The final curtain has been drawn, and Juliana has left the stage. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Juliana Mary Saxton (née Gianelli); professor, teacher, actor, director, orator. For decades she taught theatre and drama in education at the University of Victoria; in her final weeks, the students whose lives she’d changed came to pay their respects—and the chair beside her bed was never empty.
She appeared on stage and screen with the Straw Hat Players, the Shaw Festival, and the CBC; those lucky enough to see her know she was a wonderful actress—sometimes sparkling, sometimes grand. She produced and directed shows for the Alumnae Theatre and UVic, and adapted and produced The Women of Margaret Laurence, which toured almost a thousand schools and theatres across two continents.
Along with her writing partners Norah Morgan and Carole Miller, she published more than half a dozen books, among them Asking Better Questions, Applied Drama, and Into the Story. She was fierce and curious about her work, and continued writing until the week of her death. Her insights into the importance of drama in education and citizenship have never—never—been more urgent.
Juliana was a person of great pride and dignity. She was sharp, she was fun; her smile and laugh were like a firecracker. She was capable of immense warmth and tenderness. She could be totally infuriating. We loved and love her so much more than can be said.
She lives on in Chris, Nadine, and Alexander; in Joanna, Greg, and Sydney; in her extended family of Aileen, Bob, Allan, Jeffrey and David; of Shelagh, Michael, and Rachel; of Matthew, Leslie, and William; of Liz, and Hazeley; in her adopted Morgans and Gardner-Sonmors, and in the dear friends too numerous to list.
Juliana is dead. Her life was extraordinary; our loss is profound.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations via e-transfer to the Victoria Visual Arts Legacy Society: vvalsinfo@gmail.com.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
32 Responses
Juliana was a gem of a colleague, fierce and fabulous. I am grateful to have been in her orbit and grown with her counsel. Love to all her family, friends and former students. One of a kind. xo
Working alongside Juliana as a sister Orator and a member of the caucus was inspiring. She was encouraging as I began & when I asked for ‘notes’ she would oblige. I loved her feisty nature, and even more than that, her humour and critical perspective on the role of the university. As faculty, our responsibility to connect teaching, learning, research & writing to the larger community was paramount. I am fortunate she was there.
Joanna, Greg and Sydney.
My deepest condolences to you all.
Your Mother will always be a shining star ⭐️!
All my love to you all. Rest peaceful dear Juliana.
Jackie xo
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Joanna, Greg and Sydney. Juliana will be missed by so many people. She was such an interesting person. Once again sorry for your loss.
Dear Juliana,
As mentor, colleague, and friend, I appreciate so much what I have learned from you – even though geographical distance did not allow for so many encounters. Your contribution to the drama education field lives on!
Sending our heartfelt condolences to you Joanna. Your mother was a beautiful woman. Rayvand Anne Woodcox
It is so special when you can be with a parent at the end of their life. You can be proud that you shared her final hours.
Hugs to you and Sydney. You can support each other in your loss.
Talk soon
Joanna please accept our heartfelt condolences to you and all of your family. Norris and Lil
To Juliana’s family and friends,
She was a true magical force of great impact. The world will not see her like again. Her loss is profound as she was.
sending Light to all,
Leslie Hogya
Chris, Nadine, Alexander and Alex. Our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and hugs, Jackie, Rob and family. Blessings