Obituary of Paula Zaifman

In her own home, in her own time, and in her own way, Paula Zaifman (nee Elken) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 at the age of 91. Born May 1, 1924 in Wohyn Poland, Paula endured years of terror as the brutality of the Holocaust decimated her family and destroyed her young life. After losing her mother and grandmother to typhus, witnessing the execution of her father, jumping out of a moving cattle car headed for Treblinka, dodging sharpshooters, enduring forced labour in a ghetto, surviving both the Majdanec and Auschwitz Concentration Camps, and being repeatedly refused entry to the US to be reunited with her only brother, Paula emigrated to Canada in 1948. She was taken in by distant relatives, the Garber family, in Toronto where she worked in a bakery. She married her beloved late husband Morris Zaifman in 1950, moved to London, and they were life partners for nearly 63 years. Shortly after their marriage, Paula opened 7 Star Furniture on Dundas St E. and after several years she welcomed Morris full time into the business. With her keen business eye, Paula diversified their business interest and began systematically purchasing rental properties. In 1952 Paula began her family with the birth of Terry, followed closely by Len, then Irwin, and finally Darlene. While continuing to work full time and raise a busy family, Paula volunteered tirelessly for London Hadassah Wizo and the Hadassah Bazaar, the National Council of Jewish Women, JNF, Or Shalom Synagogue Sisterhood, Gan Gani Preschool, and the London Community Hebrew Day School. Generous and gracious, Paula would host charity events and meetings in her home and contributed greatly to the Jewish Community of London. Over the past 18 years, Paula has lectured to countless hundreds of elementary, secondary and post secondary students on her Holocaust experience and spread a message of tolerance and love to all. Her impact on the students and their teachers has been immeasurable as she leaves them with the message "People can live in peace and equality and have a good life. The worst thing you can do is hate. Being good and honouring each other is much better." Paula is predeceased by her beloved husband Morris Zaifman , her cherished brother Morris Elken, and devoted brothers and sister in law Aron, Percy and Zenia Zaifman. She is survived by sister in law Rita Elken, children Terry, Len (Susan), Irwin (Ann) Darlene, Son in law Larry Guslits, Grandchildren Josh, Sheena, Noah, Jacob, Zoe, Bayly (Jamie), Davita, Ilana, Aron, and Shalom, and great grandchildren Paisley and Harrison. Her loss is also mourned by step grandchildren Mischa, Nik, Cindy and Larry. Paula’s family would like to acknowledge the people who have cared so lovingly for Paula since she suffered a stroke in early September. The dozens of doctors, nurses, personal support workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and social workers have been absolutely amazing and we thank you with all of our hearts. A special thank you to the incredible Dr. House and Dr. Berger at University Hospital, Dr. Doherty, Dr. Clement, and Dr. Singh at Parkwood, and to Dr. Kahn who cared for Paula so tenderly at home. Sincere thanks as well to all of the caregivers who have given their loving attention to Paula over the years. Funeral will be held Sunday, November 8, 1 pm at Or Shalom Synagogue, 534 Huron St. Interment will follow at the Or Shalom Cemetery. Meal of Condolence will be held at the home of Irwin and Ann Zaifman. Shiva will be observed in Paula’s home 7:30 am and 7:30 pm Sunday evening through Friday morning. As a founding parent of the London Community Hebrew Day School, Paula loved children and revered education. Donations in Paula's honour can be made to LCHDS (519)439-8419 www.lchds.ca . May her memory be a blessing. Arrangements entrusted to LOGAN FUNERAL HOME, 371 Dundas St. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca . Services: Service Date Sunday, November 8, 2015 Service Time 1:00 p.m. Service Location Or Shalom Synagogue, 534 Huron St., London, Ontario Burial Date Sunday, November 8, 2015 Burial Time Following Funeral Service Burial Location Or Shalom Cemetery, London, Ontario Requested Charity London Community Hebrew Day School