Trent University Mourns the Passing of Dr. Marion Fry ’89 (hon)

The Trent University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Marion Fry ’89 (hon), who served as founding principal of Catharine Parr Traill College and vice-president of the University. 

“Dr. Fry was influential, helping establish Traill College's place within Trent's academic community at a time when women were rarely represented in senior university leadership,” said Dr. James Onusko, interim principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. “Her commitment to Trent’s founding vision and collegiate communities helped shape the University we know today, and her contributions will continue to be remembered.” 

Dr. Fry joined Trent in May 1963, a year before the University welcomed its first students. Her original title was ‘dean of women’ at Traill College, a position later renamed principal. She also served as an assistant professor of Philosophy and assistant dean of women at Bishop's University in Quebec, as well as principal of Traill College for five years. 

Dr. Fry taught philosophy at Trent for more than two decades, receiving the University's Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1986-87. She also served as vice-president from 1975 to 1979 and periodically as acting president. 

Trent recognized her contributions to academic life and administration at the University with an honorary Doctor of Letters in 1989. Her legacy is further reflected in Fry Lodge at Traill College, named in her honour, and the Marion Fry Scholarship, established in 2018 through donations from family, friends, and colleagues. The scholarship supports high-achieving undergraduate students in the Humanities, with preference given to students affiliated with Traill College. 

The University extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Fry's family, friends, former colleagues and students, and all who knew her. 

To honour her memory and legacy at Trent, donations can be made to the Marion Fry Scholarship or Traill College Endowment.  

Read the obituary.