A life fully lived, and mostly on her own terms. Independent to the very end of her almost 89 years, Libby was an unassuming trailblazer, and a strong, compassionate and engaged human being. The child of immigrants, she grew up in poverty in Montreal’s east end. And over the course of a 46-year career, she rose to the rank of comptroller at several significant Montreal companies -- with no greater credentials than a high school diploma. She also ran a household full of kids and companion animals.

She was a world traveller before it was easy. She took pleasure in artwork, music (Mozart to Neil Young), good movies and really intense political debate. A voracious reader of history and fiction and a close observer of current affairs, she commanded attention when she spoke.

Libby was fierce. And her love for those who mattered to her was limitless.

We still feel that love now, Lib. Missing you more than we can ever say are your son and daughter Eric and Barbara Samuels, nephew Geoffrey Bloom, daughter-from-another-mother Sharon Ramsay and the close friends whose lives you touched.

Special thanks to Dr. Carl Emond at St-Mary's Hospital, whose care and skill enabled Libby to keep walking, swimming and moving through the world right to the end of her life.

Donations in Libby’s memory can be made to The World Wildlife Fund and Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders.