Event organizers intend to pay tribute to Dragffy through the creation of a student bursary named in her memory.
From community gardens to homeless shelters, Dragffy selflessly gave her time and talents to community causes. She was a mainstay at the Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair for nearly 25 years — the fundraising event’s longest-serving member.
“Susanne was unassuming and unstoppable. Her passion for books and reuse were rivaled only by a desire to help students,” says Luke Quin, BA 07, senior communications advisor, Advancement, and volunteer co-lead of the Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair.
“Though she consistently avoided limelight, she played an indispensable role. I learned a tremendous amount from Susanne, including never to underestimate a used book’s value —financial or sentimental.”
Dragffy’s steadfast efforts helped make the Concordia EPIC Used Book Fair a beloved, perennial campus fundraiser — cumulatively earning more than $350,000 for students.
Her expertise was well-earned, having spent much of her career around books, including 25 years at the Concordia Bookstore as a buyer.
“Her knowledge of authors and reading material was immense,” recalls Lina Lipscombe, former director, Retail Services, who worked closely with Dragffy. “Her colleagues admired her generous and thoughtful spirit.”
Dragffy also helped with several editions of the annual Concordia Library Christmas Auction. Off campus, she volunteered with organizations such as the Montreal Baroque Festival and Old Brewery Mission, as well as multiple urban vegetable gardens.
In her final days and weeks, Dragffy continued to do good, including coordinating a donation of her personal book collection.
Event organizers intend to pay tribute to Dragffy through the creation of a student bursary named in her memory, to which donations can be made here.
Dragffy is survived by her brother, nephews and nieces.