PALESCH, Sylvia ( née Zeisel )
Dec. 19, 1924 – Nov. 6, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Sylvia Palesch, in Chomedey, Laval on Nov. 6, 2020. Loving mother of Jeff (Linda), Joe (Clare) and Ron (Louise). Loving grandmother of Katherine ( Mark ), Jennifer ( Gian ), Christopher, and Chantal . Great grandmother of Sean, Amanda, Mason, Miriam, Celestin and Vanessa. Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Sylvester in 2005.
Sylvia was born in Slovakia, married and lived in Germany after WWII until 1956, when the family immigrated to Montreal. There she worked in the garment industry while raising her two boys who soon became 3 when Ron was born. Together with her mother, they cooked and baked for their family of six, day in and day out. Each Saturday, our house was filled with the
mouth-watering aroma of scrumptious , freshly baked cheese buns and other delectable baked goods. Even though money was always tight, we never felt deprived but we were expected to take care of our toys because replacements were frowned upon. O.K. denied. As time went on, our parents bought a country house in the Laurentians and many good times were had there even though work on the property was uppermost in our father’s mind. Our mother toiled there on weekends during the summer until it was sold and another one was bought near Lachute. Soon she saw that a country house was not a ‘vacation’ property but a second house which she was expected to keep in top shape while cooking and baking, just like she did in the city house. But did she complain? You bet she did and after a few years, that house was sold too. As the years passed, she continued to take care of her diminished household, and baby-sat her granddaughter, Katherine, whom she often walked to and from school. In her later years, she had to overcome the many challenges of living alone, when our father passed away. She managed well due to her steely determination and positive outlook. She was always gracious with guests and always had a cake or cookies ready to accompany a coffee or tea. She was often generous with her time and opinions but gave short shrift to people whom she felt were insincere or were out to take advantage of her generosity. Until the end, she was a good and loving mother and she will be sorely missed.
We wish to thank all the attendants at Manoir St. Patrice for their protection and care over the last 5 years. Although the Covid lockdown was very difficult for them, extra care was taken so that we were informed frequently about the health of our mother and the video contact set- up helped put us at ease. As a result of all their good work Sylvia never contracted Covid 19.
Viewing will be at Coopérative Funéraire Du Grand Montréal, internment at Notre-Dame-des Neiges Cemetery
What a warm and loving message you wrote about your mom. You gave me insight into her character and I can see she will be missed. Lots between the lines tells me she sacrificed her needs for her family. You all were blessed. During this period of mourning I hope you will remember that she was a light in your world but take comfort-- she is probably baking again for your dad!
You wrote such a beautiful tribute to your Mom, I feel as if I have met her now you described her so well.
A Mother leaves a big hole in your hearts and lives.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Carol McCloskey and Donald Fortin
What a loving tribute and what a full life your mom lived ,Jeff ! I also feel as if I've met her. My deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss.
Tina
With your beautiful words we better understand what a great mother and grandmother Mme Palesch was.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
With love and friendship
Silvia and Mauricio
What a beautiful tribute! Take comfort in all the wonderful memories that you will cherish. Whenever I saw Mrs Palesch she would always greet me with her kind smile and generous warm hug. A lovely woman, mother, grandmother. She will surely be missed. Wayne and I send each of you our sincere condolences. May she Rest In Peace.
