Elise Benzacar

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elise Benzacar, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, on January 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Surrounded by her loved ones, she passed away peacefully at North York General Hospital.

Elise was born on September 6, 1932, in Lisbon, Portugal, to Chaim and Esther Cohen. After losing her father to the Nazis while living in Belgium, she and her family relocated to Morocco, where she spent her formative years.

In Casablanca, Elise met Maurice, her devoted husband of 69 years. Together, they moved to Toronto in 1957 with their young son. From these humble beginnings, Elise built a remarkable legacy and became the heart and soul of her family.

She is survived by her loving family: her four children, James and Valerie, Raquel and Ross, Rita, Jack and Andrea; her nine grandchildren, Jordanna and John, Joshua and Liat, Aaron and Tamara, Max and Marlee, Alexander, Gillian and Jory, Lee, Jonah, and Samuel; and her four great-grandchildren, Lola, Shai, Sunny, and Aviv. She is also survived by her sister Marcelle and many nieces and nephews.

Elise was a talented model, designer, seamstress, and phenomenal cook. Her laughter and warmth touched everyone she met, and her presence brought joy to all who knew her. She was indeed our Queen.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Daphna Grossman and Dr. Noam Berlin of the North York General Hospital Palliative Care team and the entire team on the fifth floor for their exceptional care and compassion. A special thank you goes to Marylou for her unwavering dedication and kindness.

Elise’s legacy of love, kindness, and strength will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.