Dr. Güneş Nurettin Eğe, age 91, of Toronto, passed away on January 8, 2025. Born in İstanbul, Turkey, on November 23, 1933, she spent her early childhood in New York with her sister, Seyhan. Their father, Ragıp Nurettin Eğe, was the first Cultural Attaché of Turkish Students appointed to the U.S. by the newly established Turkish Republic, while their mother, Nezahet Nurettin Eğe, introduced American children to Turkish culture through her book Turgut Lives in Turkey.
With the onset of World War II, the Cultural Attaché’s office was closed, and the family returned to İstanbul in 1940 on the last merchant marine ship to cross the Atlantic. Back home, Güneş and her sister, fluent in both Turkish and English, were initially homeschooled to maintain their language skills. They also studied piano and were tutored in the old Ottoman Turkish script, ensuring they could access their cultural heritage.
Güneş continued her education at the American College for Girls in İstanbul, graduating in 1952 before enrolling at Barnard College in New York. She later pursued medical studies at Harvard Medical School, where she was one of only ten women in a class of 135. At the time, Harvard was still testing whether women could succeed in medicine—today, they make up more than half of incoming medical students.
After graduating in 1958 and completing her internship and residency, Dr. Eğe undertook postgraduate training in London, England. Specializing in radiation oncology, she joined The Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital in 1967, focusing on nuclear medicine. Her work played a vital role in refining lymphoscintigraphy, a technique used in cancer treatment.
In retirement, Dr. Eğe dedicated herself to preserving and exploring her family’s rich history. The early lessons in Ottoman Turkish proved invaluable in deciphering archival documents, letters, and notes, leading to the publication of several books based on family records.
To honor her late sister and support young women in the sciences, she established the Professor Seyhan N. Eğe ACG’49 Excellence in Science Award for Girls at Robert College, awarded annually to an outstanding 11th-grade student. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish the Dr. Güneş N. Eğe Oncology Fellowship at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, with the goal of supporting foreign medical graduates specializing in oncology —ensuring her legacy continues in both education and medicine.
Dr. Güneş Eğe is survived by her husband, Turgut A. Akter of Toronto, along with many relatives in Turkey, devoted colleagues, and lifelong friends.
Her contributions to medicine, education, and history will be remembered with deep admiration and gratitude.
Memories and messages of condolence may be left below.
Peaceful Transition York
feridun karaceti
Posted on: Friday, February 28, 2025ALLAH RAHMET ETSIN..
SEVGİLİ PEK DEĞERLİ GÜNEŞ HANIM.
MEKANINIZ CENNET OLSUN…
SEYHAN HNM VE SEVGİLİ BABA VE ANNENİZE KAVUŞMUŞ OLDUNUZ.
NE MUTLA BIZLERE SİZLERİ TANIMAK & FEYZ ALMAK NASIP OLDU.
NE MUTLU TÜRKİYEMİZE.. SİZİN GİBİ EVLATLARI OLDU..
TÜRKİYEMEİZ… BİLİM-İRFAN GETIREN VE SON OLARAK GÜNEŞ-LİSESİNİ KURA VE ONU VAKIFLARA DEVİR EDEN… SİZ BAŞTA OLMAK ÜZERE,TÜM AİLENİZİ YERLERİ DOLDURLAMAZ..
HEPIMIZIN BAŞI SAĞOLSUN.TURGET BEYE DE.. KOLAY GELSIN.
ENGLISH.
“””””””””””
OUR DEAR GÜNEŞ HNM
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE….. YOUR PLACE BE IN HEAVEN.
WE WILL MISS YOU SON MUCH..!
FERİDUN KARAÇETİN.. DİDEM KARAÇETİN – FULYA KARAÇETİN- CEM FERHAT KARAÇETİN.
John A Stanley
Posted on: Friday, February 28, 2025Great sadness. My best friend in the Harvard Medical School class of 1958! Many hours spent playing violin-piano sonatas-especally Beethoven’s Spring Sonata #5.She was a great person. Overcame many barriers to women. Great mind with excellent verbal skills-what else can I say?It will take me a long time to get over her sudden death. John Stanley
John A Stanley
Posted on: Friday, February 28, 2025My best friend in the Harvard Medical School class of 1958. A great sadness to learn of her sudden death. We spent many hours playing Violin-Piano sonatas,especially Beethoven’s Spring Sonata #5,etc.She overcame many barriers to women doctors. It ill take me a long time to get over her sudden death.
Rose Robertson & Ted Swain
Posted on: Saturday, March 1, 2025We met Günes for the first time at a protest rally at High Park two summers ago. She was holding up a sign and was being interviewed by CTV news. The High Park issue concerned cars being banned from her favourite park, causing great hardship for seniors, handicapped and everyone else.
Günes spoke eloquently about the park she loved and about people’s right of access. She wrote numerous passionate and well-researched emails to city politicians who became familiar with her name and her High Park activism.
We were privileged to meet Günes, a lovely, articulate lady, a vibrant spirit who never thought to slow down as she aged. We did not know about her amazing life and many accomplishments in medicine until after her passing. She leaves an impressive legacy and an inspiration for us all.
Dr Tina Ilknur Ureten
Posted on: Sunday, March 2, 2025My dear friend of 30 years Dr Gunes Ege was not only a brilliant doctor but also a remarkable trailblazer, being one of the first female graduates of Harvard Medical School. Despite her immense accomplishments, she remained humble, always carrying herself with grace and kindness. Her intelligence was matched by her deep compassion, making her a cherished friend and an inspiration to all who knew her. Beyond medicine, she was passionate about preserving her family’s history, carefully documenting their life in Turkey with dedication and love. Her sudden passing was peaceful, yet the loss is profound. She leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, warmth, and an enduring example of strength. She would be missed a lot.
Lara Güneş Turan
Posted on: Thursday, March 6, 2025My deepest condolences… I am profoundly saddened by the loss of such a remarkable person as Güneş Abla. Despite the physical distance between us, she was always there for me and my family, offering her unwavering support and presence. We maintained regular communication through emails, and I liked hearing about her daily life. I often wished we had lived closer so that we could have spent more time together.
Throughout her life, Güneş Abla dedicated herself to supporting the education of young girls, making a significant impact and inspiring many. In four months, I will be moving to Germany to pursue my university education. How I wish she were here to witness my achievements and be present at my graduation. Yet, I know that her teachings and values will always remain with me.
I take immense pride in carrying her name and aspire to follow in her footsteps throughout my life. The legacy she left behind will never fade. I will always remember her with love, gratitude, and deep respect.
George L.gspaeth Spaeth
Posted on: Friday, March 7, 2025Gunes made the world a better place. I am grateful for her, and for her family and those who helped her.