Gerald (Jerry) Phillip Biderman passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 18 after a three month battle with kidney failure.
Born in Toronto on August 19, 1932, Jerry is survived by his wife Madeline Dennis and brother Don Biderman and his daughters Robyn Kempe, partner Les Bober, Alicia Yetman and husband Todd. Proud Zayda to Kymberley and Jessica Kempe, Tucker and Quinton Yetman and Great grandson Jaxson Harris. Missed by brother-in-law Danny Kayfetz and Carolyn Kayfetz and many adoring nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jerry was the oldest son of Mary and Alec Biderman and nephew to his surviving Aunty Bebe Zlotkin. Jerry graduated from Pharmacy at the University of Toronto and practiced pharmacy for most of his life at Symington Drugs. Jerry was a gentle and kind person, liked by everyone for his sweet nature and sense of humour. He is missed by family and friends. He was a Gem. Memorial donations may be made to the Mackenzie Health Foundation, c/o the Gerald Biderman Fund 905-883-2032.
Shiva details and more can be found on the “Remembering Jerry with Love” Website. Please see the following (you may need to copy/paste the link to your browser):
Please visit https://smclive.ca/archive to access an archived version of the service for the next 60 days. The required password is May20.
Date of Death:Monday, May 18, 2020
Yahrzeit Day:23 Iyar
Date of Funeral:Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Memorial Service Location:Private Family Service
Burial Service Location:Pardes Chaim Cemetery
Message of Condolence
Sharon Gruenstein
Dearest Madelaine Ralph and I wish to send our most heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Jerry !May his memories be a blessing to you Sincerely Sharon Gruenstein and Ralph Hanauer
Dear Madeline,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. We have so many wonderful, fun memories spent with Gerry and you over many years. He will be missed by all who knew him. Stay safe, be well- Laura and Paul
Madeline, We are so saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Its news we cannot process. We will miss him. At a time like this, one tends to rewind the clock to the beginning, and as we do this, many happy moments start gathering in our hearts and minds of the years Jerry has celebrated all of our most important celebrations. It saddens us that we cannot be there for you and the girls, to participate in the final moments of remembering your beloved Jerry. Knowing the circumstances that you are adhering to, please know we will have you in our thoughts as you Mad, Robyn and Alicia and family participate in Jerry's being laid to rest. We love you all.
Dear Madeline and family. We are sending you our most heartfelt condolences. We were so saddened by Gerrys passing. He certainly was a wonderful man. You and your family are in our thoughts, and we feel bad that we can’t be there in person. Love, Fraida and Eric
Dear Madeline,Robyn,andAlicia
We wish you love and strength at this difficult time.Gerry was such a wonderful soul and a kind “mench “who spread joy to all he met, especially to you Madeline and your family. Gerry was always caring, ready to go, travel, party, go to concerts, and enjoy life to the fullest!He will truly be missed!
Dear Madeline and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Our thoughts are with you. May your wonderful memories provide some comfort at this difficult time and in the future.
Love Elaine and Franklin
Dear Madeline, Robyn, Alicia and family - sending our sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear Jerry. Such a wonderful warm and caring gentleman. May his memory be a blessing. Sending you strength and love during this very difficult time. Love, Judi & Bobby
Dear Madeline and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Jerry. We know that he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be fondly remembered in the wonderful memories that you share. Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Madeline: Although I had never had the pleasure of meeting Jerry, only have heard wonderful things about him. the accolades expressed the the many messages in this book says it all. May his memory be for a blessing.
Dear Madeline and family. So sorry to learn of the passing of Jerry. Such a loss. Jerry was such a wonderful man. A real mensch.my heart goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. May your wonderful memories be a comfort to you..
We are so sorry for your loss and your children’s loss too. Gerry was a wonderful kind man and gave so much to you and your family. We are here for you if you need anything. Remember how he lived. Not how he died. Our love
Dear Madeline and family,
We just heard the sad news and are so very sorry for your great loss.
Though We can’t be there in person, please know that we’re with you in spirit.
May the many wonderful memories you shared comfort you at this doubly difficult time.
Betty & David Ashkenazy
Hi Madeleine
Just a note expressing my condolences
After chatting with you and Jerry last summer at the pool I saw what a gentle nice man Jerry was.
Stay healthy and hope to see you soon.xxoo
Dear Madeline, We are so sorry to learn about Jerry's passing. He was a wonderful, kind man. We have very fond memories of times spent together over the years. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Stay safe and healthy. Love, Mariette & Jay Bernholtz
Dear Madeline and Family. When we think of Jerry, it was always seeing him with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Our sincere condolences to you, especially at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. Shawna & Michael
Dear Madeline and Family: We're so sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. A quiet, gentle gentleman. You were all so fortunate to have him in your lives and you filled his life with joy, love and laughter. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Barb & Len
Sending strength and virtual hugs to you during this difficult time of sorrow. May your many memories of Jerry console you now and through the years to come.
