Sarah Small (née Yaverbaum)

The family announces the peaceful passing of Sarah Small on Monday, July 20th, in her one hundred and fifth year. Sarah will be sorely missed by her daughter Gail (Monica) and son David (Linda), grandchildren Rachel (Jo), Lisa and Jason, and great-grandchildren Sonny and Yavi, and by her many nieces and nephews.

Sarah was a unique individual who left her mark on anyone who had the fortune to be in her orbit. She was loved and respected for her curiosity, compassion, listening skills, smarts, and emotional intelligence. There are so many people who adored Sarah and considered her a surrogate mother, one-of-a-kind mother-in-law, best friend, incredible aunt, and amazing Bubby. 

According to Sarah, life is a journey, not a scorecard, but a unique story. Sarah was born in Moscow in 1922 to the late Olga and Avrum Yaverbaum. Her beautiful sister, the late Lily Uline, was born 8 years later. In 1931, Sarah and her family immigrated to Montreal via Ellis Island and lived on Esplanade Ave. 

Sarah worked after school at her father’s newsstand, corner of Park Ave. and Fairmount, and considered herself lucky to have been a student at Baron Byng High School. Sarah had a thirst for knowledge and from a very early age was a voracious reader. She attended Thomas Moore courses and subscribed to the New Yorker for almost 80 years. Sarah met the late Harold Small at a free weekend up north after having won a dance competition. They married in 1943, and she became a cherished member of another close family, “The Smalls”. Sarah considered her life to have been enriched by two wonderful children and their spouses, by three fascinating grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and enhanced by many stimulating and devoted friends. More than anything, Sarah valued time with the people she cared about. She was a fierce and loyal friend. Someone with whom you could safely share secrets. She was genuinely interested in hearing what others had to say and at any dinner party could be counted on to ask a question to get the conversation going.

The family is extremely grateful to Irina, Fely, Mely, Merly, Rachel, and Michelle for their compassionate care and outstanding support. Deep appreciation to Doctor Iny and the staff at Place Kensington. 

Funeral service at Paperman and Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W. on Wednesday, July 22 at 12:00 pm. Burial at the Chevra Kadisha section at Kehal Israel Memorial Park, DDO. Shiva will be held at Linda and David’s home. 

Donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to the Small Family Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, 514-734-1538 or click here.