Kirsten Munro
Kirsten Munro courageously fought a long and challenging three-year battle against one of the most relentless opponents on the planet – glioblastoma. She began her well-earned eternal rest on Sunday, January 9, at the age of 59.
Kirstie was an accomplished scholar, whose highest academic achievement included obtaining her Ph.D. (A.B.D.), and held teaching positions at Western University, Queen’s University, the Thames Valley District School Board, and the Toronto District School Board. Learning and teaching were lifelong passions of Kirstie’s.
She was a loyal Blue Jays fan – even when they were going through a losing streak – which was often. A perfect day for her included taking in a game, roof open, view of the CN Tower, eating a hot dog and drinking a tall can of beer, or two. Her twinkling blue eyes and her beautiful smile could light up the entire Rogers Centre.
She had a great love of music and dance which she applied to her daily workouts in her home gym and at The Mayfair Racquet Club. She refused to let the cancer control her life and her last workout was merely days before her transfer to palliative care at Bridgepoint Hospital where she spent her final three weeks.
We would like to thank the extraordinary health care professionals whose timely care and expertise awarded Kirstie time to live well beyond the life expectancy after a glioblastoma diagnosis. So well beyond, that her doctors began affectionately referring to her as “The Outlier”. From her Neurosurgeon, Dr. Sunit Das, at St. Michael’s Hospital, to her Oncologist, Dr. James Perry, and his magnificent team, at Sunnybrook’s Odette Centre, Kirstie was treated to some of the best cancer care in North America if not the world.
Kirstie is survived by her loving wife of 16 years, Lisa Rysyk, who is committed to keeping Kirstie’s spirit alive and celebrating her life and accomplishments for years to come. Daughter of the late Margaret Anne (née Paterson) and Howard Munro, Kirstie leaves behind her in-laws, a brother, Jason, and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the U.S.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Sunnybrook Foundation, St. Michael’s Foundation, or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
A private ceremony to celebrate Kirstie’s life and accomplishments will be held at a later time.
We thank our family and friends for loving and supporting this incredible woman.
Maureen and Normanne
Never a more beautiful smile nor person, and Lisa you are one of the most amazing people who we know. You were her incredible partner, always.
We feel blessed to have had K in our lives.
Maureen and Normanne
Normanne Bland
These words and photos capture the spirit of a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. Kirstie will be forever missed and remembered.
Jeanine McLaughlin
So sorry for the loss of wonderful Kirstie. I will miss her positivity and light. Such a beautiful and accomplished person. Will miss her dearly. Jeanine McLaughlin.
Joyce McCready
What a beautiful tribute in honouring Kirstie’s life. She truly had a smile that would light up a room and an even larger heart. She had an unmeasurable love for life and for her wife Lisa. Kirstie will be forever missed and loved by all who knew her. Rest in eternal peace! ❤️
Jeff Rysyk
So proud of her defying the odds and leading the way for future patients by contributing so much…Another example of her giving spirit…
We love you and miss her dearly…
Your love and support for each other is monumental…These pictures capture her so wonderfully bringing yet another smile, laugh and tear…
Jeff Rysyk
Josie Smith
Lisa, your choice of photos are amazing. Kirstie was such an accomplished woman, a true friend , and I shall miss her always.
Love, Josie
Wanda Schneller
This is such a big loss. We are going to miss Kirstie so much. She was like a second mom to my son Dezi for nearly 20 years. She was kind, funny, articulate, loyal, dedicated, sweet, thoughtful, creative and intelligent. She brought us joy and love so effortlessly and endlessly. I loved being with you both. You guys were so much fun- both of you. My favourite power couple. Kirstie was my sister in this world. To know her would make you feel so lucky, blessed and supported. My whole family knew and loved her. Lisa (coco), you were so dedicated to her care in this terrible illness. I’m so grateful that you have so many incredible and truly amazing and remarkable friends and family to support you in Toronto. You deserve it all. Thank you, Coco for all your many sacrifices. To Aunt Kitty, thank you for everything you did to make life better. You were our family. We will miss you so terribly. Rest In Peace. Always in our hearts.
T.Mead
Heartfelt condolences Lisa and family.
Miss you Kirstie.
Russ, Caroline and family
We will treasure our memories of Kirstie. Her bright blue eyes and that big smile that would warm your heart. Generous and truly caring of others. She was beautiful inside and out. We will deeply miss her. Kirstie’s and Lisa your strength and courage in battling her cancer was awe-inspiring. You both gave it your all and she lived life to it’s fullest. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and always.
Tobey Schwartz
I’m incredibly sorry for your loss. Kirsten was a remarkable woman – strong, fierce, loyal, smart. Working with her was a privilege.
Peeks
Kirstie was one of the most intelligent, caring, thoughtful, quick witted women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her strength, fortitude and amazing sense of humour made a lasting impression on everybody she met. Her strong presence will continue to be felt by so many in this world. My most heart felt condolences on your tragic loss, Lisa. Kirstie will be so dearly missed. Heaven really did gain an amazing angel. Rest in peace dear Kirstie.
