Phyllis Nashen (née Schertzer)

It is with much love that the family of Phyllis (Schertzer) Nashen announces her peaceful passing on Yom Kippur, Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by her family, in her ninety-eighth year.

Beloved wife of the late George Nashen for seventy-one years. Devoted and loving mother and mother-in-law of Stan and Franci (Niznick), Barry, Jeff and Cheryl (Carpman), and Glenn and Judy (Hagshi). Cherished Bubs (grandmother) of Jordan and Carmel (Jacobson), Danielle and Matthew (Tolchin), Blair and Stuart (Marcus), Michael and Stephanie (Faludi), Cory and Jessica (Grostern), Nicole, Nathalie, and Jeremy. Proud great-grandmother of Spencer, Chloe, and Lennox.

Predeceased by her dear parents, Samuel and Bertha (Lehrer) Schertzer, and by her beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, Harry and Diane Schertzer, Edward and Elinore Schertzer, and Max and Pearl Schertzer, all of Boston as well as Kate Nachshen and Joseph Brecher. She leaves behind her sister-in-law Elizabeth Goldman of Delray Beach and her late husband Marvin. She will be lovingly remembered by the greater Nachshen and Schertzer families, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Phyllis was born in Somerville, Massachusetts. From her earliest years she was drawn to the arts which remains a lasting gift to family, friends, and community institutions.

She met George on a chance encounter in Boston, and together they began a remarkable journey, marrying in 1951 and settling in Côte Saint-Luc, where they raised their four sons in a lively, loving home filled with music, art and yiddishkeit. Phyllis’s greatest joy was her family, and she was a constant presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Volunteerism and generosity were central to her character. For over fifty years, in her quiet and unobtrusive way, she made an annual holiday visit to the Shriners Hospital, delivering beautifully wrapped gifts to young patients she never knew but cared for deeply. 

Phyllis welcomed guests with warmth and grace, filling her home with friends, neighbours, and newcomers. She delighted in hosting festive gatherings and Jewish holiday celebrations. Her hospitality extended to strangers who became lifelong friends, exemplifying her values of chesed and tzedakah.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Patricia Dell, who devoted eight years to the care of both Phyllis and George; to Betty Samuels for her warmth and cheer; and to Susanna, Jackie, Sarah, and Jelissa for their kindness and devotion as well as to Dr. Linda Boretsky.

Phyllis lived her life with creativity, compassion, and elegance. May her memory be forever a blessing.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon St. W., on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Burial at the Beth Zion Congregation Section, Eternal Gardens Cemetery, Beaconsfield. Due to the Sukkot festival Shiva will only be observed following burial. The family will also welcome guests on Wednesday 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Thursday 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at 6005 Cavendish Blvd. Contributions in her memory may be made to the George and Phyllis Nashen Scholarship Fund c/o JPPS-Bialik Foundation, (514) 731-3841, or to the charity of your choice.