I first got to know Rima working with her on bed bugs... She was a shaker and mover on the issue, like with everything she touched, whether it be housing, homelessness or mental health issues. She was a ground-breaker, a community leader, a steward for a brighter, better future. A real force -- heart and head in the right place. And a lovely, warm, down to earth person. WoodGreen and this City will feel her loss. Many condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

I didnt know Rima all that well on a personal level but i heard of the exceptional work, commitment and impact not only for Woodgreen but for the commuinty. Rima you will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to Rima's Family, Freinds and the Woodgreen Community.

I had the privelege of working with Rima throughout her time at WoodGreen and, although we weren't in the same unit, our paths crossed often. I also had the pleasure of knowing Rima as a child care parent, and we greatly enjoyed having both Nathan and Kalan as part of our child care programs. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Rima as a professional, an advocate, a parent, and a person. She will be profoundly missed and always remembered.

Many years ago, when Rima and i still worked at the 835 old building, we woud sometimes run into each other at Woody the Cafe. We would sit down together and chat about things relating to social justice. Rima worked in a different department and i did not really knew her then. However, her friendliness and her compassion impressed me so much that i remember our Woody encounters till today.

Rima hired me for my very first job as a Mental Health Worker in MHDS after finishing my MSW program. She was pregnant with you youngest son at the time and went on maternity leave a few months after I started at Woodgreen. I did not work with Rima for a long time, but she has made a lasting impact on me from the short time we worked together. Rima was a very rare kind of leader that had a quietness and tenderness about her and yet tremendous strength and power at the same time. It never seemed to become about the "business" for Rima. She kept her feet firmly planted her roots as a social worker and the practices of advocacy, social justice and anti-oppression. For the mental health and homeless community in East Toronto her loss is significant, and yet her many contributions and legacy will live on continuing to help improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable community members. I consider it an absolute honour to have had such an amazing mentor to look to during the beginning stages of my career and will continue to hold her in my memory as an example of an amazing social worker, leader and person. My deepest condolences to the Woodgreen community and to her family and friends.

I first met Rima when she was doing a field placement at the Social Planning Council and I was a Board member in the early 1990s.. Her quiet charm and commitment to social justice were evident then. We were to become collaborators during ten years in the Social Work Reform Group. Rima never wavered in her dedication to the cause of ensuring that the profession did not become elitist. She could always be counted on as a team member.. May her family, friends and colleagues find comfort in the memories of all that dear Rima brought to this world...

I remember Rima's warm "Welcome to WoodGreen",We are so happy to have you here!" My heartfelt condolences to her family and freinds. Warmest Regards, Janet Borden

I worked briefly with Rima as my Director in 2010. She immediately struck me as a fierce, compassionate presence committed to social justice from the top down. She did not have to try to lead - her ability to be a consciously reflective listener and support to her staff and the clients we all served spoke for itself. She was a true example of how grounded compassion, communication and integrity can invoke great change for others. Peace be with you, Rima. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Her impact and work lives on.

I worked briefly with Rima as my Director in 2010. She immediately struck me as a fierce, compassionate presence committed to social justice from the top down. She did not have to try to lead - her ability to be a consciously reflective listener and support to her staff and the clients we all served spoke for itself. She was a true example of how grounded compassion, communication and integrity can invoke great change for others. Peace be with you, Rima. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Her impact and work lives on.

I vividly remember meeting Rima for the first time. It was in the convenience store down the street from the old WoodGreen Community Centre. I was with my brother, Graham, who had introduced us. This was before I had applied for my job as an APSW at WoodGreen. Rima was so kind and approachable. After I was hired, I still felt that I could talk with her, as casually as I did in the convenience store, even though she was an Executive Director. I will always remember her incredible kindness and compassion. She was one of my role models and I will never forget her.

Rima once told me that the best way to stay calm in the midst of many challenges is to focus on completing three things a day. She said that you shouldn't worry about more than that because otherwise you get distracted from doing things really well. I will never forget that advice and I will always remember Rima's wisdom and her kindness.

Rima had a calm and reasoned approach to difficult housing and social problems, yet she was fiercely committed to solving them.

We will always remember the warm hearted smile on Rima's face as she came in everyone morning interacting with her children. She was a kind and giving person. Rima is remembered by all of us with her kind words. Her memory will live on through her wonderful children and all her meaningful work. She touched many lives and will be missed by all. Rima will always be in our hearts.

I had the privilege of getting to know Rima while serving on the WoodGreen Community Services Board. She was a gifted leader, an inspiring colleague and a compassionate person. Her dedication to helping so many people improve their lives has made this city a much better place. We will miss her so much. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues.

On behalf of WoodGreen's board of directors, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Rima's family, friends and co-workers. We are very lucky to have known Rima. Her leadership and commitment inspired us, and she brought a special energy and warmth to her work that touched and improved the lives of so many. We will miss her very much.

