In September 1997, the literacy community in Ontario was shocked and saddened by the untimely death of a remarkable colleague and friend, Frances Lever. To honour her memory, the following year, the Ontario Literacy Coalition (OLC) created the Frances Lever Memorial Award (FLMA). Since then it has been presented to over a dozen individuals across the province to recognize their exceptional dedication and contributions to the cause of literacy.

But as time goes on, inevitably things change. Many more awards are being distributed in the literacy community and in recent years the OLC has received fewer nominations for the FLMA. In addition, we are no longer able to give $1,000 to the program of the award winner’s choice. Many smaller, underfunded literacy programs benefited from these donations.

In 2010, the OLC presented the award to Carynne Arnold, Executive Director of Kingston Literacy & Skills and, in a way, brought it full circle: Carynne was instrumental in starting the regional network, Literacy Link Eastern Ontario, and hiring Frances as the Executive Director, in 1992.

The OLC will continue to honour Frances' memory, including during its upcoming AGM (details to follow).

Trudy Lothian, President and Chair of OLC’s Board of Directors; Carynne Arnold,
2010 FLMA Winner, and Mary Wiggin, Chair of the FLMA Committee.

Past Recipients

1997 Frances Lever, Literacy Link Eastern Ontario
1998 Mary Wiggin, Ottawa Carleton Coalition for Literacy
1999 Dan Haley, Literacy Ontario Central South
2000 Gwynneth Foster, Renfrew County Community Upgrading Program
2001 Wanda Pitchforth, Literacy Network of Durham Region
2002 Constance Morgan, Barrie Literacy Council
2003 John McLean, Learning Centre for Georgina
2004 Betty Grant, Program Read — Sault Ste. Marie
2005 Louise Leduchowski, Literacy Incorporated Reading Plus - Atikokan
2006 Marilyn Davies - Barrie Literacy Council
2007 Award not presented
2008 Isobel Bisby, Alternative Learning Styles & Outlooks (also)
2009 Ruth Faulkner, Midland Area Reading Council
2010 Carynne Arnold, Kingston Literacy & Skills

Frances Lever Biography

Ontario's literacy community lost an exceptionally gifted, hard-working champion with the death of Frances Lever in September 1997. Frances began her literacy career in the 1980s as a Project Worker, advancing to become Special Projects Coordinator at Literacy Link Eastern Ontario (LLEO).

In 1992, Frances became the LLEO Executive Director. She worked tirelessly on behalf of programs in her enormous region, driving thousands of kilometers each year to spend time with program staff, volunteers, and learners.

Frances played a key role in the development of the Ontario Literacy Coalition, and served on the OLC Board of Directors. Frances helped to further the development of literacy in Ontario in many ways and guided a number of important projects including the development of Common Assessment of Basic Skills (CABS).

Born in England, Frances moved to Canada with her husband in 1969. In addition to her literacy work, she was a caring wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a doting grandmother, and active in numerous volunteer activities.

Frances never sought the spotlight for herself. The persona she presented to the world was quiet and self-effacing. Those who were privileged to know her appreciated a woman who lived her life with great curiosity, determination, deep commitment, grace, and a wonderfully wry sense of humour. She was a one of a kind, fabulous role model for us all.