| Obituary |
EPSZTEIN, Maria (Leibrok) We are saddened to announce the passing of Maria Leibrok Epsztein on Monday August 24, 2015. Born in Rudniki Powiat Mociska, Poland on January 13, 1914 to Natal Leibrok and Berta-Anna Gerber. Married to Adam Epsztein in 1938. Maria spoke six languages and as a young woman worked as a Professor of German literature in Poland. After immigrating to Montreal in 1967, she worked as a librarian at McGill University before retiring in 1980. A lifelong student of philosophy, literature, music and languages, she took great care to make sure her grandchildren understood their family story and their heritage, through thoughtful and interesting verbal and written storytelling. Maria was a Holocaust survivor, having given birth to and raised a daughter while in a Polish labor camp. In 2005, she published her memoirs (entitled "Motherhood behind barbed wire") with the Polish Jewish Heritage Foundation of Canada. She was known for being an effervescent and cherished friend who loved to be around people and hear their stories. She was an inspiration to her family and her "children", who she considered to be anyone younger than herself, and who were, in turn, a source of joy to her. Maria's spirit, wisdom and wonderful humour brought people together from many parts of the world with whom she was in close contact up until her later years. More than anything, she believed in the power of people and of the connections between them. She was beloved by her students, her friends and her family. She is survived by five great-grandsons, three granddaughters and one grandson, two sons-in-law, one daughter (Kristina Wise), and many beloved cousins. She was predeceased by a daughter (Olga Wiseman), and by her husband Adam. Graveside services will be held at Baron de Hirsch Cemetery (Road B, B3, B.H. Nusach Hoari New) at 5015 de la Savane, Montreal on Thursday, August 27, 2015 at 1 p.m. |
