| Obituary |
POLLAK, Catherine (nee Neiger) 1922 - 2011 Catherine passed away in Montreal on April 22, 2011, aged eighty-nine. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Bernard Pollak, devoted mother of David Pollak and Dr. Michael Pollak (Toby Shainbaum), cherished grandmother of Noah, Rebecca and Daniel; sister of the late Charlotte Schonbek and the late Emmy Blake, aunt of Eileen Schonbek (Michael Beer) and Andrew Schonbek (Alice), great-aunt of Amy, Alie, Stephanie, and Matthew; daughter of the late Norbert Neiger and the late Gretta Dushinsky of Czechoslovakia. Catherine's joyful youth was cut short by the Holocaust. Many family members perished, yet she displayed selfless courage on numerous occasions. Reunited with Bernie against all odds after WW2, they built a new life in Canada. She had a keenly analytic mind, read extensively, and worked for many years as a librarian at McGill University. After retirement, she and Bernie enjoyed summers walking in the Swiss Alps and spent a few winters on Sanibel Island - some of the happiest days in their lives. Catherine rose to the challenge of caring for her husband during a chronic illness in his later years, and after his passing again showed resilience, enjoying her family, becoming a regular at the Westmount Public Library, exercising her horticultural skills, and taking a keen interest in public affairs. She achieved her cherished goal of living completely independently in her spirited fashion till the end, providing assistance to others rather than requiring it herself. Her memory is an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. Thanks to Jewish General Hospital staff who cared for her in her final days. A private burial took place April 24. Shiva 7:30 to 9 p.m. April 26, 27, 28 at the home of Michael Pollak. |
