Marika set up very thought provoking imagery when she juxtaposed a totem pole with modern day machinery.

Marika's paintings connect with the viewer through a theme, a message or an emotion in a very powerful way.

Like her personality, Marika's art making has many facets and she leaves behind a body of work that is astounding.

When I think about Marika now I do not envisage the academic, the scientist, the author nor the painter but a unique friend, the HUNGARIAN FIRECRACKER. Visualize it with me, the explosion of energy shooting up into the skies, transforming into an array of glittering stars and a rainbow of color, then descending and sprinkling us all with a little magic.

Thank you, Marika, for adding color and sparkle to our lives.

Celebration of Life Photos

Some photos from today's wonderful Celebration of Life. More phtoos and an overview to follow.

Marika's sister Gyongyi raising her glass


A full house


Looking at pictures from throughout Marika's life

The wide-screen TV slideshow

Gyorgyi on the left, Gyongyi on the right,

Randi in the middle

Annelie delivering a moving tribute to Marika

Vicky presenting the Madrona art group

with Marika's paintbrushes

Celebration of Life

Marika's Celebration of Life is taking place this Saturday, October 18, at Goward House in Victoria.
http://www.gowardhouse.com/contact.html The hours of the celebration are 2 to 5 pm. It is not a 'service' per se so you don't need to arrive early in order to get a 'seat' - feel free to arrive for 2 pm or whenever is convenient, keeping in mind that there will be a few short speeches around 3 pm or so. There will be a continuous slideshow, art display of Marika's work, and displays of photos taken throughout Marika's life.

We are looking forward to seeing all of the friends who are able to attend to celebrate our dear Marika.

Tribute in the Concordia Journal

The following was published in the Concordia Journal, viewable at this link:

http://cjournal.concordia.ca/archives/20081009/in_memoriam_marika_marianne_gostztonyi_ainley_19372008.php

In Memoriam: Marika (Marianne) Gostztonyi Ainley 1937-2008

Colleagues, friends and former students were saddened by news that Marika Ainley passed away on September 26 after a battle with cancer.

Ainley began teaching at Concordia in 1988 and was the principal of the Simone de Beauvoir Institute from 1991 to 1995. She then served as professor and chair of women's studies at the University of Northern British Columbia. She continued to teach at UNBC until 2002 and became Professor Emeritus in 2005.

Among the many friends she made at Concordia, Susan Hoecker-Drysdale said this in a recent email: "She was not only a superb person, dear wife and mother, a highly creative artist and photographer, but a great friend to many many people, a dedicated mentor, teacher, researcher, administrator. She bridged the gap between the community and the academy, especially with Native women, in Montreal and British Columbia."

Hoecker-Drysdale contributed to the book Ainley edited in 1989. Against the Odds: Essays on Canadian Women in Science was one of two books Ainley published on the history of science in Canada with Véhicule Press.

Another colleague from the Simone de Beauvoir Institute, Barbara Meadowcroft, added, "Marika had a gift for friendship. Through her several moves, her circle of friends just kept growing. She kept in touch with all of us in Montreal and never forgot a birthday."

Ainley's varied career began in her native Hungary where she studied industrial chemistry in the ’50s. In Montreal, she registered in English and French literature at Sir George Williams University and earned her BA in 1964. She then earned both her MA and PhD studying the history of science, and eventually returned to teach at Concordia.

While committed to unearthing the often neglected history of women in the pure sciences, Ainley pursued varied interests. She studied pottery in Montreal in the 1960s and turned to painting in recent years. Her work is currently being exhibited at a gallery in Victoria. She was an avid birder and a lifelong naturalist.

Ainley passed away peacefully in Victoria surrounded by her husband David, daughter Vicky, and son Mark, with her sister Gyongyi on the phone. Those who would like to know more about Ainley and her family can visit marikaainley.blogspot.com/

A celebration of Ainley's life is being organized on October 18, 2 to 5 p.m. at Goward House in Victoria. A Montreal celebration of her life will be held at a later date, watch news@concordia or the Simone de Beauvoir Institute website for details. Donations in her name can be made to Victoria Hospice Society, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria.

Celebration of Life - Clarification

We have realized that when we stated that there was a limited space for Marika's Celebration of Life, some people may have chosen not to attend as a result. Please do not be put off by the fact that there is officially a restricted number. That number is 110 indoors at any given time, and since the Celebration is 3 hours long, we will certainly be able to accommodate everyone. We currently have 55 or so confirmed and are sure this number will climb - and we hope it will!

If you do wish to attend, please send an email to marika.ainley@shaw.ca . We need to be aware of numbers so that we can prepare appropriate catering and also to find contingencies if we do go over limit, such as outdoor areas. The sooner we know, the more comfortable and enjoyable the event will be. (And let's all visualize lovely weather!)

Looking forward to seeing you on the 18th!

Marvelous Madronas

The art group Mum belonged to, Studio Madrona, had their artists' reception this afternoon. It was a lovely if somewhat emotional visit - other people's emotion can bring out ours quite easily. They had added a few touches to the space at Goward House - lettering above the room where they had placed Mum's artwork, as well as a guest book specially for Marika and also a lovely portrait that Amy had spent all week preparing in time for today (photo to come later). We were so touched by everyone's kind words, loving thoughts, and concern.

Vicky and I looked over the downstairs space, which while less homey than the upstairs will make a great gallery and conversation space. We have a few great ideas planned...

Do be in touch if you plan to attend on October 18th - write to marika.ainley@shaw.ca.

Online obituary

The following slightly expanded obituary was posted online:

http://www.legacy.com/EnhancedObit/EnhancedObit.aspx?PersonID=118190925

It was done a bit quickly - nature of the beast where these things are concerned - and we planned to expand it some more but when I tried again today it seemed to be locked. Will try again and hopefully will be able to add some other photos and details. There is a guestbook that can be signed as well.

One Week Later

Gyongyi put it right today - "the first everything is hard." It was one week today that Marika passed away. We all hard our eye on the time as it was approaching 5:34. First a chat with Vicky (who's in Vancouver recuperating from a mild cold) and then with Gyongyi. We had a drink to Mum - not the last, I'm sure.

Preparations are still underway for the Celebration of Life at Goward House, Saturday October 18 from 2pm to 5pm. Please RSVP to marika.ainley@shaw.ca as space is regrettably limited - we're already at 50% capacity. Who could expect anything less than a cracking party where Marika is involved?

UNBC Tribute

Flags at UNBC flying at half-mast on September 29 in tribute to Marika.

And an online tribute at http://www.unbc.ca/womenstudies/ (scroll down)