Lenore Balinsky
Lenore Balinsky, née Freeman, a vibrant spirit who graced the world with her effervescent personality, passed away peacefully in Toronto on March 30, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on July 31, 1936, Lenore was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Lenore was a devoted mother to her beloved daughter Julia and her son-in-law Tom. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Celeste and Raphael, who brought her immense happiness. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she took immense pride in their achievements, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams and passions.
Throughout her life, Lenore faced her share of hardships and trauma, including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Cynthia at the tender age of 16. This profound loss shaped her, yet Lenore remained a pillar of strength and grace. She had an extraordinary ability to smile through adversity, inspiring those around her with her resilience and determination to move forward.
In her youth, Lenore was a professional dancer, captivating audiences with her grace and talent. Her love for dance was a reflection of her vibrant spirit, and she carried that passion with her throughout her life. Even in her later years, she found joy in painting classes, where she formed lasting friendships and continued to express her creativity. Lenore had a unique gift for connecting with people, greeting everyone she met with a warm smile and a heartfelt “hello.” Her genuine kindness and infectious enthusiasm left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Lenore dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others, whether through her work or her community involvement. She believed in the power of kindness and compassion, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her unwavering spirit and love for life will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A funeral service to honour Lenore’s remarkable life will be held in the Steeles Memorial chapel on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12 noon. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Mount Sinai Cemetery, in the Kiever Shul section, beside her beloved daughter Cynthia. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them for Shiva and a mourning period at 120 Promenade Circle, Apartment 1007, from noon to 7 PM for one week, where they can share memories and celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman.
Lenore Balinsky’s spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends. She taught us all the importance of love, resilience, and the beauty of a kind word. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we carry her memory with us, inspired to live our lives with the same passion and joy that she exemplified every day.
Memorial donations in memory of Lenore may be made to StepStones for Youth through a special donation page established in her honour, stepstonesforyouth-in-honour-of-lenore-balinsky, or to The 519, fostering inclusion, understanding, respect to support 2SLGBTQ community members, https://www.the519.org/support-the-519/in-memory-of-lenore/.
