Palomba Paves-Yahsinksy passed away on January 7, 2019, in her 89th year. Professor Emeritus of French at York University, much-loved volunteer at the AGO,  lifelong proponent of French conversation, stalwart for years of book and cinema clubs, Palomba remained active until the very end.

Palomba was born in Bucharest, Romania in 1929. After WWII, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she earned her PhD from Wayne State University. Palomba arrived at York University in 1968, where she taught 19th-century French literature. She wrote poetry, drew and painted herself, and loved to combine painting with literature. After she retired she became a Gallery Guide at the AGO, giving tours in French and English. She joined the program in January 1997, recently celebrating 21 years with the gallery.

She also led an advanced French literature and conversation class as a volunteer at Ryerson University’s Life Institute; after her retirement the class evolved into an informal “Café et Bavardage” conversation group.  Paloma was famous for discouraging English words sneaking in, insisting “Toujours francais!”

Fellow gallery guide and friend Arlene Kushnir remembers Palomba:

Palomba loved art, opera, theatre, movies and books and was always eager to take advantage of Toronto’s  cultural offerings. We were in a book group together for several years. Palomba had always read the book carefully, not only once but twice, even if she did not care for the book, and taken extensive notes. Her thoughtful insights were always welcome by the group. She was extremely sociable and caring towards her friends and family. She will be missed.