Gerda Frieberg

Jack my dear brother, Sandy and the entire Frieberg family: I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's death, I can sympathize with your pain, I wish I could transfer a little of it to my shoulders, and even though it was expected - after all, no one lives forever , but the pain is obviously heavy. It's a very fundamental moment in life, when we become orphans without a father and mother, for me it unfortunately happened years ago. Although I only met your mother once, at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, the many stories I heard from you about her over the years that I have known you, I think I knew her well, she was one of the people I love and appreciate, what a life story she experienced, that could fill life story of at list three Swiss or Swedes... Her love for the Land of Israel, the Zionism that was an important part of her life as well as in the life of your late father, her ability to pass on to you the strong feelings of love for the Jewish people and Israel and from you to your children, who will undoubtedly pass these values on to their children - your grandsons and granddaughters - leaving the chain of generations the miracle of the Jewish people, without a doubt. Although it is difficult to console at this difficult time, there is definitely something to be for: for your mother being who she was, who lived her life proudly, who reached a heroic age, who passed away while she was still lucid - all this and more should be a consolation for you and for your family, because there is nothing to do - death is part of life And it turns out that in the next world they have a lot of fun there, to see - no one came back from there.... Your mother passed away with a feeling of great satisfaction, for her and your father's ability to overcome the terrible life hardships of their youth, for the magnificent family she raised to glory, for grandchildren and great-grandchildren - all of which together created for her, I am sure, a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure! Although I won't be physically present tomorrow for the ceremony, I will be participating through the Sandy sent me. Unfortunately I won't be there to support you in these difficult moments, but I will be there with my soul and thoughts given to you, I wish I could help more than that. love you and care for you, David

Dear Frieberg family Sincere condolences on your family loss which is also a loss for the Jewish community. May you be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion

To Gerda’s family what a wonderful person she was. I was very proud to be her friend and to be in the writers group with her. Her stories of what she lived through her accomplishments in life are remarkable Remember her well and be proud of what did Miss her and remember her to my family and friends Raizie

Jack, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was an extraordinary woman and a powerful inspiration and may her memory be a blessing for you and your family in the years to come.

Our deepest condolences to the FRIEBERG family. What a terrible loss to you family, the Canadian society, the Jewish people and Canada. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet Gerda earlier. We met in 1980 and worked tirelessly and with great satisfaction and understanding to create the Toronto Holocaust Education and memorial centre. We spent the next four years working with Architects Jerome Markson designer Morley Markson and Dr. Paula Draper on the creation of the centre. I learned to appreciate her dedication and ability to cut through bureaucratic obstacles and get things done. In the process we became great friends and spent many wonderful days skiing, sailing and sharing family experiences. She was a wonderful friend she will be missed. May her memory be for a blessing

Dear Jack and Sandy and the entire Frieberg family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. May her memory be a blessing to you all.

Dear Frieberg Family, I had the privilege of meeting Gerda at Beth Tikvah Synagogue. It was always a pleasure meeting with Gerda, a woman of so much wisdom. I read both of her books. May her memory be a blessing.

My deepest condolences to the family. Gerda was an inspiration to so many of us. It was my privilege and honour to work with her for almost 20 years at the Holocaust Centre that she has founded. May her name be for a blessing.

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet. Gerda was one great lady and an outstanding leader in the Community. She stood her ground with what she believed in. She leaves a great legacy for her family with love of our People and of Israel. We truly admired her.

To all of Gerda's family, Baruch Dayan haEmet. My deepest sympathy to all of you on the death of Gerda. She was a remarkable woman. May her memory be a blessing to you all. With deep sadness, Judie

Dear Jack, Sandy & family, I am very sorry for your loss. I met your mother through Shalva and she was an incredible woman. Her strength and courage made her a role model to many. Every time I was in her presence, I wanted to soak up every story. May her memory be a blessing. Johanna Levitt-Brooks

Dear Frieberg family, Ricki and I were so saddened to learn of Gerda’s passing. We hope you find comfort in precious memories of her remarkable life. As a young man I had the privilege of meeting Gerda and working with her very early on in establishing a presence and a commitment in both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities for Holocaust education. She was a force! This work was formative for me as a person and in the years that have followed whenever we saw one another Gerda always shared her memories and thoughts about our work. Her endless commitment to her family and her community were an inspiration. May her memory be for a blessing.

It was an honour to know Gerda and her sister Hana. Women of incredible fortitude and strength. I feel I am a better woman and a Jew for having known them.

My condolences to the Frieberg Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Gerda was a wonderful woman and a great role model for us all. I am so sadden by this news. May she rest in peace.

BDE. To the family of Gerda Frieberg, Many years and many Holocaust Education programme attendances had exposed me to this remarkable woman...an icon, most certainly. I also remember her speaking at my shul...your shul, The Village Shul. It was always an honour to be in her presence and how fortunate you are to have such an excellent family legacy. My heart is with you. Hamakom Yenachem Etchem Betoch Shaar Avalei Tzion ve Yerushalyim.

