Brenda Panofsky

Brenda Yampolsky Panofsky (1928-2025) died peacefully on January 27. Brenda, or Brina as she was known to family and friends, was the beloved daughter of the late Lily Freder Yampolsky and the late Nathan Yampolsky. Beloved wife of forty years of the late Marvin Hillel Panofsky. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Ruth Panofsky and Gary Gottlieb, Judy Panofsky and Peter Szathmary, and Laura and Joseph Mechali. Loving grandmother to Bram and Liza Gottlieb, and Josh and Lexi Mechali. Brina was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law Frank and Molye Yampolsky, Abraham and Betty Yampolsky, Lazar Yampolsky, Israel (Mutch) Yampolsky, and brother-in-law Saul Panofsky. She is survived by brother and sister-in-law Sam Yampolsky and Elaine Barton and beloved sisters-in-law Donna Yampolsky and Judy Macdonald Panofsky. Brenda will be remembered by her nieces and nephews, as well as extended family in Israel. The family is grateful to the extraordinary staff of L’Chaim Retirement Home, 718 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto, where Brenda received compassionate care during the final months of her long life.

Born and raised on Clark Street, Brenda adored the city of Montreal with all her heart. She loved to sing and had a beautiful singing voice, which she shared with her daughters throughout her life. Always sociable, Brenda enjoyed games of Canasta and Mahjong and aquafitness with friends. She spent winters in Florida, where she made new and lasting friendships. Brenda drew people to her with her joie de vivre and wonderful sense of humor. Her laugh was deep and infectious; it will remain in our hearts forever.

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean-Talon Street West, on Wednesday, January 28 at 12:00 p.m. noon. Burial at Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, 5015 de la Savane. Shiva will be held until Friday, January 30 at 259 Strathearn Avenue North, Montreal West. Shiva will continue in Toronto at 118 Rosedale Heights Drive, Toronto on Saturday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Laura and Judy will be sitting shiva at 112 Parkview Hill Crescent, Toronto M4B 1R1 on Sunday and Monday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Contributions in Brenda’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.