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
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32 Responses
Forty-five years ago, when I first went to Victoria for my Master’s, I was blessed to become Juliana’s graduate assistant. I learnt so much from her. I have shared her unique techniques and strategies for teaching drama and theatre to my many students, first in Nigeria and then in Trinidad and Tobago. My deepest condolences to her family and many friends and colleagues. Juliana, you will NEVER be forgotten; rest in glorious peace and light!
I have just become aware of Juliana’s death and I extend my sympathy to to her family and friends. I knew her through her work in Drama and Education. I visited her in Victoria and shared our shared interest in the field.
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends alike.
Juliana was kind and supportive, as well as all-around awe-inspiring.
Thank you for your many kind words to me, Juliana.
A force of nature to the end – who inspired so many people. It was life-changing to have her as a teacher, even more so to have her as a friend. To her family, thank you for sharing her with us. Her memory is a blessing.
Our deepest condolences to Juliana’s family and friends. For our family, she was not only the most wonderful of neighbours, she was a true, kind and beautiful soul and dear friend! We will miss the afternoon teas and chats. Most of all we will miss Juliana’s love and warmth! Into paradise… may the angels lead you!
Sending our deepest condolences to all Juliana’s family at such a sad and difficult time. Juliana was such a wonderful and generous friend and mentor to so many of us. We will all miss her greatly. Her vision, wisdom, compassion, deep knowledge and understanding, expertise as an artist and educator was profound and she leaves a lasting legacy. With deep gratitude and much love, Juliana.
Juliana’s family and all of her extended family,
My condolences to all, Juliana was very special, I had a chance to study with her, she was very generous, kind and a great teacher.
I was always so happy to see her in the community ,
She is in our heart,
Blessings .
Dear Nadine, Chris and Alexander,
Please accept my sincere condolences for this profound loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Juliana a number of years ago when she was visiting YorkU. What an astonishing spirit!
Sending love and light.
There are no words that justly express the profound impact Juliana has had on our lives personally and professionally. The curtain may be drawn but this extraordinary woman lives on in each of us. We will gently carry her in our hearts. Her presence with every step, her legacy lives on… Forever grateful to have been a part of her life. Wishing you, her treasured family, strength and love during this time of immense loss and grief. Juliana leaves a legacy like none other. We have been blessed.
Julianna had a profound impact on my teaching career during my leave to pursue studies in drama in education at UVic. Her voice will be with me always, even in these retirement years. RIP Julianna.
David Riley