PINA MICHELLE NEWMAN

Condolences & Memories (28 entries)

• Pina was an inspirational human being. Despite what she was going through, she still made time to listen. I met Pina in 2018 where I was going through a difficult time. She took the time to share her story and suggest advice that helped change things for me. She had a strong drive to succeed and do great things with her time. At the beginning of the pandemic I had reached out to see how she was doing..when I heard no response back I discovered she had passed. My condolences to her family and other friends. I hope that Pina's influence with others continues to inspire others to push and strive for more in life, no matter the obstacles. - Posted by: Rodney (Friend) on: Mar 07, 2022

• I miss my baby I think of her all the time thought you should know God be with you allxxxxxxxxoooooooo - Posted by: Jess Fitz (Special friend ) on: Aug 20, 2021

• I knew Pina for a brief time but the little time we had it was full of energy and memories. I didn't know she had passed and due to losing contact since 2019. She mentioned me in one of her videos in 2019 and how we met randomly in Yorkville, Toronto. Feel free to reach out to me anytime. My warm wishes are with your family. Sincerly, Troy T - Posted by: Troy (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2021

• We went through high school together and the image I got of her at the time wasn't reflective of the turmoil going on inside. I wish I could have been there for her in a different way. I wish I could have changed things. I remember her working to hard at McDonalds. I remember thinking something was off, but I didn't have the words or the skills to help this beautiful soul in front of me. She taught me how to drive standard when my other friends bailed on me. She sat with me while I cried my eyes out in her car on so many occasions. I can still picture the inside of the car and her asking if she should turn it back on so we could warm up. She helped me decide what haircuts to get and which guys or friends just weren't worth the tears. When I went to Toronto, she RELIABLY met up with me. We went to world pride together for a day. She was a handle on my way out of a deep dark hole. She asked me questions about going into med school. I answered them honestly. I celebrated her wins on becoming a nurse and studying for the MCAT. I learned how to use proper pronouns, taught my family and we practiced together talking about you because pronouns are important! As I train to be a psychiatrist, I want to work with kids. I want to work with the next kid that feels like Pina did when we were young. I want to learn the words and the skills that might help decrease the shame and darkness in those early years. I want to do it for Pina because she did that for me. Pina, I miss you. Almost all our memories were before your new name, your new city and you living out who you truly are. My memories of you have changed. I see you back in high school as Pina now. I see you sitting in the car with me as Pina now. I see that because, in a way, it was always who you were. You're still you, you're just not here. That hurts and hurts and hurts. I miss you. - Posted by: Lyra (Friend) on: Mar 06, 2021

• I first met Pina in her role as a support group facilitator at Sherbourne Health in 2015 when I was at the beginning of my transition. I felt fortunate to know her and she left a lasting impression because of her pride and presence as a woman. Her kind words and compliment to me as we took the elevator together before one of our meetings will stay with me forever. I never saw her again in person after my time in the program but she never left my thoughts. I often hoped that I would bump into her one day as I frequently visited places where she worked and volunteered. Sadly that never happened and I feel diminished knowing that I never will. I did not learn of her passing until many months later when I attended the TDoR ceremony at Barbara Hall Park this year. I was devastated to see her name and pictures in the window at the 519 community centre. In disbelief I stared at the display and at first was in denial that this could be the person I knew. What is her name doing there I thought? I felt awful that so much time had passed with having heard anything and I realized how disconnected I am from the trans community in Toronto. In Pina's memory I will make more of an effort to find ways to be a better advocate for trans women. My thoughts and sorrow go out to her family, friends and colleagues who have suffered the loss of this beautiful person. - Posted by: Stephenie (friend) on: Nov 25, 2020

• Like many others, I was introduced to Pina via YouTube and The Transgender Project, as well as the Xtra Magazine documentary with her parents when I began my transition 3 years ago. I watched them again today, and decided to go to the internet to see if she had completed her nursing degree. What a beautiful soul. Can't express my condolences enough. Sorry I never got to thank her in person for helping me. She will be dearly missed. Love and sympathy to all her family and friends. Thank you Pina, Jackie - Posted by: Jackie (Trans woman) on: Sep 06, 2020

