In addition to the in-person service at the Chapel, the funeral will also be live-streamed. To view the service virtually , please go to http://smclive.ca Sunday September 7th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Nira Lerman, on September 4, surrounded by her loving family. Nira’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Nira’s parents survived the Shoah and arrived in Israel prior to independence where Nira was born in 1950. Her family later moved to North America and lived first in Toronto and later in Los Angeles and New York, before finally settling in Toronto where Nira attended Bathurst Heights Secondary School. She went on to study at York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and the University of Toronto where she received a Bachelor of Education. Nira never stopped learning and took many advanced courses in education, receiving qualifications in Visual Arts Librarianship, Special Education, Guidance and Co-operative Education.

During her school years in Canada and the US Nira had many part-time jobs and served as an active volunteer youth leader, principally in Hashomer Hatzair, working as a dedicated madricha (counselor) at summer camps and in city programs in California, New York, New Jersey and Ontario. As a student at Bathurst Heights, Nira organized and taught Israeli folk dancing. As a university student, she organized and ran many of the youth programs at Beth Tzedec Congregation where she endeared herself to many parents and families of the teenagers with whom she worked.

Nira began her teaching career as an art instructor at Associated Hebrew Schools. She later joined the North York Board of Education (later merged into the Toronto District School Board), where she taught at several high schools, most notably Newtonbrook Secondary School, teaching various subjects and ultimately retiring as Head of Co-op Education. In a confusing and troubled world, Nira counselled and helped thousands of teenagers and their families coping with a broad range of issues and challenges. She knew that listening and asking the right questions was more important than speaking. When she provided advice, it was both relevant and helpful. It was always a joy to accompany her in public, perhaps at an event or in a restaurant, when a former student, and often a parent, would recognize her and come over to say hello and thank her for being the caring and inspiring teacher she was.

As a 14-year old madricha at Camp Shomria in Liberty NY, Nira had her first brief encounter with a 16-year old madrich from nearby Camp Betar who was later to become her life partner. She married Sheldon in 1972 and joined him in Chicago where Nira worked for the Israel Government Tourist Office and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago while completing her BFA at York.

Nira and Sheldon were blessed with 2 wonderful children, Yoni and Zavi, an everexpanding extended family and many dear and caring friends. They travelled together – to Israel, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and many other places in Canada & the US.

Nira served in many community organizations, worked on committees and helped organize important events. Declining health was never a deterrent. As things became more difficult, Nira became ever more determined to perform acts of kindness at every opportunity, phoning people on a regular basis to make sure they were OK and to lend a sympathetic ear. Everyone who knew her came to love & respect her, and no one benefited more than her family and friends who frequently sought her advice and guidance. Nira knew how to get along with difficult people. She also knew how to help them get along with one another. Nira will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her loving family: her husband, Sheldon; her children Jonathan (Yoni) and Zehava (Zavi); her son-in-law Wayne; her grandchildren Isaac, Thomas, Jonah and Enya; her siblings Leora and Jack; her siblings-in-law Elayna, Joyce and Brian; and her many nieces & nephews.

Nira’s life was a testament to compassion, resilience, and dedication. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched—as a teacher, mentor, friend, and beloved family member.

Yehi zichra baruch – May her memory be blessed.

Memorial donations may be made to Beit Halochem Canada Aid to Disabled Veterans of Israel 905-695-0611 https://www.beithalochem.ca/ or Charity of your choice.