In Celebration of
Phyllis Amber
July 22, 1930 - February 12, 2023
Mother Bella/Blima, father Max/Manis Amber,
Phyllis Amber grew up in the immigrant Jewish neighbourhood, now called the Plateau, attended Bancroft elementary, and afterschool Jewish school, read and wrote fluent Yiddish. Her wealth of Yiddish sayings included the encouraging, mir zeinen nenter vi veiter - we're closer than farther away. Despite a dearth of money, Phyllis remembers "really a very nice childhood."
And she loved Baron Bing High School - sports, and the classy, literature teacher who transmitted a love of literature that blossomed into a love of theatre, dance, opera, and the continuing education that nourished Phyllis all her life. After high school, daring for women then, Phyllis flew to Europe with friends. When they returned home, she sailed alone to Israel, and worked on a kibbutz. Back home: BA Sir George Williams University, Masters of Social Work, McGill, and years of highly respected, demanding work in community organizing and planning at the Allied Jewish Community Services. July,1973, Phyllis married Sydney Weisbord, a widower with children and grandchildren. "I ended up with the nicest man in the whole wide world. And I have children. I have grandchildren. That was, for me, the best part." Phyllis generously and graciously shared her warmth, intelligence, her incredible capabilities, delight in gardening, Yiddishkeite, and her propensity for happiness. "Such grace, she brought such a light to everyone," friends remember. Months before she died, Phyllis blessed her family by saying, "I'm just a happy lady because I had this wonderful life."
Phyllis Amber is remembered with profound love by her sister Mollie Corber; children Merrily Weisbord (Arnie Gelbart), Tim Weisbord (Bonnie Weisbord), Hyman Weisbord (Kathleen MacDonald); grandchildren Kim Kachanoff, Cleo Paskal, Anna Paskal (Jim Thomas), Noah Weisbord (Alana Klein), Cassidy Weisbord (Liane Kandler), Josh Weisbord (Jess West), Emma Weisbord (Julien Roberge); as well as Karen (Barry) Segal, Julian (Joan) Foldes, cousins and great-grandchildren.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate and caring team at the St Raphaël Palliative Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Maison St Raphaêl https://maisonstraphael.org/ 514-736-2001 #315
A Celebration of Phyllis's Life will be held at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, March 25, 13:00-17:00, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt, Outremont. Tributes from family and friends will be offered from 14:00 – 15:00.
Phyllis Amber grew up in the immigrant Jewish neighbourhood, now called the Plateau, attended Bancroft elementary, and afterschool Jewish school, read and wrote fluent Yiddish. Her wealth of Yiddish sayings included the encouraging, mir zeinen nenter vi veiter - we're closer than farther away. Despite a dearth of money, Phyllis remembers "really a very nice childhood."
And she loved Baron Bing High School - sports, and the classy, literature teacher who transmitted a love of literature that blossomed into a love of theatre, dance, opera, and the continuing education that nourished Phyllis all her life. After high school, daring for women then, Phyllis flew to Europe with friends. When they returned home, she sailed alone to Israel, and worked on a kibbutz. Back home: BA Sir George Williams University, Masters of Social Work, McGill, and years of highly respected, demanding work in community organizing and planning at the Allied Jewish Community Services. July,1973, Phyllis married Sydney Weisbord, a widower with children and grandchildren. "I ended up with the nicest man in the whole wide world. And I have children. I have grandchildren. That was, for me, the best part." Phyllis generously and graciously shared her warmth, intelligence, her incredible capabilities, delight in gardening, Yiddishkeite, and her propensity for happiness. "Such grace, she brought such a light to everyone," friends remember. Months before she died, Phyllis blessed her family by saying, "I'm just a happy lady because I had this wonderful life."
Phyllis Amber is remembered with profound love by her sister Mollie Corber; children Merrily Weisbord (Arnie Gelbart), Tim Weisbord (Bonnie Weisbord), Hyman Weisbord (Kathleen MacDonald); grandchildren Kim Kachanoff, Cleo Paskal, Anna Paskal (Jim Thomas), Noah Weisbord (Alana Klein), Cassidy Weisbord (Liane Kandler), Josh Weisbord (Jess West), Emma Weisbord (Julien Roberge); as well as Karen (Barry) Segal, Julian (Joan) Foldes, cousins and great-grandchildren.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate and caring team at the St Raphaël Palliative Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Maison St Raphaêl https://maisonstraphael.org/ 514-736-2001 #315
A Celebration of Phyllis's Life will be held at the Mount Royal Funeral Complex, March 25, 13:00-17:00, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt, Outremont. Tributes from family and friends will be offered from 14:00 – 15:00.