Patricia Barretto, a well-known arts leader in both Toronto and Chicago, passed away on Tuesday from breast cancer at the age of 45.
Barretto served as former Executive Director of Opera Atelier, between 2011 to 2015. She left Toronto to join the Harris Theater in Chicago, as vice-president of sales and marketing, and later as CEO in 2017.
Opera Atelier’s Co-Artistic Directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg described Barretto’s loss as one of the greatest personal losses of their lives. “It is impossible to imagine our world without her.”
“Patricia was one of our greatest sources of support and inspiration – loving, protective and tireless in her support of us personally and professionally.”
Hailing from Mumbai, Barretto moved to Toronto to launch a 20-year career in the arts. She worked her way up from the box office of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra to the marketing department. She later joined the marketing teams at The Royal Conservatory and Canadian Stage. A strong advocate for the arts, Barretto served as a jury member for Canada Council for the Arts and Toronto Arts Council, and was a frequent speaker on panels including the famed Guggenheim Museum and Chicago Women in Philanthropy.
“Jeannette and I had the privilege of spending an hour with her one week ago,” said Pynkoski. “Her first words upon seeing us were ‘I’m so grateful, I’m so grateful, I’m so grateful.’ We can only echo the same.”
Patricia died at home surrounded by her husband, son, parents, brother, and extended family.
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