Anna Kaufman

Anna Magder Kaufman in her 103rd year, the matriarch of a large and loving family, including many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by beloved husband Martin (2006), and siblings Harry, Nettie, Lionel, Yank, Betty, Benjamin, Jesse, David, Wilfred and Joe. Survived by sister-in-law Shirley, of Detroit. Proud mother of Saul (Tobi), Alan (Bert), and Peter. Loving Grandma of Liana (Zack) and Kailey (Magnus).

Born in Sudbury, Ontario to Saul Magder and Lena Wichefsky on May 4th, 1919, Anna left home at age 18 to study nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, graduating Class of 1940. Finding work at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, she rose to the rank of asst. Matron. Marrying Marty in 1949, she left the nursing profession to raise her 3 boys, remaining active as a volunteer nurse at the Talmud Torah elementary school. For over six decades she has maintained a strong connection to Congregation Beth Ora. She was very active in Na’amat and was awarded an honorary lifetime membership. Each Fall, her basement was filled with clothing from generous donors, destined for the Na’amat fundraising bazaar.

Anna’s major focus was ensuring a good quality of life for her son Peter, born with autism, at a time when there were minimal resources available for this population. Anna and Marty were among the founding members of the Quebec branch of the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (QACLD), a not-for-profit organization supporting the needs of individuals with autism or other life challenges. Throughout her life, she tirelessly advocated for Peter.

After Marty’s death, Anna relocated to Toronto in 2008 to a wonderful senior’s residence, the Reubin Cipin Healthy Living Community.  There, she developed many nurturing friendships, involving herself in community programming and thoroughly enjoying the milieu of active and independent people. Her passions included gardening, playing bridge, listening to classical music, attending concerts, theatre, doing crossword puzzles, watching televised sports and Jeopardy.

Anna loved nothing more than visits or phone calls to or from family and friends, never forgetting a birthday, and always ready with home baked treats or roasted almonds for visitors.

Special thanks to caregivers Carolyn and Tessie whose loving attentiveness enhanced Anna’s quality of life. Thanks also to the staff of Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, particularly Dr. Russell Goldman and Nurse Sara McMillan for their empathetic care and advice.

In Anna’s name, donations may be made to Sinai Health Foundation (877) 565-8555, Na’amat Canada Toronto 1-416-636-5425, 1-888-622-6280 or http://weblink.donorperfect.com/TorontoFundsOnline, or Canadian Magen David Adom (800) 876-4170.

Private service to take place. Shiva strictly private.