It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Allison ROACH’51 on April 18, 2026. An esteemed leader and a cherished member of our community, Miss Roach served as Branksome Hall’s fifth Principal with unwavering dedication from 1974 to 1993.

Allison Roach’s lifelong connection to Branksome began as a student in 1944. During her time at Branksome, she was known as a high achiever who loved sports and music, possessing a big laugh and a straightforward, self-disciplined nature. After graduating in 1951, she pursued her passion for education, earning a Master’s degree from the University of Toronto and serving as Vice-Principal at George Harvey Secondary School before returning to her roots.

Notably, she is celebrated in our school history as the first alumna to return as Principal, uniquely blending her lived experience as a student with a bold, modern vision for Branksome’s leadership. When she stepped into the role of Principal in June 1974, it was clear she did so out of a profound love for the school and a desire to return to the classroom. Even while leading the institution, she remained a dedicated English teacher, ensuring she stayed connected to the heart of the Branksome experience: our students.

Current Principal Grace McCallum describes her predecessor as a "force of nature" whose impact is still felt across campus. "By all accounts, Allison led with a deep commitment to the school’s growth and a truly global vision," says McCallum. "As an alum herself, she understood the soul of this school, yet she was never afraid to push us forward. Our community will always treasure the wisdom she shared and her fierce commitment to ensuring every Branksome girl found her voice."

During her 19-year tenure, Allison Roach transformed the landscape of Branksome Hall—both physically and culturally. She was a forward-thinking visionary who prioritized student agency, encouraging students to run their own clubs and committees, believing that community building flourished when students were active participants. She intentionally hired faculty from diverse international backgrounds to enrich the learning environment with fresh perspectives, and her leadership saw the construction of the Junior School building, a new Science wing in the Senior School, a double gym and updated residence quarters. 

"I will always be grateful to Allison Roach for hiring me at Branksome as an English teacher,” reflects Karrie Weinstock, former Deputy Principal and current Head of Branksome’s Centre for Strategic Leadership. “A fearless champion of girls’ education, Allison embraced diverse voices and perspectives. She led with candor, curiosity and empathy and had an irreverent sense of humour."

Today, her legacy lives on through the Allison Roach Alumna Award, presented annually to an alum who demonstrates exceptional character and leadership in shaping the world through positive change. "Receiving the award that bears Allison’s name last year was a profound honour,” notes CK PURKS Hoffler’80, a member of Branksome’s Board of Governors and the 2025 Allison Roach Alumna Award recipient. “But knowing the woman behind it was the true gift. Miss Roach had a significant impact on my life, especially as a teenager. She was a fearless champion of girls’ education who taught us that leadership requires both forceful opinions and a servant’s heart. She paved the way for generations of leaders to follow, including me. I will miss her, but may she rest in peace." 

The flags on campus will be flown at half-mast this week to honour Miss Roach’s extraordinary service and dedication. More information regarding a Celebration of Life will be shared as it becomes available. 

We invite you to share your memories, photos and sentiments as we prepare to celebrate her life and impact:

Share your memories of Allison ROACH’51. 

Please join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Allison’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed, but we honour her memory by continuing the work she championed: leading with heart, vision and a commitment to excellence, and with the knowledge that her spirit remains etched in the Branksome Hall of today, an enduring part of the "road well kept."