The author of the 1950 children's book “The Bells on Finland Street,” which was set in Sudbury, passed away July 14 in Ottawa.
Evelyn Margaret Waddell, also known by her pen name of Lyn Cook, celebrated her 100th birthday three months ago.
A pioneering Canadian children’s author from the 1950s to 2004, Waddell wrote 23 books for children of all ages, but will be best remembered for her historical novels for those ages 10-14, said her obituary.
“The Bells on Finland Street,” about a young Finnish-Canadian girl who dreams of becoming a figure skater, was Waddell's first novel. She was working in Sudbury as a children's librarian when she wrote it.
“She will also be missed by all she touched both personally and through her life as a writer and storyteller,” her obituary said.
As she described it, “I was fascinated with times past – what motivated people” and hoped that through her writing “I helped someone who was discouraged about life,” the obituary said.
Born in Islington, Ont. on May 4, 1918, she graduated from the University of Toronto before serving as a meteorologist in the RCAF based at Centralia and Trenton during World War Two.
She moved to Sudbury as a children’s librarian after the war, where she wrote “The Bells on Finland Street.”
She returned to Toronto, hosting a story hour on CBC radio as well as becoming involved with the New Play Society and Dora Mavor Moore.
Her writing career blossomed with each new book. The plots are historically accurate and the characters are children interacting within the community of the time.
In later years she broadened her writing to include picture story books for pre-school readers.
Her books remain in wide circulation and the Toronto Public Library retains her papers as part of the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books.
Waddell is predeceased by her husband Robb and daughter Deborah, and survived by her son Christopher (Anne) and their children Matthew (Maria) and Kerry.
“We continue to be inspired by her legacy,” the obituary said.
The family is accepting donations in Waddell's memory to your local public library or the Writers Trust of Canada, 600 – 460 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1Y1.
