Keeping Discovery and Wonder Alive

Danuta Buczynski (second from right) with fellow CLS members Joan Neilson, Jasmine Lin and Marguerite Low

The late Danuta Buczynski was a passionate and long-time supporter of arts and culture – including the Royal Ontario Museum. A meaningful bequest in her estate ensures that her passion will live on at the Museum for many years to come.

Danuta’s inspiring gift created the Danuta Buczynski European Decorative Arts Endowment Fund in support of acquisition, conservation and research of European decorative arts – an area close to her heart during her lifetime.

Born in France in 1937, Danuta was raised in Poland. In 1960, she met her future husband Walter Buczynski in Warsaw while he was a visiting Canadian composition student, and she was working for the Polish government in handling foreign visitors. The couple later settled in Toronto where they raised their family.

Danuta joined ROM’s Department of Museum Volunteers in 1987. Over the next 30 years, she immersed herself in the life of the Museum, serving as President of the ROM Reproductions Association, a leader of the Decorative Arts Symposium, and a member of the Board of Trustees. In 2019, she was recognized for her many contributions with the Lieutenant Governor's Distinguished Service Award, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a ROM volunteer.

In addition to her volunteer role, Danuta was also a long-time donor to the Royal Patrons Circle, often encouraging friends to join in supporting the Museum in this way. And, by promising a gift in her will, she also joined the Currelly Legacy Society, an inspiring group of donors who are securing the future of ROM through gifts of all sizes. Members enjoy exclusive activities, access to lifelong learning opportunities and much more.

As both a donor and volunteer, Danuta’s contributions have helped shape ROM today – and for tomorrow. We are deeply grateful for her inspired gift and the impact it will have on future generations.

Gifts of any size are appreciated and strengthen ROM’s future. To learn more about the various ways you can leave a legacy at the Museum, please contact Janice Correa at janicec@rom.on.ca.