Dear Jack, Sandy and Family. We are very sorry for your loss. May special memories of happier times comfort you in the days ahead. Barb & Cliff Prupas

My Prayer and Sympathy and Condolences 🙏 to the Family,It's break my Heart to loss Gerda for 2yrs and 2months to be a Caregiver night and day ,I do my best but God have plan for Gerda ,Ilove Gerda so much it's like my real Mother so thats why I'm crying until now,it's not easy to accept it.

Our sincere condolences to the family on the sad loss of Gerda. May your memories of her be a comfort to you.

Dear Josey and Jackie: Our families have had so many connections for well over 50 years both as friends and community activists. An enormous personal loss for you and your families, a loss for all of us who were friends with Gerda and a loss to our community for which she contributed so much. Take comfort in all the wonderful memories she left for us all. With a broken heart David

Dear family of Gerda. The world has lost a precious soul. I remember her well as a leading and remarkable woman in our community. How blessed were you to have her for so many years. May the legacy Gerda has left be of strength and comfort to you all. May her memory be for a blessing. Marcia Zionce, Group of 35.

Dear Frieberg Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. The Toronto community lost a pillar when Gerda passed away. What a loss. May the Almighty give you strength during this difficult period of time. May Gerda's memory be a blessing, always.

Gerda was a woman of uncommon valour. She stood up to haters and Holocaust deniers with strength of purpose and with fearlessness. We all can learn lessons in leadership from heroes like Gerda. May her memory be always for a blessing

Nancy and I were so moved by the memorial ceremony at your shul. You all spoke so wonderfully and one could not help but be very moved. For such an exceptional person as your mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, there just are not enough positive adjectives. She did keep her promise and many more. She certainly was never a bystander. She lit the candles of so many people and leaped over so many walls that she can only be memorialized as a female superhero.

Having heard all your eulogies brought tears to my eyes. I've heard all the 'stories' many times and felt part of you. She was an amazing woman who accomplished miracles. In no small part, because of her, I am active in the R2R, the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance annual Ride2Remember, which is a fund raiser for Holocaust Education. My memories of her will always make me smile. I am lucky to have known all of you and though we've not been together, it's a joy to see your beautiful mishpokha. May her memory always be a blessing.

I remember first meeting Gerda at Sara and Adam’s L’chaim and I was instantly enamoured with her. she was a wise, graceful and strong woman and I felt lucky to know her. My best memory is of a visit Noah and I had with her when she helped me translate some German and Polish documents of Noah’s Grandparents as they never spoke to him about their holocaust experience before they passed. Gerda was a special person who left an incredible mark on the world. May her memory be a blessing. Sending our love and condolences to Jack, Sandy, Adam, Sara and all the Frieberg family

Gerda was the proverbial molehill who made a mountain out of her life. She may have passed away but she's passed along an enduring legacy of resilience, education and charity. Long live her memory.

Sending my sincere condolences to the entire Frieberg family on the passing of such a strong and remarkable woman. May she rest in peace and all of you be comforted knowing that Gerta Frieberg risked her own life to save another, fulfilled her life-long commitment to Holocaust education, and lived a long, impactful, admirable, charitable, and enriched life with no regrets. She will will continue to serve as a role model and inspiration not only for her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but also for the tens of thousands of people who had the privilege of hearing her stories first-hand, as well as future generations who can learn about her legacy through her books and a simple internet search.

Dear Jack, Sandra, Josey and all of Gerda's family, Gerda was indeed a very special woman as was so wonderfully captured by all who spoke at the service. She was a pillar of Holocaust survival here in Canada and abroad and her many accomplishments were marvelous and well recognized. Above all, "grandma" loved her family and was so important in all your lives together. Truly a Jewish woman of Valour who led a full and storied life, whose legacy is secure and who will be missed. Her memory will be for a blessing. Sincere condolences, Esther and Marvin

To Josey and the entire Frieberg Family: I don't know if you remember me. I only met your mother once but she left an indelible impression, full of knowledge and yet was a mensch as a person, who I know cared deeply for her family. You have a great legacy that will be with you for the rest of your lives. May you have no more sorrows. My sincerest condolences. Paula White and Jerry Goldstein

Dear Sandra and family, My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother-in-law Gerda. I hope the memories provide comfort during this difficult time.

Dear Jack, Sandy and Frieberg children: We are so very sorry to hear of Gerda's passing. She lived an exemplary life as a role model for her family and the Jewish community. May her legacy and memory provide comfort in the days ahead. Julie Solomon & Howard Ovens

Dear Frieberg Family Thank G-d for Gerda-when many deny or are ignorant of the tragic period in Jewish history, she ensured that we never forget. She is a hero and admired by so many. She will be missed. May you share strength at this difficult time.

