York University Professor Emeritus Amy Rossiter, with the School of Social Work in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), died suddenly on Jan. 17.
Rossiter was a long-serving faculty member at York University since the early '90s, working also in the Graduate Program in Social Work as well as the Graduate Program in Women's Studies. Her research and teaching was dedicated to exploring critical perspectives in social work, ethics and applications of feminist postmodernism to social work. Her work aimed to strengthen the relationship between social work and social justice.
"Amy will be remembered for her keen intellect, warmth and generosity. She left an indelible mark on her students and colleagues, where her work in social justice, ethics and feminism crossed disciplines," said LA&PS Dean J.J. McMurtry. "Her scholarship on equity, inclusion and postmodern feminism in the practice of social work was groundbreaking and internationally recognized. Her passion for promoting community engagement was evident in her research interests and led to an important community-University research partnership with PEACH (Promoting Economic Action and Community Health)."
Rossiter was author of From private to public: A feminist exploration of early mothering (Toronto: The Women's Press) and co-author of Practice and research in social work: Postmodern feminist perspectives (London: Routledge). She contributed her work and research with chapters in several books, and published more than 30 journal articles.
"Amy made a lasting impact on those around her. Valued by her students, admired by her colleagues and respected by her academic peers, Amy’s legacy extends beyond her scholarship," said McMurtry.
She leaves behind her children Ben and Kate, and her extended family, friends, and colleagues.
A memorial service will be held in Toronto at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Toronto Rehab’s Specialised Dementia Unit, at UHN Foundation would
be appreciated by the family. For condolences, visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300.