The sun has set on a beautiful and adventurous life. Helen Little-Strasser passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020. She is the loving big sister to Bruce and his wife Theo (Teddy) Little. Helen is the adored aunt to Cherese and her husband Tim Scherbak. Ryan and his wife Natalie, Chantal and the late Sean Scherbak blessed her with the title of Great Aunt that she was proud of, but the title of Great GREAT aunt to Maxime and Alexie put a sparkle into her eyes. Helen was married for 44 years to the late Imre Strasser and was proud to be the daughter of Bob and Ruby (nee Lake) Little. Helen was very much admired and respected by the girls that she taught at various private girl schools with the majority of her teaching years at Bishop Strachan School. When Helen retired a bursary fund was created in her name to assist the daughters of former students to attend the school. If you wish donations in Helen’s name to the bursary fund can be made to The Bishop Strachan School, Development Office, The Helen Little-Strasser Bursary Fund, 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON M4V 1X2 or if you would prefer, a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at St. Peter’s United Church.
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Strasser. What a gem she was. Mrs. Strasser taught me math at BSS and actually did much more than that. She opened her home to me and crammed in a year’s worth of math into 3 months so I could skip the year and study in France. She did not have to do this and I really appreciated all the extra time she spent with me. I think I went to her house for extra lessons a couple of times a week and during this time, got to see a whole other side to this amazing, classy lady. How kind, how caring. How hilarious that she would, unbeknownst to me, read out to the class the letters I would write to her from France. I will never forget her house with all the photos of all the kids she and her husband had supported in various ways over the years. I will never forget those flower dresses. Yes math is hard. Yes you can do it.
Thank you, Mrs. Strasser.
June 9, 2023
In 8th grade Mrs. Strasser seemed (to me) to alternate between terrifying us (of course all of us knew more than teachers at that age anyway) and in the next moment providing a kind word, smile or letting us see that great sparkle in her eye. I still remember lessons she taught in the 1970’s, which is a testament to her ability to get us to focus and believe in ourselves. Sometimes math questions forever eluded me, and the reason why that happened often eluded her too. But through the years, and when I became a BSS Prefect working more with the staff, I discovered that hers was a personality to treasure. Thanks Mrs. S for being there for all of us, and for me.
My condolences to your family. You are missed and loved.
October 14, 2020
I had the privilege of having Helen as a chorister at Manor Road United Church, Toronto, for a number of years. She was wonderfully opinionated, with a strong personality and an even bigger heart. I warmly remember her generously donating the bottom half of the third octave of handbells to Manor Road, in thanks for the church home she found there…and her pride in reading the Epiphany readings every year, in celebration of her birthday on Jan 6/Epiphany. She was definitely a light in my life, and I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathies to all those whose lives she touched, and who mourn her loss.
July 9, 2020
Mrs. Strasser was a positive influence on countless girls’ lives at Bishop Strachan School. Her high expectations were mixed with her determination to help us every step of the way to accomplish more than we ever thought possible. If she thought the subject was beyond us, she was also clear about our limitations and would gently steer us in a different direction. While she sometimes presented herself as a stern teacher, it did not take her students long to realize that her heart was either bursting with pride or empathy in all her connections with “her girls”. Students knew that Mrs. Strasser was someone who always had their best interests in mind. As much as she was devoted to her students, we were all devoted to her. She was a powerful role model when she was Vice Principal. She ran a tight ship but ran it with devotion and love. We were truly blessed to have had her in our lives.
On a final note, I love that in order to submit this obituary, you have to complete a math question…I can feel her patiently waiting (with a hint of eye rolling) for me to solve it.
July 9, 2020
I worked with Helen when I was teaching at BSS. I remember her kindness when I lost my husband and daughter. The students adored her because she put her heart and soul into making her students successful. She will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her family.
July 7, 2020