Edith (Shirley) Coleman

Passed away peacefully on Sunday morning May 17, at the age of 88 with her family by her side. Daughter of the late Isaac and Fanny Rabinovitch, and wife of the late beloved Leonard, her husband of 67 years. Loving mother of Elaine and Victor, Heidi and Glenn, and Michele and Jaime. Treasured Bubby of Jessye, Arlo, Sam, Elle, Julian, Ariel and Chelsea. Beloved sister of the late Sam and Jack Rabinovitch, sister-in-law of Zipporah Dunsky, Beatrice Kantor, and Doris Keller and the late Vivian Rabinovitch. Dear cousin of the late Edith Garfinkle. Edith was a fun-loving, adventurous mother who enjoyed organizing activities and hanging out with her daughters, grandchildren and the community at Lake Alverna, and then Alpine Estates. She was compassionate, feisty and liked to get straight to the point. She had practical wisdom and would often say, "Lighten up and go see a movie!" Edith was fun to be around, and her nieces and nephews, who knew her as Shirley, loved to be with her. She also had long-lasting friendships that went back to elementary school. Edith's passion was teaching, and she often said it is the best profession of all. She was a dedicated educator and Head Teacher at Options II, an alternative high school in Montreal, until she retired at age 74. She believed in her students, and developed unique and practical strategies that helped them succeed and graduate. Edith and Leonard had a wonderful and caring marriage, which was filled with singing and laughter at the country house with friends and family. She will be greatly missed. Special thanks to Liza and Milsa, her dedicated caregivers. Donations in Edith's memory may be made to Baycrest Foundation, www.baycrestfoundation.org or call 416-785-2875.