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Sarah Goldfarb posted a condolence
Sunday, November 13, 2022
Fran, Carl and Evie warmly welcomed me into their home as an exchange student in the late eighties. My two months with them were full of joy, laughter and so much love! I was 17 years old, having a gap year. I played the flute .... and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.
Fran took me into her centre one day and I watched, played, and sang with everyone. I did not become a music therapist but music making took several paths: working with less advantaged children, teaching, …
I try to keep the sparkle and magic that Fran naturally communicated in everything she did.
Thank you, Fran, for being such an inspiration and making me feel so welcomed and loved.
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Martin Julien posted a condolence
Thursday, June 2, 2022
For two years in the late 1960s - from kindergarten through Grade 1 - I lived in a communal house with my parents Marion & Leo and the remarkable trio of Fran & Carl Herman and their daughter Eve. As 'only children', Eve and I were like sister and brother, and these early years only solidified a multi-family event that would continue for decades. I well-remember the dozens of Sunday Brunch gatherings at Fran's home, where musicians, artist, and social justice warriors would gather to savour her incredible cooking, sing folk ballads, and learn about the craft of batik. (Also, as secular Jews, I recall Fran hosting incredible neighbourhhod Easter egg hunts throughout my childhood, bringing together a rich diversity of children and families in a celebration of spring.)
I've been a professional theatre artist my whole life, and my childhood years were inspired by witnessing the creativity and inclusivity of Fran's Wheelchair Theatre players as they expressed the heart and soul of performance through musical presentations. As time moved on, I saw less of Fran, Carl, and Evie. Such is life. Yet our loving connections never evaporated. I continued to be invited to participate in Herman family meals, and was welcomed to engage my youthful aspirations as a theatre and music artist with the Franny 'star' of support. Eve was always a laughing, smart, and encouraging fiend as I negotiated the minefield of adolescence. When I was nineteen, it was Fran's advocacy and assistance that led me to the BEST 'summer job' I've ever had: as an arts facilitator at Holland Bloorview. I continue to work within the disability arts community to this day.
I will never forget the deep and generous impact that Fran and her family had on my life. Too many memories to share. Fran was a wonder: her presence will live forever in my heart.
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Walter Cavalieri posted a condolence
Thursday, November 5, 2020
I met the Herman family over 50 years ago and recall spending many wonderful occasions with them. There home was a welcoming place for me (and many others), and I could count on Fran making one of my favourite comfort foods - Kasha Varnishkes. Hers were simply the best! Fran was a wonderful cook.
Over and above her outstanding accomplishment as a music therapist - I witnessed her work at in hospital settings, in conferences, and in the Music Therapy Centre - Fran was a gracious host, a dedicated friend and one of the most creative people I have ever met. She had a perfect companion in Carl, and I am fortunate to have experienced the warmth of their friendship. As well, in later years, our monthly lunches at Avli on the Danforth were something we could all look forward to.
Fran’s legacy continues in the field of Music Therapy and, along with Carl’s, in their daughter Evie. These are things that we continue to celebrate, even in this sad moment
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Denise Donlon posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Fran Herman was a legend with a heart of gold. I'm so grateful for John Marshall, then producer at TheNewMusic for introducing me to Fran so that I could witness her magic first hand. She truly understood the power of music to inspire and empower, to teach and heal. No one else would have convinced me to be Auctioned off as a TEMP for the Day at one of those Festive music industry luncheons. I sat there with a napkin on my head dreaded the idea that no one would bid and lo and behold - a bidding war between two Don Oates - Sr. VP and SONY and his pal Gary Newman, President of Warner. Surely the winning bid of $35,000 dollars!!! was more about these two friends battling it out , than my meagre services as a temp for a day, It was a fun morning at Sony doing the actual 'work' answering phones and manufacturing CD's , despite my subsequent unsuccessful efforts at attempting to use the staggering amount as a precedent in my contract negotiations when I became President of Sony Music Canada the following year. It was the beginning of the global market crash, and one of the first edicts from my bosses in NY was NO ARTIST PRESENTS! so we gathered up a piano and some other instruments, and donated them to MusicTherapy with a bronze plaque bearing our SMC artists' names. I like to think of ALL the good work that Fran has inspired over the years, and know her legacy will endure . It was an honour to know her and get a glimpse into what 'Using Your Powers For Good' can actually mean. My condolences to all of Fran's family and friends, and hope the photos I've tried to upload will appear on this site!!