Catherine Bacque
I am so lucky to have known and worked with Kirsten. Her infectious enthusiasm, brilliant smile and quick wit will stay with me always. Kirsten had a profound and remarkable effect on everyone who worked (and played!) with her. There is a generation of students whose lives were enriched by knowing “Ms R-M”. Her empathy, wisdom, energy, and great humour engaged students and fellow teachers far beyond the constraints of curriculum. A wonderful woman, dedicated teacher and Jays superfan! My sincere condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Sonia A.
My heart-felt condolences to the family.
Sonia A.
Helen Osier
Words cannot express how my heart aches, not only for the loss of my beautiful, loving, sweet and courageous niece but also for the love of her life Lisa. You will be missed forever Kirstie and thank you for bringing such joy and love into our lives. aunt Helen and uncle Conroy.
Abe
So sorry for your loss coco. Kristy was an amazing person and will be missed. If there’s anything you need please don’t hesitate to call.
Love abe, Mandy, Dez and ave
Lee Ann
This is such a lovely tribute. I was saddened and shocked to learn of Kirsten’s passing. My sincerest condolences to Lisa, her family/in-laws, and friends.
I know she put up a brave fight, a true warrior through it all.
It’s difficult to know what to say at a time like this. There are no words to ease the pain or bring comfort. It’s hard to focus on the good times while the hurt is still raw, but given time you will.
Her warmth and radiant smile will continue to shine on us with every sunrise and sunset.
Rest peacefully Kirsten 🙏
With love and sympathy,
Lee Ann
Adam and Izzy
Kirsten has always been so kind to Izzy and I and has always had a smile on her face. She always encouraged us in anything we were doing or were interested in from a young age; she motivated us to follow our own paths, and try a lot of new and different things. Kirsten is one of the sweetest, most thoughtful and brightest minds we’ve ever known. Our family will always keep her spirit alive – she’s truly an amazing person and will be deeply missed.
The Girls ( Diane and Rebecca )
So hard to to write this as we reflect on the 3 &1/2 year journey we have been on with our dear friends.
So proud of Kirsty and her fight, her strength and drive. In true Kirsty fashion she exceeded expectations and created new timelines and milestones for this horrible disease. We look forward to celebrating this amazing women and keeping her in our heart forever.
Grateful for the time we had and the opportunity to see what a dedicated loving wife, partner, friend & health care professional our dear Coco was to her.
As we look back I am reminded of the fun and shenanigans we had as a foursome.
Beyond privileged to be in her corner and present for the highs and lows.
Kirsty will always stay with us, we wish her peace and rest while we heal and look back. So many amazing memories we are lucky enough keep with us.
xoxo
Rachael woolston
Sending our heart felt condolences to Coco and all of Kirsty family & friends. We loved meeting you both and seeing you when we would come over to Canada to visit Becky & Diane. Both lovely kind caring women and best friends to my my sister Becky & Diane. We are all heartbroken to hear that Kirsty has passed away. Sending all our love from England Rachael ,Michael, Preston, Morgan, Tegan and Peter xxx
Shelley, Harry, Cody, Evan and Morgan
Lisa and family,
I will always cherish the memories of her visiting us on our farm. Kirsten’s ability to make you feel seen and heard is evident of her compassion for others. Always the teacher with her thirst of knowledge. Kirsten’s warm smile and twinkling blue eyes will be etched in my heart for years to come.
Lisa, let the love that held you close together continue to bring you strength and comfort. 🕊❤️🙏
Christina Osier
Dearest Lisa,
No truer words could be spoken: Kirstie did have a smile that would light up a room. That is one of the many things I will always remember. She was kind, welcoming and so much fun to be around. We will cherish our time with her, just wish it could have been more. Sending our love across the miles that separate us. Love to you always, Tina, Paul and Olivia
Shelley Rankin
Such a beautiful loving soul from the inside out. So grateful and fortunate to have known Kirsten and to have her in our family. My deepest condolences to my dear cousin Lisa and the rest of the hearts that Kirsten touched in her short time here. May her strength and spirit live on, and when we look to the stars we see her forever twinkling.
June
Sending you heartfelt compassion for your loss. Lisa, the selfless manner in which you accompanied Kirstie on her journey was nothing short of amazing. You enabled her to have the best possible quality of life. May your happy memories bring you comfort and joy.
Darcee
My deepest condolences to you, Lisa. Kirstie touched so many lives. I feel blessed for having the opportunity to know her and call her my friend. She was truly a kind, beautiful, smart, funny, loved woman and always welcomed you with a smile. I will miss her and think about her often. Rest In Peace Kirstie.
Drew and Christine Murray
Kirstie was a shining light bringing joy to everyone around her. The world was always seemed a more interesting place when you could see it through her curious and caring eyes. Now her light will shine forever bright as her memory lives on in our hearts.
Rachel Wall
I will always remember Kirstie’s gorgeous smile and infectious laugh. She was a wonderful, kind hearted and intelligent woman. I always enjoyed her company when I did get the chance to see her. Coco, I am thinking of you during this difficult time, and I am so deeply sorry for this tremendous loss. Sending all my love.