Jesus and the Children of the World

For many in this community, the name  Leda Scovell  exemplifies the vocation of teacher.  During her career, Miss Scovell taught several generations of families in Bracebridge, giving them a foundation for their continuing education.  She was a primary school teacher as well as the primary Sunday school teacher at Bracebridge United Church.  

 Leda Scovell was born in Orillia in 1903, and moved to Bracebridge as an infant when her father took up a teaching position in Bracebridge.  The family home was established on Kimberley Avenue which became Leda’s home until 1989 when she became a resident of The Pines.  Leda received her education in Bracebridge, attending both the public school and high school (the upper floor of the public school).  After one year at Normal School, she returned to Bracebridge to teach Grade One.  She retired in 1963 after 40 years of teaching.  Miss Scovell was very involved in her community and her church, quietly giving of her time and talents.  She was a piano teacher, a poet, as well as being a member of the Clef Club, the choir, and the membership committee of Bracebridge United Church.  (The Clef Club was a well-known ladies’ musical organization in Bracebridge.)  In 1986, she was honoured by the Bracebridge Rotary Club as Citizen Of The Year.  In 1990, a plaque was hung by the Hospital Foundation to honour the support she gave to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital.  After Leda’s death in 1997, the congregation commissioned a window to be erected in her honour, recognizing a life dedicated to God’s work in service to others.