Sheila Kussner (née Golden) O.C., O.Q., C.O.M.

It is with profound sadness that Sheila’s loving family announces her sudden, though peaceful passing on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, close to her ninety-second birthday. Beloved and devoted wife of the late Marvyn Kussner for 60 years. Adored and loving mother and mother-in-law of Janice, Joanne and John Leopold. Cherished and proud grandmother of Justin and Carolyn Leopold. Loving daughter of the late Jack and the late Sophie Golden. Predeceased by her dear brothers, Dr. Clifford Golden and Ronnie Golden. Sheila will be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews.

A healthcare activist, fundraiser par excellence, philanthropist, consummate volunteer and pioneer in the field of cancer support, Sheila has profoundly shaped the development of cancer care in Montreal and beyond.

In 1981, she founded her beloved Hope & Cope, an innovative peer-based cancer support program affiliated with the Jewish General Hospital. Under her visionary leadership, Hope & Cope has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized non-profit that has attracted thousands of volunteers over the years. 

For over four decades, Hope & Cope has been a beacon in community cancer support and a leader in providing compassionate, evidence-based care and support from the moment of diagnosis through all stages of cancer. With a focus primarily on living well with cancer, it has become a model for cancer centres in Canada and around the world.

An outstanding fundraiser, Sheila spearheaded the development of oncology as a separate discipline in the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University, raising $30 million to establish the Department of Oncology. She also played a lead role in securing funding for the Jewish General Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit and other Oncology-based programs.

In 2007, the Hope & Cope Wellness Centre was officially opened –the first hospital-affiliated free-standing cancer wellness center in Montreal.  The Wellness Centre is a true oasis offering a multiplicity of programs free of charge that help cancer patients live well with and beyond their cancer. 

Sheila was an early and passionate advocate for establishing a strong research core to Hope & Cope’s programs.  Recognizing that research and evidence must underpin cancer support activities, she helped establish the Christine and Herschel Victor – Hope & Cope Chair in Psychosocial Oncology – the first such research chair in Quebec. 

As a result of her exceptional commitment to the welfare of cancer patients, Sheila earned numerous accolades and awards. She was an Officer of the Order of Canada, Officer of the Order of Quebec, and Commander of the Order of Montreal. She held honorary doctorates from McGill University and the University of Montreal. She was a Governor Emerita of McGill University and had been awarded multiple community service awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Jewish General Hospital, the Robert Fisher Fellowship Award (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City), the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award (Association of Fundraising Professionals – Québec section).

While proud of the considerable funds she has raised for cancer care, Sheila found the greatest satisfaction and personal reward in the simple act of helping people from all walks of life - offering hope, empathy, practical help, a personal note, or a listening ear whenever needed.  Sheila lived a life of meaning and purpose and will be deeply missed by her entire family, her many friends and all whose lives she has touched and inspired.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Gina, Nida, Tonee and Astrid for their outstanding care and devotion, and an added thank you to Levy. Special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Rubin Becker for his exceptional care and close friendship for many years.

Funeral Service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W., on Friday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. Burial at the Congregation Shaar Hashomayim Cemetery, 1250 Chemin de la Forêt, Outremont. Shiva private at her home. Contributions in Sheila’s memory may be made to Hope & Cope c/o Jewish General Hospital Foundation, (514) 340-8251, www.hopeandcope.ca. The offices of Hope & Cope and the Wellness Centre will be closed Friday, August 9, 2024.