Dear Madeline, Robyn, Alicia, Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and the family. Jerry was an amazing man with the zest for life and being with you and the girls. He was always ready to go and enjoy. May all the memories you shared will be a blessing to you. You and your family are in our thoughts and we feel so bad that we can’t be there in person. Love Susie and Frank
Dear Madeline, Robyn, Alicia, Danny, Carol, Elise, Bonnie, Ben, Alana, please accept deepest deepest sympathies on the loss of Jerry, z”l. May his memory be a blessing. Thinking about you all at this very difficult time and sending my love and heartfelt condolences to your wonderful mispocha.
Dear Madeline and family, we are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. Always so happy when ever we saw him, and ready to be part of any celebration. I know that you and the girls brought so much joy into his life and that he cared for all of you very much. Please accept our condolences and we hope that all the joy you brought to his life will bring you some comfort at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was such a kind loving and generous human being. He will be missed by everyone he met. Please accept my sincerest condolences and may you and your family know from no more sorrow. Rest in peace ...may his memory be a blessing to all of you. STAY SAFE AND KEEP WELL , Rosilyn Spiltter and Ian Sherman
Dear Madeline, Harvey and I were very saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing him. He had a warm and friendly smile.
We wish you and your family strength during this difficult time.
Dear Madeline and family,
I am so sorry to know that your beloved Gerry has passed away. He was such a fine, gentle man. I can hear his laughter in my mind, Gerry enjoyed life to its fullest, whether being in Florida at the pool, travelling to far away spots or just watching tv with his adored wife. May the memory of all that you shared over many years bring you peace during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
. Dear Madeline and family,
I am so sorry to know that your beloved Gerry has passed away. He was such a fine, gentle man. I recall his laughter and enjoyment as we shared many experiences together. May the deep love that he had for all of you bring you peace during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I hope that we will be able to be together soon so that we can support you as you face the days ahead.
Dearest Madeline, We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Jerry. The two of you together conjure up many happy memories. You were a couple of contentment. May all those happy memories help sustain you at this difficult time. His memory will be a blessing. Much love, Rochelle and John Burns
Dear Madeline and family,
I am so sad for all of you. Jerry was always so sweet and pleasant. He was a good sport about always being surrounded by women, especially when we all went out to dinner.
We all have lots of great memories to keep him with us in our hearts. I am sad that I cannot be with you.
Thinking of you with lots of love!
Madeline, what a fabulous life you and Jerry shared. You traveled the world but still appreciated cottaging and Florida. You hosted wonderful family celebrations together and included everyone. You also enjoyed your time together - just the 2 of you. Your relationship was one to be cherished. Hopefully, you, Robyn, Alicia, Kymberley, Jessica, Tucker, Quinton and Jaxson will derive comfort from all you wonderful memories. When I think of Jerry, I see his big smile and the twinkle in his eyes. I am so sorry that I cannot be with you now. I am sending Love and Comfort to all of you.
Marlene
We’re so sorry for the loss of your precious Jerry. Every time we saw him, he always had a smile and loving warmth about him. We hope your wonderful memories bring you strength and comfort during this time. We love you. Love, George and Rhonda
Dear Madeline, Alicia and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Jerry as a kind, jovial man. May his memory be a blessing. Lots of love.
Dear Madeline, Elaine and I are sending you our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Jerry. As so many of the RHCL group, we remember so many fond memories of our getaways with Jerry and you and our dinners here and in Florida. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Love Elaine and Louis.
Dear Madeline and family,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your husband Jerry
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories you hold ,deep within your heart.
Thinking of you and your family. Beverley Bobkin English and Norm English
Dear Madeline, My condolences, and sympathy to you on the passing of your husband. It’s such a tough time, and doubly sad during this difficult time of isolation. May all of your wonderful memories be with you, and remain a comfort for you. Donnadale Smith
Dear Madeline my sincere condolences to you and the family on the loss of Jerry at this very difficult time. I hope that the memories of your years together provide you with comfort and may you know no more sorrow. Arlene Silver
Dear Madeline and family, Arie and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of your very special husband. Jerry was young at heart and always on the move - travels, shows, restaurants... He was a loving partner to you. May his memory be a blessing
Dear Madeline I am so very very sorry to hear about Jerry. How sad. He was a sweet man. I am thinking if you at this time and during this difficult time. Hoping that coming days will help to ease your loss.
Dear Madeline and family, So sad to hear of Jerry's passing, both Paul and I remember him as a classy guy, kind and thoughtful. May his memory be blessing to you and your family at this very difficult time. Rosie and Paul Seaton
Dear Madeline and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I have fond memories of a gentle man with kindness in his heart and laughter in his soul. While we may be isolated and apart, we are together in marking his passing and remembering such a wonderful person.
