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My husband, Jack, and I were both born and raised in Winnipeg.
We met at a dance at the Y and were married in 1963. In 1977,
we moved with our young daughter and son to Toronto so Jack
could go back to university. Leaving my community at 35 and
moving my kids away from their grandparents was the scariest
time of my life, but I supported Jack’s goals. We thought
we’d stay for only three years, but we fell in love with
Toronto and settled here permanently.
Growing up in Winnipeg I was involved in everything –
Jewish summer camps, BBG, USY, Hillel. I was committed to
continuing that involvement in Toronto, so I joined Hadassah-WIZO
and started fundraising for UJA Federation. I’m still
very involved with both today. As a family, we joined Beth
Tzedek Synagogue, where I continue to volunteer and attend
services regularly. We believed in Jewish education and sent
our kids to USDS and to CHAT, where they each met their future
spouses.
Sadly, I lost my husband to cancer in 2001. We had a wonderful
life together and we worked hard to create a model for our
children. Today, my daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Michael
Opler, and my son and daughter-in-law, Randal Schnoor and
Marsha Moshinsky are very involved in the Jewish community
and we are always together Friday nights and holidays. I’m
so happy that they are carrying on these traditions for my
three grandchildren, Bethany, Arielle and Jonah…and one
more on the way.
Throughout my life I’ve had many careers – interior
designer, artist, mother, caregiver. In my late 30s I learned
that I could purchase a life insurance policy with a charity
as the beneficiary. I thought it was a wonderful concept.
Long after I am gone, my giving will continue in the form
of endowments to UJA Federation and Hadassah-WIZO.
I enjoy living in Toronto. It’s a city filled with tremendous
options for Jews. But with that come endless needs –
for the elderly, immigrants, education, arts and culture.
We also have to do our part for Israel and the people there
who make sacrifices so we can live freely. I’m very pleased
that my commitment to caring and giving will carry on long
after I am no longer here.
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