Marlene Moser: A Brock professor remembered

This past December, the Brock University community mourned the loss of one of its hardest working and most personally invested members.

Marlene Moser, a Brock Professor in the Dramatic Arts Department, passed away on Dec. 21 after a long battle with cancer. She was 47-years-old.

Moser began working at Brock in 2000 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2005.
During her time in the department, Moser contributed her expertise of Canadian playwrights and directed Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest in the Sean O' Sullivan Theatre. Furthermore, she convinced those who knew her that she was not just at Brock to pay the bills, but rather because she loved it.

Meaghan Shepard, a Brock graduate and student rep for the Dramatic Arts Department during Moser's tenure, has nothing but praise for Moser's efforts and contributions.

"During my time spent as the Dramatic Arts Department Student Representative, I was fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time with Marlene. Prior to that time, I didn't really know Marlene. I knew she was the Chair of the Department and I had heard great things about her. It wasn't until I got to see her in action that I was able to appreciate the enormous amount of time and effort she put in to making the Department great, " said Shepard. "Marlene was passionate, not only about the future of the Department, but also the present state. She truly cared about the students - every student."

Moser had a passion for mentoring students by making personal connections. A few of her pupils even went on to found local theatre companies. Moser also worked hard on the political side of the Department, gaining new academic positions and undergraduate programs.

Deanna Jones, a pupil of Moser's and founding member of local theatre company Suitcase in Point (the board of which Moser sat on since 2006), regards Moser as much more than just a professor.

"She's always been there as a mentor and supporter and friend," said Jones in an article with Brock News.

Moser fought a five-year battle with cancer, and was working to create new performance-related therapies for cancer survivors. She is survived by husband Philip Toms and her daughter Cecilia.

Derek Knight, director of The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts was one of the many who had nothing but praise for Moser and her time at Brock.

"For those of us who knew her personally, she will always be remembered by the dedication and passion for the discipline that she loved and gave so much to," said Knight in an article with Brock News. "[She will be remembered] as a champion of all our causes, and as a deeply devoted friend whose grace, wisdom and warmth will always be cherished."

A memorial service for Moser was held on Jan. 4, at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. Jan. 4 would have been her 48th birthday.
Online condolences can also be left at the Bay Gardens Funeral Home web site, baygardens.ca/tribute/moser-marlene-cecilia-1963-2010.