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Denise Donlon uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
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Denise Donlon uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
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John Marshall posted a condolence
Monday, November 2, 2020
Fran Herman changed the lives of thousands of people, including mine. Fran taught me the true power of music. In my first meeting with Fran [and her husband/partner-in-all Carl], she tolerated my ill-informed queries about music therapy [I was doing a story for TheNewMusic]. Fran had a gentle way of telling someone they were misinformed. But she had a steely resolve when it came to her goals. By the end of that day I realized I had been recruited into Fran and her husband Carl’s cadre of music therapy acolytes. We became good friends, co-conspirators. We met, we schemed, we recruited. And the Canadian Music Therapy Trust, with the incredibly generous support of so many in the Canadian music industry, grew to fund hundreds of music therapy projects and let millions of Canadians know about the great work music therapists were doing in communities right across the country. It was a proud day for Fran when, in 2001, the first Music Therapy Centre in Canada opened on Bloor Street West in Toronto. It’s a small but important part of Fran’s legacy – the legacy of a woman who brought revolutionary ideas to healthcare, who brought music and joy in to the lives of countless children, and who liked a song, a story and a good laugh as much as anyone I’ve ever met. Fran, I’ll miss you kiddo.
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Kathryn Swift posted a condolence
Monday, November 2, 2020
Since being introduced to Fran in both courses as well as in person when I was a MT student, I have been filled with admiration, respect and gratitude that our community was blessed with such a pioneering spirit. A smile that lit up every room and heart it entered. Caring and enthusiastic eyes, that when met opened up within the recipient myriad possibilities within oneself. A heart that was big and bold enough to love everyone and create miracles. We are all a little better for having known you.
You are missed Fran, but your loving and healing energy will be with all you touched forever.
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Karen D Goodman lit a candle
Friday, October 30, 2020
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Anita Swanson posted a condolence
Friday, October 30, 2020
The music therapy community celebrates Fran's life, and misses her greatly. She was a treasured soul. May her light continue to shine brightly.
Dr. Anita Swanson, MT-BC
World Federation of Music Therapy President
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James Cameron Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Such cherished memories of Fran and her Music Therapies at the Ontario Crippled Children's Centre. A lifetime of creative caring.
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Rodney Bowes posted a condolence
Thursday, October 29, 2020
To know her was to love her. Happy trails Franny. I’m missing you❤️
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Sunny Dicum posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Fran and I met in the early 60’S when we both worked in Thisletown Hospital. Reading about Fran brought back many fond memories.
My condolences to the family.
Sunny Dicum
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Dr. Hania Fedorowicz posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Dear Eve, Deepest heartfelt condolences from Peter and myself. You are amazing! In her years of decline, you gave to Franny all the love and creativity which she poured into you many years ago, when you were little and needing therapy for many months. Your parents made their home open to so many (high school) students and young people. Sunday brunches at the Hermans' were famous. Welcoming, non-judgmental and inquisitive. Yes, as the wonderful farewell video shows, the food Fran prepared was legendary, and forthcoming even if someone (me!) showed up unannounced. Being called "kiddo" by Fran, always with a twinkle in her eye, meant someone was loved just as they are. The gown I wore for the valedictory address at ECI (class of '71) was made of cotton batiked by Fran. There was so much material, she had to use the bath tub! And I will never forget Fran joyfully leading the guests at my wedding in a rousing linedance to Havah Nagilah. Her memory will live on in many hearts! Love, Hania
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Kimiko Suzuki planted a tree in memory of Fran Herman
Monday, October 26, 2020
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I will always remember visiting Fran when she shared her music therapy stories, we ate bologna sandwiches, and she admired the orchids we brought her!
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John Batshon posted a condolence
Monday, October 26, 2020
We were saddened to hear about the passing of Fran. We will miss her kind smile.
Our deepest condolences,
John, Joe and the entire staff at The Burger Shack
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Joseph and Mary Fenuta posted a condolence
Monday, October 26, 2020
Eve, Angelo, and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of such an accomplished and gifted human being.
We were in awe of the wonderful Tribute Video you created in Fran's memory. As we never met Fran, watching it helped us gain such an amazing perspective of the special woman she was in every area of her life. You all were truly fortunate to have shared a life together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
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Thea Herman planted a tree in memory of Fran Herman
Sunday, October 25, 2020
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In memory of a remarkable woman and a wonderful aunt. Love, Thea
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Thea Herman posted a condolence
Sunday, October 25, 2020
What a remarkable woman my Aunt Fran was, and what a privilege it was to have her in my life. So many wonderful memories - Sunday brunches, family dinners, camping trips, working with Aunt Fran at what was then the Ontario Centre for Crippled Children. More than 50 years ago, Aunt Fran and Uncle Carl were there for me when I lost my dad at age 17. They were the adults who "got" us teenagers. Their home was a welcoming, warm haven for me at a difficult time, as it was for so many others. What an amazing legacy she has left.
