In addition to the in-person service at Pardes Chaim Cemetery, the funeral will also be live-streamed. To view the service virtually, please go to https://smclive.ca/ on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Born Sonja Deanna Goldfarb on March 25, 1932 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Sam and Sadie Goldfarb, a first generation Canadian, oldest sister to Helen Nathanson and Barbara Gaum. Sonja, demonstrating her exceptionally strong will even at 5 years old, changed her name to Shirley after watching Shirley Temple in the movies as her red hair ringlets looked exactly like those of the young movie star. Shirley’s first and only boyfriend from the age of 4, Robert (Bob) Wolman, were married when Shirley was 19. Shirley and Bob had an epic romance of 80 years, and were married for 66 of those years. They had 4 children, Nadia Queija (zl), Chaya Levenson, Wendy McLean and Jeffrey Wolman, 19 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews
and cousins, all of whom she loved very much. Other than her family, Shirley’s passion was her community, working tirelessly for the Beth Israel Synagogue in Halifax as President of the Sisterhood there for two terms, in addition to other fund raising activities for Hadassah and the Canadian Cancer Society. As Shirley was fond of saying, she was a doer, not a talker however when she did have something to say, it was often direct, poignant and important. We will all miss Mom/Bubbie/Aunt Shirley dearly. A special thank you to May Tropia who cared so passionately for Shirley over the past seven years; Shirley felt blessed to have you help her in her final years. May Shirley’s memory be a blessing.

Funeral will be at Pardes Chaim Cemetery 11818 Bathurst Street, Maple, ON. A gathering after the funeral will be held at the home of grandchildren Avraham and Rivki Levenson, 91 Baycrest Avenue, Toronto, ON. Shiva will be held at the home of daughter Chaya Levenson at 2 Neptune Drive, Apt 210, Toronto, ON on Sunday to Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Donations may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue Halifax, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/beth-israel-synagogue/.