Anita Levine Dahlin Dec 16,1947 – May 3,2026
On Sunday evening, May 3, 2026, at Mariposa House Hospice in Orillia, at the age of 78, we lost a vibrant, loving, brilliant mom, sister, cousin, and friend. A resident of Lagoon City, Brechin since 1999, Anita loved her little home on the canal—the trees and birds—and filled it with colour and beautiful objects. A dedicated hostess, she enjoyed visitors and pleasant evenings on her patio, ideally not shared with too many biting bugs.
She was keenly interested in laughter, lively conversation, current events and political debate, the New York Times crossword, family get-togethers, music, card games, art, and books. Late in life, she discovered a passion for televised basketball.
Anita graduated from Agincourt Collegiate and attended York University, (Honours BA in History and Sociology) and the University of Waterloo (MA in Medieval History). She became a young mother: her beloved daughter, Corinna, was born in 1970 when Anita was only 23. She lived in a tent with the baby and her former husband, the late Ralph Dahlin, for many weeks in Corinna’s first year in Wawa, Ontario. She then began her career as a journalist at the Sault Ste. Marie Daily Star, where she honed her exceptional writing skills—preferably typed, as no one could read her handwriting (sometimes not even Anita).
Subsequently, Anita held progressively more senior positions at the Ontario Human Rights Commission, including Regional Manager for the Southwestern Region, London, Ontario, and managed the first sexual-harassment case to be considered by the Commission. She also led the first Commission-initiated, industry-wide investigation into systemic discrimination. She developed policy guidelines and managed delicate liaison with community groups, the private sector, and politicians. She had over 25 years experience as a mediator, investigator and educator in areas of human rights, workplace discrimination and harassment and conflict resolution. She was as captivating in a training session as she was on the page—and she could hold her own with a roomful of OPP officers or Ontario Northland engineers.
Anita was the daughter of the late Robert Samuel (Sam) Levine—a long-time member of the Toronto Symphony’s double bass section and President Emeritus of the Toronto Musicians’ Association—and his beloved wife of 59 years, the late Tula Marlin. She is survived by her daughter, Corinna (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico); her brother, Mike, and sister-in-law, Rosie, of Toronto; her nephew, Matt Levine, and family of Aurora; and many cousins in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, and the U.S. Adored and adoring 'suegra' to her late son-in-law Ricardo Verduzco, aka Wolfy (2020).
Her family wishes to express their gratitude for the care she received at Mariposa House, and—especially during this rapid and terrible illness—for the support of Dr. Anita Grieg of North York and the love shown by her friends from Lagoon City and the Orillia “mahjong ladies,” who stayed with her, brought food, did an airport pick up, reorganized furniture, shopped, and watched over her in her final moments: Raven, Diana, Marilyn, Kaye, Chris, Shannon, Karen, Sharon—and Monique, the “organizer-in-chief,” from her base in Oakville.
Family will receive friends at Carson Funeral Homes – L. Doolittle Chapel, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705)326-3595, on Sunday, May 24, 2026 as of 1 p.m., service at 1:30 sharp, followed by reception and refreshments.
Condolences
Steve and Kathy Sauvé
May 23, 2026We were greatly saddened to hear of Anita’s illness and passing. Her boisterous presence and joyous laughter at the Marlin family gatherings and card games will be missed.
joanne smale & melanie muroff
May 23, 2026Sisters and family are so special to us. Her memory stays alive in the hearts of many who loved her...
ANNE CARRICK
May 19, 2026So saddened by news of Anita's passing. I knew that her health had not been great in recent months---a shock for family and friends. I first met Anita professionally when she hired me for the Windsor office of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Through those early years we became friends as well as colleagues. Articulate, intelligent, generous and funny, Anita set high standards for herself and those who worked with her. Many treasured memories from the Southwest Region. So glad to have reconnected in our retirement years. My heartfelt condolences to Corinna, family and friends.
Susan Jostman
May 16, 2026I was so sorry to hear of Anita's passing from a former Commission colleague. Anita was on the hiring panel when I got my first job as an Officer at the Ontario Human Rights Commission and she was my first Manager. She was fierce, dedicated to many issues and the mandate of the Commission at that very special time when rights in many areas were advancing in Ontario . Anita's journalism background served her well and I learned so much from Anita. A number of years later when I became a Manager at the Commission I would see Anita when I was in Toronto at our Head Office where Anita had taken on many important roles and initiatives. When the Commission changed direction and structure, decisions were made for some of us to leave and seek different career paths. Anita and I exchanged phone calls and e-mails from time to time and Anita even stayed at our home in Niagara-on-the lake one time when she and Corinna were here for an antiques/jewelry show . As time passed our contacts were less frequent and the last I spoke to Anita she was very involved in mediation work and enjoying her time at her home. That was some time ago and I regret that we lost touch but Anita will always be in my memory as a unique, strong and passionate woman . Unfortunately I will not be able to attend next week but I will be thinking of Anita.
Shirley Malanych
May 15, 2026Dearest Corinna and family I was so sad at reading the news of Anita passing I knew Anita from her time in Thunder Bay and our adventure in Wawa I often thought about her your late Dad and you Corrina Yes she was vibrant brilliant and so funny Sending you my condolences