Dear Jack, Josie and family, I was so sad to learn of Gerda's passing. There was only one Gerda: A feminist, activist, business woman, community leader, investor and philanthropist par excellence long before other woman dared to take on these roles. Honest to a fault, you always knew where you stood with her and she never shied away from controversy in her quest to do what she knew was the right thing. Shortly before COVID, I asked her to help me pilot Zicharon BaSalon (Remembrance in the Livingroom) in my home. We agreed that only those who hadn't previously heard a survivor would be invited. On a day with freezing rain, she sped up my driveway and bounced into the house impeccably dressed as always and captivated the 60 people jammed in together. We had people from all over the world and every background and she captivated everyone. People sobbed as she recounted her heartfelt memories and just last week I received an email from Kenya - from a young woman who attended and told me that Gerda's testimony had changed her life. Gerda deeply inspired me to have chutzpah and do the hard work - I will always be grateful for the example that she set and the stories she shared. The world will always be grateful for her leadership, lessons and legacy that she left us all. I will truly miss her.

Dear Josey and the Frieberg Family. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I met your mother briefly but never got to really know her. I re-read her story 'Broken Dreams' published in the book 'A Cup of Roses' by Beth Tikvah writers group. Your mother was a strong and resilient woman with many talents. May memories of your mother bring peace to you and your family. Pauline Goldberg

Dear Jack, Josie and Family, I remember babysitting you both when you lived on Rushton; I remember your loving Grandmother "Frau Steinitz", and I remember being awed by your Mother's ability to fly a plane. How many women did that and amongst those women, how many were Holocaust Survivors? But what I will never forget is your Mother's ability to mesmerize an audience of teenagers in my various schools about her experiences during the Shoah and the important lessons they needed to take away with them. She was a magnificent teacher and she will be dearly missed. Bernie and I send our deepest regrets. May her memory be for a blessing.

May Gerda memory be a blessing.

Gerda was a remarkable woman who was active in Holocaust Awareness & Education. She was devoted to her family. We had wonderful conversations with her. We remember her with affection & awe. Gerda will live on in the hearts & minds of those that loved her, With our deepest sympathy, Marci Daiter and Aaron Rosenthal

To Gerda’s family:I am out of Toronto and just learned of the passing of your incredible matriarch. We lived on Rushton Rd. just a few doors down from the Friebergs.I even had the pleasure of knowing Gerda’s sweet mother, MrsSteinitz . I was a little girl at the time and your Mother was always so kind and loving to me. She was so talented and would make personal birthday gifts for me. I can still see the terry beach bag that she sewed for me— it even had my initials on it. I remember the swing she made that hung in the hall, and how she taught herself to play piano on a keyboard ,substituting for a piano. Our parents became good friends. I was not surprised to see her many accomplishments in the post-Rushton times. She was so bright and capable— there was nothing she couldn’t undertake or do well. In later years, I would see her from time to time at community events where she always greeted me fondly. I was so proud to have known her as a child, and “kvelled” seeing her as a leader in the Jewish community . She gave me a copy of the book she had written that had references to Silesia where my Father also came from,and highlighted some references I would find interesting.She said my Father was probably the only person around who had known some of her pre-war relatives that had been murdered by the Nazis. I always considered Gerda a role model as a woman and as a Jew. I am honoured to have had her as an influence in my “formative” years. Hopefully your special memories will bring you comfort and strength— those , and the knowledge that as an individual she accomplished so much and made the world a better place. I will always remember Gerda with the utmost respect and admiration —and true affection.

I was sorry to hear of Gerda's passing. Even in the fullness of her years, it is a deep heartfelt sorry. May the healing start for your family and may her memory be a blessing. It was a great privilege to work with her and get to know her over the past 30 years. I have many fond memories over that period. I will miss her very much

Jack, Sandy and the entire Frieberg Family: Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother and the matriarch of your family. My positive thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. Your mother was obviously an exceptional woman! May her memory be a blessing for all that knew her.

To The Frieberg Family It is with deep sadness that I have just heard of your beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother's passing. Having had the honour and honour of working with Gerta, for so many years, as a museum docent and Holocaust Educator, when she was our guest speaker at the then Holocaust Memorial and Education Center. Gerda was an inspiring person, for me, as a child of Holocaust Survivors. She helped me understand what my own parents had gone through during those horrific years. I am so very sorry for you loss, but at the same time happy to know that she and her late husband, had built a live for themselves, and brought so much attention to the Holocaust in a meaningful way. So that future generations will remember what can happen when a society just thrives on hate.

My condolences to the Frieberg family, Josey, Jack, Sandra, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember your lovely mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. I met Gerda through the writing group at Beth Tikvah. It was my honour to get to know her and be her friend. She was an excellent writer and storyteller in English, her fourth language. Gerda was kind and appreciative of others, despite the horrors she had lived through. Her lifelong goal to educate Canadians and the world about the Holocaust was realized. She certainly kept her promise and was never a bystander. May her memory be for a blessing. Rest in peace, dear Gerda. Carol Green