| Obituary |
LEWKOWICZ, Marek After a long and fulfilling life, sadly passed away at the age of ninety-eight surrounded by family on Monday, November 19, 2018. His wife of seventy-four years, Mara Lewkowicz (nee Basis-Pillar) remembers him as a giant among men. The head of his adoring family, he leaves behind his daughters, Freda and Ann, his son-in-law Peter, his grandchildren Joey (Maggie), Sarah (Scott), and the late Cary (Kris), and his great-grandchildren Ethan, Ava, Harrison and Maya. Predeceased by his six siblings who perished in the Holocaust. His early years in Kielce, Poland were spent socializing, boxing and dancing at the HaPoel sports club, as well as undergoing a life-changing apprenticeship in tailoring. He survived the Holocaust in Balkhash, Kazakhstan where he met Mara and welcomed his first daughter. After the war, he learned that he was the only survivor of his entire family, and made his way to Montreal in 1948 through the Tailor Project. Marek worked three jobs to support his young family of four, and built a large circle of lifelong friends. With his expertise in the garment industry he enjoyed a fulfilling career as a designer of ladies' coats and suits at Auckie Sanft. His beautiful designs were presented at fashion shows and sold at high-end stores across the country. He continued creating timeless garments for his family well into his 90s. After his retirement from the fashion industry, Marek turned down lucrative job offers preferring to drive his granddaughter to school. He devoted the rest of his life to his family. He loved reading about medicine, eating French fries, listening to Klezmer music, and above all else, spending time with family. He made it a priority to transmit his testimony, memories and life lessons to his loved ones. Marek was a charming, selfless, charismatic, and brilliant man who will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to know him. The family wishes to thank the third-floor staff at Jewish Eldercare's Kastner Pavilion for their wonderful care. Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W., on Friday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Farband Labour Zionist Congregation Section, Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, de la Savane. Shiva at his daughter Freda's home, Friday until 3:00 p.m., Saturday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Sunday and Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Donations in Marek's memory may be made to the Montreal Holocaust Museum, (514) 345-2605, where his recorded testimony and family photos are preserved in perpetuity. |
