Sonja Bata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sonja Bata
OC MSM CD
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| Born |
Sonja Ingrid Wettstein
8 November 1926 Zurich, Switzerland
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| Died | 20 February 2018 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Other names | Sonja Baťová |
| Occupation | Businesswoman, philanthropist, collector and museum founder |
| Spouse(s) | Thomas J. Bata |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Tomáš Baťa (father-in-law) |
Sonja Ingrid Bata was a truly amazing Swiss-Canadian woman. She was born Sonja Wettstein on November 8, 1926, and passed away on February 20, 2018. Sonja was a successful businesswoman, a generous giver (philanthropist), a passionate collector, and the founder of a famous museum. She even started her career studying to be an architect!
Contents
Life and Achievements
Early Life and Family
Sonja Bata began her studies in architecture. However, her life path changed when she married Thomas J. Bata in 1946. Thomas was part of the family that owned Bata Shoes, a very well-known shoe company. After their marriage, Sonja moved to Toronto, Canada.
Building Connections and Dreams
In Toronto, Sonja became friends with many people in the architecture world. Even though she had dreamed of being a great architect herself, she decided to focus her energy on helping the Bata Shoe company grow. She also helped design some important buildings. For example, Raymond Moriyama designed the Bata Shoe Museum, and John Cresswell Parkin designed the main office for Bata Shoes in Don Mills. He also designed the family's country home in Batawa.
The Bata Shoe Museum
In the 1940s, Sonja started collecting shoes from all over the world. She also studied the history of shoes. Her collection grew so large and special that in 1979, she created the Bata Shoe Museum Foundation. This led to the opening of the Bata Shoe Museum in 1995. It is now the largest shoe museum in the world, and Sonja's amazing collection is at its heart. She was the chairperson, or leader, of the museum.
Community Involvement
Sonja Bata was involved in many important groups and projects. In the 1970s, she was the head of the National Design Council. She also helped start the Toronto French School. She served as a director for the Art Gallery of Ontario, which is a big art museum. Sonja was also on the boards of large companies like Alcan and Canada Trustco. She worked with the World Wildlife Fund to protect animals and nature. She even became an Honorary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy and supported a ship called HMCS Ottawa.
Honors and Legacy
Sonja Bata was recognized for her many contributions. In 1983, she was given a special award called the Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian can receive. She passed away at her home in Toronto on February 20, 2018. She lived nine years longer than her husband, Thomas.
Family Life
Sonja and Thomas J. Bata had four children. Sonja's father-in-law was Tomáš Baťa, who was the founder of the original Bata Shoes company.
Awards and Recognition
Sonja Bata received many awards for her hard work and dedication:
- She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC) in 1983.
- She received the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal in 1992.
- She received the Canadian Version of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
- She received the Canadian Version of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
- She received the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in the Military Division on February 19, 2007.
- She received the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) with 1 Clasp. This was for her 24 years of service as an Honorary Captain with the Royal Canadian Navy from 1989 to 2013.
- She was named a Companion of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.
- She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Retail Council of Canada.
- She was recognized by the Conference Board of Canada in 1995.
