Zelda Melamed

Zelda Sarah Melamed (nee Cohen) Early in the evening of May 23, 2026, Zelda passed away peacefully. She was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Reba Cohen (nee Soltz), her beloved husband, Lenn Melamed, and her sister, Levonah Kalant. Zelda and Lenn shared a beautiful marriage of 70 years. Together, in a loving and enduring partnership, they raised five children: Miriam, Samuel and Lyn, Deborah and Gary, Daniel and Sarah, and Joshua and T. Their home was filled with joy, music, and play. Political discussions over dinner, often accompanied by CBC's As It Happens, were encouraged and respected. Zelda warmly welcomed into her home any family member, no matter how distantly related, as well as the many friends of her children, whether for a quick meal or for a lengthy stay. She created a household defined by warmth, generosity, and a deep sense of belonging. Family was at the centre of Zelda's life, and family, in her case, was very large. Her mother Reba was the eldest of the 11 siblings of the Soltz/Soles family, and through multiple generations this family has remained close-knit through the years. Zelda felt a strong family connection to her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and in turn many of them looked to Zelda for guidance, wisdom, and steady support. Zelda was engaged in the world of ideas, activism and social justice, and she sought to broaden her experience and contributions beyond her family sphere. With five children still young, she chose to pursue a Master's in Education, which she succeeded in brilliantly, and went on to become a vocational counsellor, working for many years at Jewish Vocational Service. In that role, she was deeply devoted to her clients and became a valued mentor to many younger colleagues. Her compassion, intelligence, and practical wisdom touched many lives. Zelda is lovingly remembered by her 11 grandchildren: B'Jamiin and Jake, Kai, Jeremy and Mandy, Jennifer and Andrew, Shawn and Danielle, Naomi and Pat, James and Robyn, Alanna, Nathan and Rachel, Hannah and Josh, Eve and Luke. She was also thrilled to have 9 great- grandchildren: Ryder, Payton, Matthew, Katie, Malcolm, Asher, Joani, Emi, and Lenny. She and Lenn had deep and loving relationships with each of their grandchildren, all of whom were so fortunate to have their grandparents through to young adulthood. Alzheimer's gradually became a more challenging aspect of Zelda's life and her family would like to thank the many caregivers who provided Zelda with loving and gentle care as she needed greater support in her later years. In particular, they wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Mel and Portia for their devoted care over so many years, and to the sisters, Magda and Maria, for their kindness and support more recently. If you would like to honour Zelda with a donation, her choice of charities were Mazon Canada, 416-783-7554, www.mazoncanada.ca and the Canadian Cancer Society, 1-888-939-3333, www.cancer.ca. A donation to a charity of your choice would also honour her commitment to the community.