• I’m incredibly sorry and so sad about Pina’s death. I knew her, briefly, from a few years ago: but I followed her on Facebook - and I was always so happy to see what she was doing. Pina was incredibly kind and compassionate: I’m sorry for the loss to her family and friends, but also for all she would have worked with, through the field of nursing. I’m heartbroken. I’m so sorry, Pina, that you were in so much pain. - Posted by: Sarah Houghton (Fellow traveller ) on: Jul 04, 2020

• Dr. Newman and family. I was so saddened to hear about your family’s tragedy and loss of your child. Know that you and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers now and always. I have such fond memories of working with you years ago and know that you loved your kids so very much and were such a proud and devoted father to them all. Sincerest condolences to you all. Amber Gilberto (Smith) (former colleague and nurse on GGH, 1 North) - Posted by: Amber Gilberto (Smith) (Friend ) on: Jun 07, 2020

• Today we had to say goodbye to one of my nearest and dearest friend Pina Michelle you’ve always been there for me and I hope you can give me strength watching over me. You were too young, smart, sincere, beautiful to have left us so early. I have many fond memories of ya and many times you gave me strength and made me believe in myself in times I thought I was too week. I love you with all my being Pina and will think of you every day and be thankful I was blessed to have you enter my life 8 years ago. 🎵 Do you remember when days were like that...🎼 I shall never forget!!! Will never forget you!!! May you Rest In Peace you wonderful, beautiful being that are, were and still are. I love you!!! “Roomies with grilled cheese!!!” Love ya girl xoxo ❤️ - Posted by: Joshua (Friend and roommate ) on: May 23, 2020

• I’m sorry for your loss. Take good care, warm wishes to the Newman family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Calum Martin (former Classmate) on: May 22, 2020

• She was not the best just a little better than the rest.Pina was always her true self, always wanted to help, I have never met anyone like her and I never will, God always takes the best so young. God be with you . - Posted by: Jess (Friend ) on: May 22, 2020

• I am so sorry for your loss. What a bright star she was while here, now she shines in the heavens. - Posted by: Debra Oneale (Grace hospital nurse) on: May 21, 2020

• I am so very sorry and saddened by the loss of your daughter and sister. My thoughts and sympathies are with your family. - Posted by: Frances Edye (Classmate of Barb, colleague of both Barb and Francis ) on: May 21, 2020

• Pina. I love you so much - you were one of the most amazing people I've ever met. We are both the same age, and you had just moved down the street from me into your new condominium. A few weeks ago we were together planning out our summer and getting excited (the condo had a rooftop pool!) thinking about all of the fun we would be having - and decorating your new place. You always made me laugh and you also helped me see the big picture. You helped guide me in so many ways in my life - very personal ways - and I will never, ever, ever forget you. I miss you so much - but I know you are still there cheering me on and probably doing something really fierce (lol) in your new life/heaven. To her Parents; you made a wonderful human being. Love you girl - we'll have lots to catch up on when we see each other again. Xoxo - Posted by: Allie (Friend from Toronto) on: May 20, 2020

• The best laughs of my adolescence were shared with my friend Pina. We often ended up in fits of giggles. I’ll never forget her laugh and I’ll forever remember her kindness and genuine acceptance of everyone. Many weekends were spent at the Newman household watching movies, swimming, baking brownies, tanning on the roof (her not me), playing with her cats or running around at the nearby school yards and parks. She was a welcome addition to any of our family dinners and her loss is felt throughout my whole family. Pina and I spent one summer training to become Klinic Peer Supporters which seemed to spark a light in both of us to go on to pursue careers advocating for the well-being and mental health of others. Pina was a talented hairdresser and was my go to girl while she worked at Edward Carriere. I loved spending time with her at the salon and seeing her in her element. While we lost touch sometime after she moved to Toronto, I always felt great pride whenever I would learn about her leadership and mentoring as a trans activist. She always held a special place in my heart and I will always cherish my memories with her. My heart goes out to her wonderfully supportive and kind hearted family. - Posted by: Madelaine Stefanik & Family (Childhood Friend) on: May 19, 2020

