Isabel Overton Bader was born November 1, 1926, in Kirkland Lake, a gold mining town in Northeast Ontario, Canada. In 1949, she met Alfred Bader on a sea voyage to the United Kingdom and developed an immediate bond, but eventually parted ways. For the next 28 years, she pursued a career in teaching, co-founding a drama school, the Thalia School of Elocution and Drama, and became a skilled costume designer. Despite this long separation, the spark between Isabel and Alfred never waned, and remarkably, they eventually managed to reconnect and were finally married in 1982.
Together, they became influential philanthropists, particularly supporting the arts and education. They generously contributed to the Victoria College in the University of Toronto (U of T) and Queen’s University. Notably, they played a crucial role in the construction of the Isabel Bader Theatre at U of T, along with significant donations to Queen’s. Isabel’s philanthropic vision later shifted towards supporting indigenous and immigrant communities.
Isabel Overton Bader (OBM) 98th Birthday Celebrations Around the World
Date: November 1, 2024
Location: Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum celebrated Isabel Bader by hosting an Isabel Bader Community Free Day, offering free admission in honor of what would have been the 98th birthday of the late Milwaukee philanthropist. Isabel, a dedicated teacher for nearly 30 years, was also a passionate advocate for Indigenous communities.
As part of the event, guests were treated to complimentary tea and scones, a tribute to her enduring legacy.
Please click here to view the photos from the event.
Date: November 8, 2024
Location: Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center held a special afternoon tea in honor of Isabel Bader. The event provided an opportunity to reminisce, connect with friends, and enjoy a reading of one of Isabel’s favorite poems by First Stage students, along with music performed by students from the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Attendees were also offered tours of the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
Please click here to view the photos from the event.
Date: November 1, 2024
Location: Queen’s University
Queen’s University posted an Advancement Story on Friday, November 1, 2024. The article featured information regarding The Agnes Etherington Art Centre preparing to welcome 44 paintings bequeathed by the late Dr. Isabel Bader, which completed The Bader Collection at the Agnes. The estate gift valued at $12 million represents the essence of who Isabel and the late Dr. Alfred Bader were as collectors and what they imagined their collection could mean once housed at a public university gallery.
Please click here to view the full article.
Date: November 1, 2024
Location: Victoria College in the University of Toronto
On Friday, November 1, 2024, Victoria College (Isabel’s Alma Mater) hosted the Bader Awardee Luncheon on what would have been Isabel’s 98th Birthday. Scholarship recipients of Admissions and In-Course, Bursaries, Opportunity Awards, and Scholars-In Residence had an opportunity to share their projects and gratitude for the support they received.
Please click here to view the photos from the event, courtesy of Victoria College.