It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Esther Ackerman on Friday, January 8th, 2021. She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband, and will be greatly missed and remembered by her loving siblings, siblings-in-law, and her many nieces and nephews. 

Esther was born in Tangiers, Morrocco and moved to Toronto in 1963 at the age of 32. She worked hard, along with her siblings, to create a new life for her family and generations to come, always maintaining a connection to her heritage and roots. Esther proudly served as an executive secretary for the Ministry of Education in Ontario until she retired. In Toronto, she met her soulmate and husband, Sam, for whom she radiated love and adoration in their 26 years together. Their Hebrew names, Mordechai and Esther, reflected the deep connection they shared. A woman of faith and integrity, she could be seen regularly in her seat beside him at Adath Israel synagogue attending services and donating to various charities throughout the years. 

Esther had a sharp, inquisitive mind and a beautiful sense of humour. Her passion for world travel, languages, cooking, gardening, art and exploring different cultures meant she always had an interesting story to tell, lesson to teach, keepsake to share or recipe to taste. She was a great friend and mentor to those who knew her and was a constant source of support and encouragement for her nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, whom she treated as her own children.  

Esther faced many challenges with grace and tenacity, including living with Parkinson’s disease, a heart condition and surviving breast cancer. 

Despite her declining health, she always made the best of whatever situation or challenge she faced. Her great beauty, laughter, courage, strength, generosity and kindness with be forever cherished and memorialized through her family, the many people she loved and the lives she touched. 

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.