• I am so sorry to hear about Pina, and offer my very heartfelt condolences. I taught Pina in her third year of nursing school. As a result of her advocacy (and edits) she and I managed to have changes made to the community nursing textbook, which was implicitly transphobic. We stayed in touch afterwards and she shared both her successes and challenges. Pina was one of those very special people who have a tremendous impact. She was open, honest about her own demons, kind, funny and taught me a great deal. She was a friend to those who needed her. She was a fierce advocate for her community. She had incredible potential, which she showed in the time that she lived. I think about her often and will remember her always. May her memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Corinne Hart (Past professor (and then friend)) on: May 19, 2020

• So sorry for your loss Francis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the Newman Family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Richard Phillips (Classmate of Francis) on: May 18, 2020

• We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Pina. You are all in our thoughts. - Posted by: Rick and Deb Martin (Parents of Calum, friend and Laidlaw classmate of Pina’s) on: May 17, 2020

• I spent some truly unforgettable and wonderful times with Pina and her family during some of the darker years of my teens. Pina was such a caring and extraordinary individual who knew how to connect with people on such a deep and genuine level. While we drifted apart during various life changes and transitions, I will alway cherish those moments. My heart aches for Barb, Francis, Alyse, Eileen and all those who are affected by Pina's passing. She undoubtedly touched many lives and will always remain with us. - Posted by: Shannon Bahuaud (childhood friend) on: May 17, 2020

• Words alone can never express the reality of the heart ache, in losing such a precious loved one. My heart aches for your loss of Pina. May you find comfort in that pure love, with each other, and with Pina. - Posted by: Jeanine, Luc, Daniel, Carlie & family (Friend) on: May 17, 2020

• My heart aches at the loss of Pina. She was one of my best friends and biggest support systems through nursing school. We spent a lot of time together and even worked a summer together, sharing the same office. Pina taught me so much about life and opened my eyes to diversity and inclusion. She was so welcoming and lovely and I can't imagine life without her. She always spoke so highly of her family and where she came from. My condolences to her family and many friends. Rest in Power my beautiful friend. I love and miss you so much. Thank you for everything you taught me. I am so grateful to have known such a beautiful soul. - Posted by: Vanessa (Classmate and close friend) on: May 17, 2020

• My condolences to all who loved Pina. I cannot imagine the pain you are suffering. Another young person died before the prime of their life. I am sorry. Nina - Posted by: Nina (Coworker) on: May 16, 2020

• As a parent, this loss has no words. From our family to yours with all our love. - Posted by: Karen Morán De Muller (colleague of parents/ same school as our son) on: May 16, 2020

• I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Pina ... She was a bright light in this world and I have only positive memories of her. Lots of fun times at Fame (I worked there years ago and that's how we made friends). I never forgot her and never will. Sending love and condolences to everyone who knew and loved her. - Posted by: Kristy (Friend) on: May 16, 2020

• My condolences to Barb, Francis, Alyse and family members for the untimely unfortunate loss. - Posted by: Sona (Friend) on: May 16, 2020

• Cory and I's thoughts are with the entire Newman family during this time. A beautiful soul that will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Shelby Clarke (Friend ) on: May 16, 2020

• I am deeply saddened to hear of Pina’s passing. I have fond memories of hanging out with Pina at her house as kids. Swimming and playing with playmobile we’re always favourite activities. I remember Pina being a friend to me when I was the new kid and was grateful to have someone who was so kind. My thoughts are with Pina’s friends and family during this extremely difficult time. - Posted by: Maggie Henderson (Former classmate (Laidlaw)) on: May 16, 2020

• So sorry for your loss - Francis, Barb, Alyse and Eileen. - Posted by: Carol Pawluk and Jim Henderson (parents of Maggie Henderson - former Laidlaw School classmate of Pina’s) on: May 16, 2020