By Neil Armstrong
A beloved lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan College (TMU), mentor, and group advocate has died.
Sharon Elaine McLeod was born in downtown Toronto on April 6, 1970, to Alvin and Elaine McLeod, who immigrated to England from Jamaica after which migrated to Canada. She died on March 19, 2025, in Markham, Ontario.
“As we bid adieu to Sharon’s earthly kind, allow us to not dwell on the void left in her wake, however quite rejoice the legacy of affection and inspiration Sharon has bequeathed us. For although she could have departed from our sight, her spirit stays a timeless beacon, guiding family members via the labyrinth of life’s journey,” notes her obituary.
A lecturer within the College of Social Work for 18 years, McLeod was a graduate of the College of Toronto, College Faculty the place she gained a BA in 1993, and Howard College the place she acquired an MSW in 1995.
Previous to this, McLeod spent 25 years as an dependancy therapist and senior social employee on the Centre for Dependancy and Psychological Well being (CAMH) and the Donwood Institute.
TMU famous that she concurrently used that medical gaze to tell her method to educating undergraduate and graduate lessons on the college.
“She stands out in stimulating college students to suppose creatively and critically. Her distinctive method goes past conventional educating, difficult college students to actively take part in crucial reflection and assume duty for his or her studying journey,” notes the quotation of the College of Neighborhood Providers when McLeod acquired the Sue Williams Excellence in Educating Award in Might 2024.
It mentioned McLeod’s encouragement fostered “a profound understanding of the importance of dignity in social work apply, equipping us to method these interactions with sensitivity.”
Dr. Karen Flynn, Terrance & Karyn Holm Endowed Professor on the College of Illinois, Chicago, knew McLeod from the College of Windsor the place they had been college students within the Nineties.
“She was an mental genius. From the time I met her in my early twenties, I’ve by no means met anyone who had such an intensive vocabulary that I used to be actually in awe of,” mentioned
Flynn who famous that McLeod labored within the custom of American minister and theologian James Cone’s concept of liberation theology.
Flynn mentioned McLeod had an awesome sense of humour and by no means forgot that she was a baby of immigrants.
Floydeen Charles Fridal, govt director of Caribbean African Canadian Social Providers (CAFCAN), says the affect of McLeod’s transition can’t be adequately expressed.
She mentioned McLeod was a dedicated advocate for the creation of TAIBU Neighborhood Well being Centre, supported the Black Well being Alliance in its progress and growth, and influenced analysis and coverage initiatives associated to African Canadians.
“There are numerous lives which have been touched by Sharon McLeod. I consider her as an eagle that has an incredible wingspan but soars so gracefully. She had a peculiar intelligence and a way of humour that had been as distinctive as she was.
In 2020, McLeod was named among the many 100 Achieved Black Girls honourees.
She is survived by her brother Donald, mom Elaine, and different family. Visitation can be held on Sunday, April 6, from 4:00 p.m. to eight:00 p.m. and on Monday, April 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service can be held on Monday, April 7, at 11:00 a.m. on the Apple Creek Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Markham, adopted by burial on the Bethesda Cemetery in Markham.
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