Remembering Molly Rechnitzer, z"l

Passed away peacefully on April 1, 2020

Due to COVID-19, only ten people were able to take part in Molly’s funeral, and her closest family members were unable to physically attend. It was a sad, dreary day; those ten people could not hug or console each other, and had to stand six feet apart. This distance was in stark contrast to the tenor of Molly’s life—filled with activity, hugs, greetings, laughter, energy, love, and joie de vivre.

To her friends, Molly Rechnitzer was the “Energizer Bunny”. She was always on the go, pursuing her myriad interests, number one of which was her family, followed closely by Shaar Shalom. She belonged to two book clubs, held numerous volunteer positions, and studied Tai Chi; she walked and hiked, cooked and hosted dinner parties, and was an avid traveller. Molly enjoyed crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and was an excellent proofreader.

Molly practiced social work at the Diabetes Management Centre at the QEII until she retired in 2001. After that she saw individual clients in her home on a part-time basis for private and marital counselling sessions.

Until a few years ago, Molly was the Shaar Shalom Membership Chairwoman, recruiting and welcoming new members, as well as the Correspondence Secretary, writing thank you cards to people donating to the synagogue. She ordered leaves for the Tree of life; was a member of the Chevra Kadisha and Bereavement Committees; and sat on the Board for more years than many of us can remember. Molly was a touchstone for Shaar members, providing consistency and context, and helping to shape many of the policies and decisions that are in place today. She volunteered at the Chanukah Fair and the Yard Sale, and proofread countless New Year’s Bulletins. And as though all that wasn’t enough, she was also a Tu Bishvat Telethon canvasser for 11 years.

The focal point of Molly’s life was the Shaar, where she regularly attended both Friday night and Saturday morning services. Having grown up Orthodox, and later regretting that she had not had a Bat Mitzvah, her wish was fulfilled in June 2004 when she celebrated a B’not Mitzvah with nine other women.

Molly and her late husband, Ricky (a Holocaust survivor), had two sons, Bernie and Stuart. Molly doted on her grandchildren Alexandre, Melanie, Diana, Arielle, Matthew and Nae. Over the years, Molly enjoyed travelling with Stuart, his wife Corinne, and their children to Argentina, Costa Rica, California, Nevada, Louisiana, and Martinique, and on an African safari.

A memorial for Molly will take place when it is possible for her family to visit Halifax, and when large gatherings are once again permitted. At that time, we will come together to honour and celebrate the life of a very special woman who dedicated her life to her family and her community.—Sharon Waxman