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Mary Fenuta posted a condolence
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Dear Eve and family,
Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all during this difficult time.
May you have strength and courage.
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Heather R. Kaplan (nee Goldman) posted a condolence
Friday, October 23, 2020
I have lots of memories of dear Fran going back when she was asked to come to our house on Fairholme Avenue, in 1953. I had just turned 7 years old and remember seeing a green car pull up in front of our house, and out came an energetic young woman, with curly blond hair, and carrying a briefcase. When Fran entered our front hall, she looked so tall, and I was a bit scared. Anyhow after we sat down at the piano the first thing she showed me was the middle "C" note. After that history was in the making as I climbed very quickly from Grade to Grade with Fran's encouragement. I won a First Class Honour certificate from The Western Conservatory of Music when I was 9, played numerus recitals, acted in many plays, and flourished greatly under Fran's guidance. Before she gave up her teaching practice, she wrote a wonderful recommendation for me to The National Music Camp, Interlochen, in Michigan, and I spent that summer of 1959 in a most wonderful musical place, meeting all kinds of famous people including the famous Van Cliburn. That was the last thing that Fran did for me during my piano years and I have never forgotten it and never will.
A story.....there was a recital planned for Fran's students at the auditorium in Glen Park Public School, at which my mother Anne arranged. The week before, I was at school and loved playing marbles outside at recess with the boys. I was noted as quite a good player and would come home with bags of them after school once in a while. Anyhow, that particular afternoon, I was on the ground rolling and winning the latest marble game when suddenly a young boy named Michael, skidded across the sidewalk and over my right hand, causing my middle finger to lose the nail with blood all over.
I went to the school nurse who bandaged it, and it really hurt.
When I got home and showed my mother what had happened, she immediately called Fran to tell her of my unfortunate accident. Fran came right over to our house after dinner, and rewrote my recital piece with only 9 fingers, which I performed with ease.
Years later, after I re-met Fran after a span of 60 years, and I was composing a lecture about her that I gave here in London, Ontario and in Miami, Florida, I asked her how she was able to re-write that music.
Apparently she had studied piano with a well known piano teacher in San Francisco, and his students were veterans of WW2, who had lost fingers, and so she learned to improvise music from this man. How fantastic was that! So Fran had more gifts that were hidden, but she used them when she could.
Rest in peace dearest mentor and good friend...
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Don Oates posted a condolence
Friday, October 23, 2020
Far too many memorable moments with my friend Fran to share...here are 3 that immediately come to mind - making the winning bid of $35,000 to secure Denise's services for a day (fyi Denise soon became my boss) - winning 20 "free" Blue Jay skybox tickets that I used for my son's birthday party that ultimately cost me $3,600 in pizza, hot dogs & drinks - donated a piano to Music Therapy on behalf of all our Sony Music Canadian artists in lieu of giving them Christmas gifts - love this lady!
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Gary Cristall posted a condolence
Thursday, October 22, 2020
My parents, Sam and Diane Cristall were good friends of Fran and Carl, going back many years. I always enjoyed spending time with them. I kept in touch vaguely but in the mid nineties when I was working at the Canada Council for the Arts I helped Fran a bit by shipping her hundreds of CDs we received as part of grant applications for the use of music therapists. We shared a bunch of meals in Toronto and later when I moved back to Vancouver when they would pass through. I was always very glad that they took the initiative to stay in touch. Both Fran and Carl were activists. They made a difference. I work in music and when I would mention that I knew Fran Herman people who were involved in music therapy would be very respectful. I hadn't been in touch for quite a while. I'm happy to see that Fran had a good long run and that she lives on in Eve and her family.
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Todd Goldsbie posted a condolence
Thursday, October 22, 2020
My mother, Paisley (Peggy) Goldsbie and Carl were first cousins and my mother remained close to Fran until her passing in 2016. Fran was a kind lady whom she liked very much. May her memory be a blessing.
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Heather R. Kaplan posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Dearest Evie and family.
Please accept my deep heartfelt condolences on the passing of dearest Fran. She was a fantastic piano teacher and pioneer founder of Music Therapy. She had an infectious sense of humour, was always welcoming to me and I enjoyed her company each time I had a chance to spend time with her. I will miss her deeply, but she lived life on her own terms and accomplished everything that she set out to do.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences as I loved her for over 60 years.
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Nathan Romagnoli & Staff of eco posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
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Dear Eve and all who love Frances,
May this memorial site designed in tribute to her bring smiles and comfort as you begin to share memories, photos and sentiments of her life here.
Warmly,
Nathan & Staff of eco.
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The family of Fran Herman uploaded a photo
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
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