CELIA BARON

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I am very saddened to hear of the passing of one of the most generous, conscientious, caring and mathematically gifted women I have had the pleasure of meeting. When I first met Celia, with my children, approximately eight years ago, it seemed like I had known her for a very long time. Whatever help she offered to the children, came from her heart. She took her tutoring seriously and the children's ability to learn from her personally. She genuinely was interested in the abilities of the children and always took the time to ask questions to get to know the children better and see if she could find a better way to connect with them and allow herself to train their math skills easier and with more fun. As time passed, it was with such pride that Celia spoke of not only her own children, who she was extremely proud of, but the happiness she had with her grandchildren. I valued Celia's opinions, which she very carefully offered and I think back often, to many conversations we had and realize how valuable her advice always was. I feel very lucky to have met such an amazing lady and offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Donna Gauthier (Parent of four children tutored by Celia) on: Aug 29, 2016

• I first met Celia when I taught Zev. When I told her how much I liked the new (1996?) provincial math materials, she said she had a part in their making. No surprise I guess. Over the years, Celia and I would talk as she was the number one tutor I would recommend. She was excellent and the kids loved her. I was honoured last year when she asked me to help with her latest Cross Number book. Then when she left a message regarding her heart-wrenching diagnosis and asked me to call her, I thought it would be to cancel the project. Instead it was full-steam ahead. When I commented how well she seemed to be accepting the news, we had an excellent conversation which influenced how I view death. That was the Celia I knew: strong, yet caring, compassionate, and generous. Condolences to the family as you suffer and miss her physical presence. - Posted by: Bev Kornelsen (Retired math teacher) on: Jul 17, 2016

• I was deeply shocked and sadden when I saw the death notice of Celia's passing. Celia and I went to Peretz School together and graduated from grade seven together. That of course is many years ago, but never the less I was overcome with a deep feeling of loss. I remember seeing Celia only once and that she spoke only Yiddish to her children. I hadn't realized all her academic accomplishments although I am not surprised. Somehow I remember going to her house for lunch as you lived so close to the school and I still lived on Smithfield avenue. The year that Kenny and Miriam were born was the same year that my brother Marvin was born. It seemed that year that many of our mother's had given birth and our families had grown. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Ricki Segal ( nee Stern) Rochel Stern - Posted by: Ricki Segal (nee Stern) (old school friend) on: Jul 16, 2016

• My heartfelt condolences to Celia's mum, Freeda, whom I remember very well, and to her sisters and brother, her children, and to all her devoted family. I'm very sad for your great loss. I wasn't in touch with Celia for many years as I went to live in London early on. However, back in Winnipeg in the 1980s, I encountered Celia at the convention centre where we shared a few stories about our lives. I recall how happy she was at that time about a major life decision she had made. Although I didn't keep in touch with her, I've thought of her numerous times over the years because of something that happened when we were at Peretz School together as young children, learning - all too early - about the Holocaust. I clearly remember Celia's eyes filled with tears as she cried openly while our teacher recounted terrible stories about the treatment of Jews, particularly children, in the camps. Her uninhibited response affected me deeply. Since then, I've often thought about Celia's open-heartedness, how she was able to feel what I was too closed off and frightened to even think about, let alone feel. I was in awe of her capacity for compassion and I aspired to one day be like her. - Posted by: Penny Margolis (friend, schoolmate) on: Jul 16, 2016

• Celia was one of my oldest friends and when we saw each other it was always as if we had never been apart. I am so sorry that I didn't reconnect with her in the last few years and did not know she was ill. She was one of the dearest and most lovely persons I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Everything about her exuded love and compassion. Her educational endeavours will clearly live beyond her. I am also certain that wonderful memories of her will sustain her immediate family for the rest of their lives. My wife and I and my whole family send our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Lawrie Cherniack (Long-time friend) on: Jul 16, 2016

• My sincere condolences on Celia's untimely passing. I enjoyed re-connecting with Celia when she was working on her Math books and my students were the fortunate recipients of her test studies. She was a caring, gracious woman who will be missed. - Posted by: Eileen Margulius Curtis (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2016

• My sincere condolences on Celia's untimely passing. I enjoyed re-connecting with Celia when she was working on her Math books and my students were the fortunate recipients of her test studies. She was a caring, gracious woman who will be missed. - Posted by: Eileen Margulius Curtis (Friend) on: Jul 16, 2016