I knew Rima through my involvement with the Woodgreen Board of Directors over the last six years. I must admit I have never met someone with such a compassionate and dedicated view towards matters concerning sucial justice and her willingness to tackle problems and advocate for those less fortunate was remarkable and inspirational. It is such a loss but I am grateful for the time we had with Rima.

I was asked by the Berkeley Consulting Group to work on an organizational project in the area of WoodGreen managed by Rima. I was so impressed with her brilliance, her creativity and her passion for social justice. She talked about the concept of First Step to Home, and after the consulting project ended I contacted her and suggested that a group from my congregation would like to volunteer in any way to contribute to the success of this project. We have been volunteering now for a year and will continue to do so in honour of her memory and in gratitude for the many ways she has touched our lives.

As the City's lead for the Rupert Hotel Coalition I first met Rima 20 years ago when she was hired to organize a north american forum about rooming houses.She did a remarkable job and her commitment,attention to detail was clearly her tribute to the people surviving in poverty. She was the first person we called to coordinate the emergency rooming house response program and she was the first person I called to lead the bed bug initiative in partnership with Habitat Services. Rima crammed a long career in a relatively short term. She was loved by so many from diverse places. She will always be a monumental touchstone for those who believe in the inherent strength of people surviving in the shadows of the city

You changed some many lives with your compassion and dedication for social justice. I feel fortunate to have worked with you at Woodgreen during my time in your unit. The community has lost an amazing person Rima and you will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to your family. Warmest Regards, Paula Ballantyne

Rima, I miss you. Your compassion for community development was outstanding. You showed great loyalty and compassion to people of all kinds. I felt very calm, when you were around because I knew, everything was going to be alright. You were my manager and my mentor when we organized and facilitated the opening of one of our large housing projects in 1996. We ran focus groups for over one year with you directing an amazing program of applicant participation before occupancy! This was outstanding and has not been repeated since. I learned so much from you. Thank you for all that. you will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to the family. I am so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful person.

I am so sorry to hear of Rima's death. What a loss to our community. She was terrific on the Ralph Thornton Centre Board when we were both board members many years ago. I was always pleased to bump into her on Queen Street after our board terms ended. My condolences to her family and friends. Jenny Lowell

I am astonished to learn about Rima’s passing. I remember her from Lithuanian folk dance rehearsals about 35 years ago. Even then she was always smiling, a gentle and supportive friend. I wish now our paths could have crossed again. Ilsekis ramybei brangi vaikystes drauge. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I did not know Rima very well, but her accomplishments here at Woodgreen and in the community were legendary. When we would have chats at meetings her kindness and compassion shone through. This is a very difficult loss for her family, her colleagues here at Woodgreen and the clients she cared so deeply about. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family at this time.

I was very impressed with the passion and knowledge that Rima had with bed bugs. She demonstrated an amazing amount of compassion for those that had infestations and was determined to ensure that people had as much information at their disposal as possible. When my home became infested, she made me feel supported and gave me advice and contact information for pest control companies. I won't soon forget this. Through her great help, I was able to eradicate bed bugs from my home and soon was able to return to normal. It takes a special person to have that degree of empathy for others, and Rima definitely had that about her. My thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.

Rima was spectacular and very special in so many ways. When I first met her, I noticed her striking beauty, composure, and keen intelligence. As I got to know her, I discovered her quiet strength, strong belief in championing vulnerable people, ability to 'move mountains', and deep love for her boys and family. It was then that I realized that she was the 'real deal'. I learned from the best, and am humbled to have had that opportunity to work with Rima at WoodGreen. There will never be another Rima, but she has challenged us all to live better, love more, and make a difference now. Rest in peace and love Rima--you will be missed greatly.

I remember Rima as a former Board member of Ralph Thornton Centre. She was always warm and genuie, extremely helpful and had a heart for the community and the people who worked together with her. My deepest condolences to her family.

Gone too soon, leaving your wonderful memories with us:) Your contributions will always be appreciated... Thank you for sharing your life with us:) Rest well

Although I never met Rima personally, it is clear that her leadership and good work have had a powerful impact that will continue to guide the spirit of our organization, even in her absence. Rima's legacy and memory will shine bright at WoodGreen and in the communities she has touched. My deepest condolences and wishes of peace to Rima's family, friends and colleagues.

Anytime I saw Rima she was always smiling. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to her family. I pray you get through this hard time with ease.

My deepest condolences to Rima's family. May her soul rest in peace.

I will never forget the many things that Rima taught me about working with communities. As my manager, she always took an interest in what I was doing and made time for me - both to celebrate successes and figure out new solutions to challenges. Great managers are not abundant. I am grateful for the way her passion and openness allowed me to uncover the person I am and the things I have to offer. My condolences to her family and close friends. I know you are all stronger for the time you spent with Rima. Hopefully this helps you in this transition period. Rest in peace, Rima. Deborah Konecny

May Rima's Soul rest in peace-