With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our wonderful mother, Genia Kirshner, who died peacefully at the age of 100 on May 27, 2016. She will now be reunited with her husband, David, who passed away on January 20, 2016 at the age of 101.
Genia, otherwise known as Golda and Jean, was born in Lodz, Poland. A Holocaust survivor who lost her first son in Auschwitz, Genia immigrated to Canada in 1948, accompanied by David and her second son, Sheldon, to begin a new life in a new land. The settled in Montreal, where their daughters, Marylyn and Shirley, were born. They moved to Toronto in 1979 to join their children and lived their remaining years there.
Genia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with her family. She was an accomplished cook and baker whose appetizers, soups, meatballs and cakes won rave reviews. She enjoyed trips to the Laurentian mountains, the Catskills, California, Israel and Paris. Genia and David spent some 30 years enjoying the winter months in Florida. She was a talented artist, a lover of nature who cultivated tropical plants and a creator of beautiful needlepoint pictures. Never less than an elegant figure, she liked to dress up and was always so well put together.
To the everlasting gratitude of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Genia created a comfortable life for her family. Until the very end, she dealt with her illness with strength, fortitude and dignity. She will be dearly and profoundly missed by everyone. May she rest in peace and tranquility. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society 416-967-5900 or to the Canadian Holocaust Centre 416-635-2883 ext 5153.