Madeline, Robyn and Alicia - I am sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was a lovely man, and I know you will all miss him in your lives. My mother always had fond words for him and he looked after her needs so well-I remember several runs to Symington during my visits home over the years, when he was always accommodating and gracious. I hope you find comfort in each other and know that there is a great deal of love coming your way, in spite of it not being in a physical form at the moment.
Dear Alicia, Todd, Quinton and Tucker, My deepest condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in friends and family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carlo
Madeline and Danny and Carol
Even though we could not be there in person the funeral was very moving
The eulogies were so heartfelt and emotional
Take care of each other
Both Madeleine and Danny spoke so well. Jerry was such a nice guy. Among other virtues, I found that often in a conversation, Jerry would be quietly listening, but then he'd come up with a clever quip. It was wonderful the way he adored Madeline. His quiet presence, menschlichkeit, and quips, will be missed. We're so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted along with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Love
Arny & Elkie Handelman
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband. Wishes you strength at this difficult time. A truly gentle man, he always had a smile on his face. We send our love to you and hold you in our hearts.
Jerry was a wonderful person and we will all miss him for his fabulous smile, warmth and genuine affection,
He was a real "mensch", We know he adored you Madeline and was so proud of his family. We are so appreciative
of the many times we had together and extend our heartfelt sympathies to Madeline and all our cousins.
It is our intent to be with you when we are allowed to visit, Sending you our love. Shelley and Alan
Dear Madeline,
We send you and your family our deepest condolences. We will remember Jerry with fondness. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Madeleine we watched the funeral and heard your beautiful speech to your precious husband. He was definitely your rock. Gerry once told me you have to love people if you are with Maddie. He adored you and your family. We are here for you.
Dear Maddy, Robyn, Alicia and family.
Our sincere condolences on your great loss. Jerry was such a dear, sweet, gentle man and he will be missed. May your wonderful memories of him comfort you.
Dear Madeline and family,
Our hearts go out to you at the loss of your beloved Jerry! We wish that we could be physically present to support you and your family. We were at the graveside livestream and both yours and Danny's(and Carol's) eulogies spoke so eloquently about the mensch that Jerry was. May all of his wonderful memories give you strength and courage.
May you be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion.
Please stay safe and healthy
Brenda and Marty Hoffman
Dear Madeline, Robin, Alicia and family,
Rick and I are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Gerry. We are sorry that we aren’t able to be with you during this troubling time. We hope that you always remember all of the special and happy times that you shared together.
Just know that we are always here for you and we are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Bonnie and Rick Baer
Maddy what can l say . I felt a warmth at all times when l met Jerry on many of our friendship through the years. Darlene truly loved that man. The two of them had such a memory and infectious smiles. May my Angel and yours be bound up in life's beauty. Love you and family Steve.
He really was a lovely man inside and out. Loved his constant smile. He'll be greatly missed. Love to the whole family and thinking of you at this terrible time of your great loss. Lots of love, David & Claire
Dearest Madeline, our first message got lost but we do want you to know we are thinking of you at this challenging time. Jerry was indeed a kind human being. You were a lovely and warm couple to each other and to all. His memory will be a blessing. Much love, Rochelle and John Burns
Dear Madeline and family, Please accept Heather and my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of Jerry. He was a great human who we always looked forward to seeing each year at Rosh Hashana and in Florida. I am sending you lots of virtual hugs and wish I could see you... soon we will. We already miss him
Dearest Maddy, It is with deep sadness Alois and I write following tragic news of Jerry's suffering and ultimate loss.
Unprecedented times prevented us from learning in a timely manner. We mourn your loss.
We will light candles in Jerry's memory as I share with Alois, the wonderful friendship we've shared.
Fondly, Al and Sal
To Madeline & Family- We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s death. He truly was a gem. We enjoyed our times together and have a happy memory of being with both of you at the Gach Bash last fall. We wish you peace and strength and healing during these difficult times. B’ shalom, David & Cheryl Ceifetz
Due to the uprise in Covid-19 numbers in the community, Steeles Memorial Chapel will be suspending chapel services until further notice. Graveside services will be limited to 25 people including clergy. Masks are to be worn by all that attend gravesides services.
Please stay safe.
The management and staff Steeles Memorial Chapel
The abhorrent acts committed by the globally recognized terrorist organization Hamas on the citizens of Israel are reprehensible. The blatant disregard for humanity and the destruction they have inflicted on our homeland and its people is heartbreaking. These atrocities have absolutely devastated our communities and many others around the world.
While Hamas may be working to create division amongst inhabitants of our homeland and throughout the globe, it is now more important than ever to stay unified as one. We would like to offer a place on our webpage for individuals in our community to share their messages of condolence to those who have been lost, their thoughts and prayers to all those who have been impacted, and their prayers of safety to those who are fighting for the security of Israel and its children
Please consider performing a Mitzvah in memory of those who have fallen.
Message of Condolence