Mrs. Lily Katz, a beloved teacher and longtime resident of Montreal, passed away on Tuesday, 7 Cheshvan 5777.
She was 94.
Mrs. Katz was the daughter of R’ Alexander Zev (Volf) Sommer, a widower who emigrated from Poland to Montreal in 1934 along with his 4 daughters.
R’ Sommer, who still wore a bekishe and a long beard while living in Montreal, kept one of the only strictly frum homes in the city. He had an open home to visitors, and when the Lubavitch bochurim arrived, his was one of the only homes they trusted to visit and eat in.
Mrs. Katz was the youngest of four sisters, Mrs. Gittel Roness, Mrs. Rosie Nelkin, and Mrs. Esther Wineberg.
After her marriage to Rabbi Dovid Katz, the couple became involved in Chinuch, Rabbi Katz as the Lubavitch school’s first grade Rebbe for many years and Mrs. Katz teaching generations of girls as a beloved teacher.
Mrs. Katz taught typing, bookkeeping and shorthand to hundreds of girls in Beis Rivka, Beis Yaakov and in the public school in Montreal.
Known for her warmth and generous spirit, she was always smiling, and always available to help.
She is survived by her children, Malka Katz – Miami, Florida, Rivka Grossman – Denver, Sara Faiga Shusterman – Monsey, NY and Tzvi Katz – Crown Heights.
She was predeceased by her husband Dovid Katz 20 years ago.
The Levaya will take place today in Montreal.
The family will be sitting Shiva in Crown Heights from Thursday at 1338 President Street.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
Lily always called me Lebecca not Rebecca, she lent me her daughter’s wedding dress when we got married in 1984. When my 3rd baby was born in 1990, my husband who is a handyman was working at her house. He had to call her to say why he couldn’t come that day. She said bring your kids here I’ll mind them so you can be with Lebecca! At one point when she taught public school she had to teach typing and book keeping to a class of unwed mothers, her insights and observations of this class kept us in stitches.… Read more »
best great grand mother
Boruch Dayan Hoemess. May HASHEM comfort you all. It should be comfort to know that your mother was loved by all. She had such a HAPPY disposition and everyone felt like she was their best friend. May we be reunited with our loved ones with MOSHIACH NOW!!!
The levaya passed by the Lubavitch Yeshiva at 7-7:30 p.m. proceeding to the Lubavitch bais haChayim in Duvernay.
730/800pm tonight Lavel Cemetary
She was such an amazing woman who always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say about everyone.
Baruch Dayan Haemes
It was in mtl today (tues) @ 5:00 @ the Duverney bais hachaim.
Remembered for her sweetness, genuine smile, caring, giving of herself, simchas hachaim – a refined, eidel person.
Any news on where & when the levaya will be?
A very patient teacher to a very unwilling student.
Forever grateful for the typing skills
Her warmth kept me in school for the last lesson of the day.. The kibbud av Mrs Katz exercised was exemplary
Mrs. Lily Katz OBM was a very sweet woman. As a child I would come to the home to bring Shlach Monas to her husband Rabbi Dovid Hakohen OBM(from the best teachers in Montreal, in my time), she would greet me with a smile and be very warm to me. A very special person.
Hamokom yenachem eschem bsoch Shar avelei tzion vyerusholaim.
SB Feigelstock
Los Angeles, CA
A special woman. Caring beyond words, selfless in every sense of the word. Always with a smile on
Her face and in a good mood.
May she look down on her family and friends and know she truly made a difference.
bde.very sad to hear.i use to eat in their house as a bochur.
she made a great cholunt
I always looked forward to visiting you in Montreal and Miami. Your generosity of spirit which you bestowed on everyone with such modesty and affection will always be remembered. You were always there for me. You were an inspiring example of an aishes chayel.
You were the kindest and warmest person! Always a good word and positive encouragement to everyone! We all loved coming to your home because you treated us like your own..We will miss you very much!!
Bde, she will be missed dearly. Kindest and sweetest lady.
BDE. How sad to hear of your dear mother’s petira! I remember her and her friendly smile way back in Montreal and even here in Miami. She was so special and always had a good word to say. She raised a wonderful family ka”h.She sould be a Gutte Baiter for all of you.