SUM COOPER, Ethel - Died peacefully on Tuesday, August 20 2019 at Sunnybrook Hospital, surrounded by her family, fulfilling the promise Michael made to her: to allow her to die first.
Devoted wife to the late Henry (Johnny) Lipschitz (z"l). Beloved wife of Michael - the best thing that ever happened to him.
Cherished daughter of the late Yitzchak (z"l) and Chaya (z"l) Sum.
Dear sister to Hana and Harold Sommers.
Sister-in-law to Warren and Gail Cooper, and the late Gerald (z"l) and Kathryn (z"l) Cooper.
Loving mother to Rachel and Toba. Feisty mother-in-law to Noah Schachter. Evil wicked stepmother to Anthony.
Proud Bubie to Jaxson.
Human companion to furry felines Max and Mo, who will miss her dearly.
Lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was a Yiddishe Mameh to so many.
Ethel was a Yiddishist extraordinaire. She inspired a generation of students at Bialik and CHAT with her love for art and her passion for Yiddish language, culture and heritage. Ethel was a respected, yet humble, leader of Toronto's Jewish community, involved with the Committee for Yiddish at UJA Federation and the Toronto branch of the Workmen's Circle. She adamantly hakked at anyone in Yiddish whether or not they understood, and was known as the "go to" person for Yiddish translation and editing.
Ethel balanced her teaching career and community involvement with her deep devotion to her family. We were always well fed, especially with mandlebroit. She was proud of the homes that she and Michael made in Toronto, Jackson's Point, and Keswick. She was a gracious and doting host who loved to entertain. She was known for the overflowing feasts at holidays and family gatherings. Ethel always believed that Rachel and Toba were her greatest accomplishments.
Thank you to the teams at Sunnybrook Hospital and the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, especially Dr. Jennifer Shapiro, for their care, support and guidance. Special thank you to Jenny for her love and devotion. Michael, the love of her life, never left her side for a moment.
Donations to: Ethel Cooper Yiddish Studies Award of Exellence, awarded annually at the University of Ottawa.
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