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.

Guestbook 

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Kathleen (Daughter-in-law)

Entered February 15, 2023 from St Hippolyte

My heart is heavy with sadness as I grieve the passing of Phyllis. However my mind is enlightened by the time I was able to spend with her. Although she was my Mother-in-Law, Phyllis was my confident, my friend and my cultural guru. I will forever be grateful for knowing her, Kathleen

Cassidy Weisbord (Grandson)

Entered February 15, 2023 from Moncton, NB

A more unconditionally loving and accepting grandparent, someone could not ask for. Bubba was the most enduring and engaged Grandparent in my life alongside my dearest Grandfather Sydney Weisbord. Her zest for culture and community alway kept me close and rooted in my family history and feeling embraced by a legacy that I’m proud to carry forward with my own family and children. Bubba will always be at my side and I am grateful to have walked so many miles under her watchful and loving eyes. I miss you Bubba, your parting has ended a generation but started another that will honour you in all the ways we can, inspired by all that you have given us with your gentle and timeless soul. May you rest in peace and love.

Helene Kalmanovitch (Friend)

Entered February 16, 2023 from Calgary

Sincere heartfelt condolences to the Family.
It was a privilege to know Phyllis.
Helene and Norman Kalmanovitch

Tarah (medical secretary)

Entered February 16, 2023 from Montreal

I only had the pleasure of 'knowing' Mrs. Amber through emails and phone calls while she was a patient, and I cannot express enough the value of her humour, her can-do spirit, grace and kindness. I am blessing having been in her presence. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.

Linda Wise (Cousin)

Entered February 16, 2023 from Toronto

Our deepest condolences on the loss of a very special person. Phyllis will always be in our hearts.

Love,

Linda and Roy Wise and family

Photos 

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