It is with great sadness that the Dean’s Office, Faculty of Education, announces the death of our colleague and friend Amalia “Emily” Tjimos, who passed away on Dec. 28 at the age of 48 after a brief battle with cancer.
Known to those across the University as Emily, she will be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and generous and kind nature. A dedicated member of the York University staff, Emily worked as the administrative assistant in the Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Education for over 15 years. Prior to that, she was the receptionist/secretary in the Office of the Dean at Atkinson College.
Emily earned a BA in psychology in 1991, a BA (Specialized Honours) in sociology in 1994 and a BA (Specialized Honours) in psychology in 2002 at York University. This past October, she received her master’s of education degree at fall convocation.
She had a passion for music and loved to sing. Her beautiful voice could be heard fronting the Faculty of Education’s cover band, The Grateful Ed, at many Faculty celebrations and events.
“As a long-serving staff member at York, Emily was much loved by all who came into contact with her,” said Ron Owston, dean of the Faculty of Education. “During her career, she supported three deans in the Faculty of Education and displayed a high degree of professionalism, caring and attention to detail. She was a very kind and generous person who will be sorely missed by all of us.”
The following excerpts from a tribute page to Emily best describe her wonderful manner:
What joy and loveliness she brought to our halls in Education. I can honestly say I never saw her without a warm smile and a willingness to make things work. And around York, that is often demanding. And then there was the band and her singing that brought joy to so many of our celebrations. She is and will be missed. Thank you for Emily and all that she brought us.
Warm, helpful, efficient and a beautiful colleague is how I would best describe Emily. Emily touched so many lives and I hope every day we find it in ourselves to spread some of her kindness.
Emily was a lovely, kind and caring human being. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with her. I will always remember her warm smile and calm, competent demeanour.
Emily will be missed by her daughter, mother and father, sisters, and by her many friends and colleagues at York.
In Emily’s honour and memory, the York University flags will be lowered to half mast at sunrise on Monday, Jan. 11, and they will remain that way until 1pm on Tuesday, Jan. 12.