Shirley Gertrude Katz
An unveiling will be held on Sunday, July 13, at 1:30 p.m. at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in the T.I.B.A. Section
The ceremony will be brief and dignified, in accordance with Jewish tradition, as we gather to honor and remember Shirley’s life and legacy.
Kindly join us in commemorating her memory and offering our continued prayers for her eternal peace.
May her memory be a blessing.
It is life experiences, what we witness and what we do that truly makes for a well lived life. In this regard, our Shirley Gertrude Katz did indeed live a well lived life. Growing up in the inter-war years, and coming of age during the Blitz must have left an indelible mark. Being evacuated to Wales for safety, (her speaking Welsh and Juggling were two favorite hidden talents) may have planted the seed of adventure and living life to the fullest that she carried most of her 94 years. If that wasn’t enough, in her 20’s she up and made Aaliyah to Israel where she met and fell in love with our Dad. Waiting for her husband to come back from War, they promptly had their first Son Doron soon after the Saint war ended. Then came her second Son, Steven. But that wasn’t enough for Her to settle down, they picked up stakes with barely anything and emigrated to Canada. That is adventure. Shortly thereafter her third son, Jonathan was born. After a few years, in the 70’s no less, when the opportunities for women in the workforce was slim, and being born on International Women’s Day, she decided she wanted to work. Starting as a temp in the provincial government, she advanced over the years and ended her career an Arts officer in the ministry of arts and culture.
Like most Jews, early retirement meant being a snow bird, and I know they loved their winters in Florida. We loved the visits there too!
But yet again, that wasn’t enough and with the help of the Earl Bales center, and her friends, they created the W.E.L. Group (Women enjoying life) and entertained hundreds and hundreds of people at various retirement homes in the area.
Her Liza Manelli was a show stopper!
After our Dad passed, the travel and adventure bug bit again, and with the Bettel center, she and her cohorts travelled all over the world. Right up until her late 80’s.
Due to Covid, Her last few years were spent at home with her family.
Doran, Steven, Jonathan, Sandy, and her grandchildren Leah and Izak.
Dying peacefully at home, this is a sad time, but also a celebration of a well lived life.
Memorial donations may be made to Association for Soldiers of Israel 416-783-3053 or Magen David Adom 416-780-0034 .
