Date of Death: February 14, 2021
Private graveside funeral will take place on Tuesday February 16, 2021 at the Temple Anshe Sholom Cemetery, 427 Limeridge Road East, Hamilton.
Rachel Paikin died in her 100th year at home on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021, Day of Love. To her husband Wolfe Paikin, who died at 89 in the Millennial Year 2000, she was the lovely Rachel Penelope Ellis from Stratford, Ontario, daughter of the late Percy and Maud Ellis and sister of the late Frank and Jack Ellis. Wolfe and Rachel’s wartime romance culminated with their marriage on a snowy New Year’s Day in 1945 in a brief and spartan ceremony — no bouquet, no music, no photos — conducted by Rabbi Philosopher Dr. Emil Fackenheim. To her children, Auby Paikin and his wife Karen of Toronto and Tamara Paikin Nolan and her husband Dermot Nolan of Hamilton, she was Mum, a warm harbour of love, wisdom, dedication, unrelenting determination, generosity and caring. To just about everyone else she was Bubbie. First and foremost, this includes her six grandchildren to whom she was utterly devoted and of whom she was gloriously proud: Nora Nolan and her husband Andrew Hammond, Ned Nolan and his wife Chantel Huszar, Rabbi Jesse Paikin and his wife Rabbi Stephanie Crawley, Kennedy Nolan and his wife Laura Nolan, Emily Paikin Weiss and her husband Brett Weiss and Rachel Nolan and her partner Geoff Ball. It also includes her seven beloved great grandchildren and an eighth on the way, each of whom she would welcome as a new miracle in her life: Patrick and Declan Hammond, Ellie and Cedric Nolan, Molly Nolan and Brooklyn and Summer Weiss. Bubbie managed to become Bubbie to almost all who knew her, her friends, her children’s friends, grandchildren’s friends and even their teachers, neighbours and extended family — the whole mishpucha! She was Bubbie to her two dedicated full time caregivers, Elsie Calderon and Imelda Gonzalez who were with her when she died. Our hearts are filled with awe and gratitude for their superior care, their love and their never- ending support for our mother over the years. She was Bubbie to the entire Shalom Village Apartments care team and especially to Khaatera Faiz with whom she shared many stories and good times. And she was Bubbie to the caring health professionals who marvelled at her resilience and were enchanted by her charms: Micholette Brown, her visiting VON Nurse; geriatrician Dr. Chris Paterson and family practitioner Dr. O. Kehinde; Sheila Morin who was her care co-ordinator at CCAC-LHIN and Shalom Apartments nurse Michelle Grady to whom we are grateful for easing Mum and our family through her final days. With this wonderful team behind her, we might be forgiven for having believed our Mother and Bubbie would go on forever. But still, much remains. With profound thanks for her life, we shall hold her memory close always and as the seasons change we shall continue to be inspired by her bravery, fortitude and giving spirit. She is also held in the hearts of her nieces Susan Abravanel of Washington, D.C. and Helen Cannefax of Los Angeles with whom she maintained a special relationship even in her later years. We remember a dedicated volunteer and successful career woman, a happy gardener and an enthusiastic lover of birds, an intuitive cook and a voracious reader and a jolly soul whose easy laughter still echoes in our ears. She loved old songs, new ideas and family celebrations and to the end, found identity and comfort in the traditions of her Jewish faith. A private graveside service will take place Tuesday, February 16 at Anshe Shalom Cemetery, Hamilton. For Condolences visit www.uhmc.ca
Please note: In an effort to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus, graveside services will be limited to a maximum of 50 persons (including Clergy) for the safety of mourners, funeral home and cemetery staff. Social distancing 2m (6′) is required unless you are of the same household. For those that wish to participate in the mitzvah of Kevura, gloves must be worn. Names and phone numbers will be requested. Thank you for your cooperation.
Tami and Aubi and families,
Your mom was like a mom to me on Edgemont St. I always loved and admired her, and last saw her at my mom’s funeral. She was a special, sweet and kind person with the most wonderful tinkly laugh. Condolences and best wishes to you.
Dear Tammy:
May your mother rest in Peace.
May you and your entire family be comforted.
I remember her kindness and warmth very well when you all lived on Edgemont.
Warmly,
Martin
Tammy, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I remember her as a cheerful, caring woman, and I was always so happy to sit around the kitchen table gabbing with her.
We were fortunate to know Mrs. Paikin as a neighbor and friend on Edgemont Street South. Her interest and skill at gardening was evident in the geraniums, hosta, and the plant cart that decorated her driveway each summer. This talent extended to her ability to grow amaryllis, consistently getting a second blooming. She was always interested in what was happening in our lives and enjoyed watching the children walk to school, especially on the first days of school. She was kind and appreciative of small gestures such as helping to carry in her groceries or a homemade sweet for her nighttime snack. She was very proud of her family and would enjoy sharing stories and pictures during our visits at Shalom. She has touched many lives, leaving cherished memories. Gene, Marion, Mitchell, and Laura
Tami, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mum. What a long and full life she led! Judging by her smile, she was indeed “a jolly soul” who brightened many lives.
Chris Cox
Tammy and Auby: I was saddened to read of your mom’s death this week. Her passing closes the page on the special neighbourhood that was the Edgemont South of our youth. I have a special place in my heart for your mom who was so kind and giving of her time to my mother in her last years. She checked in on mom regularly and made sure her meds were in the right ‘boxes’ and lifted her spirits in those difficult times. In my mind’s eye, I can still see your mom sitting on a cushion and behind the wheel of her big Buick….just like my mom. They were both short but mighty. May her memory be a blessing.
Norm and Nancy Alexander
My sincere condolences to Tami and Auby and families. Mrs. Paikin was a wonderful, beautiful lady and I always admired her. She was a special neighbour on Edgemont and and I will always think kindly of her. It must have been good air on that street because my Dad was 100 and Mom 98:when they passed. Remember me, I babysat you and Abbey sometimes. sometimes.
What a beautiful picture of a beautiful woman. My mother and I were lucky to get to know your mother as a neighbour across the hall and at the dinner table. She was always dressed beautifully with her hair perfectly done and a glowing smile. We especially remember how happy she was, as we all were, when her granddaughter came and played for her .on her harp……there was one special song she requested over and over again….but I cannot remember the name… only that it was beautiful. We all got to make song suggestions but only after your mom ran out of choices as she always had first dibs. Not only was that a very special time for your mom but for all of us who were lucky enough to be included. Because of that we were all able to connect and feel the love and fun with your mom…. a very special time and memory. May your special times and memories bring you peace during this difficult time. We will miss her and we will always remember the elegant, kind and lovely woman next door. Barbara and Anne Gooblar
Our thoughts are with you at this time. She was a beautiful lady and a wonderful role model to her family
Sincerely;
Linda and Graham Clements
Dear Aubi
Your mother will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
Deepest sympathy.
Risa
Dear Tammy & Aubi…I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. You know how close we all were and your Mother was so wonderful to my Mom. She was truly a good friend.
Edgemont was a great place to grow up and having your family to grow up with just made it better. All my love, Teri