| Obituary |
SHAFFER-STEIMAN, Pearl (nee Solomon) On Thursday, December 22, 2011. Predeceased by husband Bernard Steiman, by her brother Jack Solomon, and by her dear first husband Jack Shaffer. Also predeceased by her beloved sisters-in-law, Zena (Sol), Mary (Phil), Mary (Sam), and Eva (Frank). Leaves her son Ronald and his wife Jane, sister-in-law Anne (the late Aaron), sister-in-law Ethel, plus an adoring throng of nieces and nephews and their families, whom she loved dearly. Everyone loved Pearl, "the life of the party" through many decades. She loved music, dancing and fashionable clothes. She struggled with her health and with her emotions for years, but she remained brave and outspoken no matter what challenges she faced. Starting from a difficult upbringing and a challenging first marriage, she figured out how to create welcoming spaces and great times for all of us - friends, family, misfits, whoever was around needing food, talk, and warmth. She was intense, energetic and very opinionated, and her battle cry was: Never give up! As her health issues really took hold, she became isolated for some years. But then, after moving into an outstanding care residence, she re-discovered her social nature, and formed deep friendships with so many people around her, staff and fellow residents alike. Right through the very last days of her life at le Vivalis, she kept up her style, her dignity, her bossy nature, and her great beauty. She was, truly, The Queen. Our endless thanks to Dr. Gail Goldman at St Mary's, to Bonnie Sandler for the placement, to the beautiful staff at Residence le Vivalis in Pointe Claire, and a special mention to Richard Godin, Lt-Col (ret.), who helped her to laugh and smile all the way home. Funeral service took place at Paperman & Sons on Friday, December 23. A memorial gathering will be held sometime in the New Year. |
