MAXINE SHIRLEY GELFANT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MAXINE SHIRLEY GELFANT At home, surrounded by her family on February 16, 2008. Force of life and force of nature, passionately committed to her family, community and country. Dearly loved by her husband of 58 years, Dr. Harry Gelfant. Born October 16, 1927 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the daughter of the late Ben M. Cohen and Sophia (Astrakan) Cohen. Graduated from the University of Manitoba (BA:Political Studies) in 1948 while working for The Jewish Post, the first Anglo-Jewish newspaper in Canada founded and published by her father. In the years following the Second World War, Maxine Gelfant taught pre-school and English to immigrant women. She was the first woman elected to the board of governors of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg and launched adult education and interfaith initiatives to build understanding between religious communities. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah-Wizo and ORT. Inspired by Pierre Trudeau's vision of a Just Society , Maxine Gelfant was an indefatigable soldier for the Liberal Party of Canada. She knocked on doors during elections, served on her riding association executive, chaired policy forums at conventions and was a remarkable fund raiser who organized elegant Gala events. In 1981, she was appointed by the Privy Council to the National Design Council of Canada. Her home is filled with the books, music, art and the aroma of great food that all reflect her hunger for life. Maxine Gelfant was an ardent supporter of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Symphony and Vancouver Opera Association and board member of all three institutions. She was an activist and fundraiser for The BC Heart Fund, The Canadian Cancer Society, St. Paul's Hospital, The Whistler Health Centre, The Canadian Jewish Appeal, and the Vancouver Jewish Community Centre. Her volunteer work spanned religious and socio-economic lines. She was a founding member of J-PAC, the Jewish Parliamentary Action Committee. On the occasion of the 125th anniversary of confederation, Maxine Gelfant received The Commemorative Medal for her service to Canadian society. She celebrated her 80th birthday by raising $15,000 for a special fund in her name early detection of colo-rectal cancer. She is survived by her husband Harry; daughter Roberta (Brian Mickelson); sons, Benjamin (Barbara Gelfant) and Daniel; grandchildren, Max, Sam, Zoe, Sophia and Hannah; sister Arlyne Gruesner (Los Angeles) and aunt and uncle Ethel and William Morrison (Los Angeles). Funeral services begin at Temple Shalom, 7190 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, Tuesday, February 21, 10:00 a.m., interment at Temple Cemetery, 14965 28th Ave, White Rock, BC. Special thanks to Dr Barbara Melofsy and all the staff at the BC Cancer Agency, to Dr Lyall Levy and to Evergreen Nursing who cared for Maxine with compassion and respect. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the BC Cancer Foundation (2560 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 0A6) for a special fund for the early detection of colo-rectal cancer. .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2008