Eleonora Berku (née Argintaru)

Peacefully on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at the age of 102. Born in Iasi Roumania in 1923, Eleonora was the devoted wife of the late Jack (Iancu) Berku. Daughter of the late Maria and the late Zalman Argintaru. Proud mother of Dida (Jacob Kincler). Adored “Safta” (grandmother) of Ariel Kincler (Naomi Berkovic), and Naomi Kincler (Sagar Pilania). Cherished great-grandmother of Adam, Evie, Alexander, Raina, Kiren, and Maya. She loved us all. 

Loving older sister of the late Josef Argintaru and the late Edith Liveanu, whom she sponsored to come to Canada, she was a very devoted aunt to Florin, Vlad, Mircea and their families. 

Eleonora was and will remain a very special matriarch and the last of her generation. Although denied the right to study medicine in her youth, after arriving in Canada, Eleonora became a capable and skilled x-ray and lab technician. She was a pro. She will be fondly remembered as a head strong polyglotte who spoke her mind in five languages. She was determined, independent, intelligent, and a very caring woman who made an impression on all who met her. Along with her beloved Iancu she built a life and Jewish home full of love and generosity. She will be missed by all her family in Canada and Israel. 

Heartfelt thanks to our mother’s kind and compassionate caregivers Irina and Liliana and to the very attentive staff at Maimonides Geriatric Center where she spent the last 5 years of her life. 

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Friday, February 13 at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Farband Labour Zionist Organization Cemetery, de la Savane. Shiva will be held at her daughter Dida’s home. Donations in Eleonora’s memory may be made to the Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251 or click here or to the Donald Berman Maimonides Foundation, (514) 483-2121 ext. 72207 or click here.