Julia Maniates Reibetanz *69

Julia died May 4, 2021, in Toronto of pancreatic cancer at age 78. 

At the age of 5, Julia began musical studies at the University of Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, and she earned her A.R.C.T. (solo performer certificate) at 17. She earned an Honors B.A. in English language and literature at University College of the University of Toronto in 1966. One of the earliest women graduate students at Princeton, Julia earned a Ph.D. in English in 1969. Her dissertation topic was “A Reading of Eliot’s Four Quartets.” At Princeton she met her husband, John Reibetanz *68.

In 1969 Julia joined the Department of English at the University of Toronto and became a much-loved poetry professor for generations of students. Her teaching and research interests included Romantic Poetry, Contemporary Canadian and American poetry, and fiction. She was also a dedicated administrator in the department. She retired as full professor and fellow emeritus of Trinity College in 2016. 

Julia was an avid gardener at her family’s small farm near Creemore, and subsequently at their cottage on Georgian Bay.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John; children Stephanie, Tim, and David; and five grandchildren.

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.