On the Life of Naomi Judah, z"l

Passed away peacefully on October 14, 2020

Naomi Judah (Kollet), aged 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, in Halifax. Born in Poona, India, she was the eighth child of Menahim and Abigail Kollet, members of the Bene Israel Jewish community.

Naomi leaves behind a legacy of great care for her community, neighbours, friends, and family. She was a proud Canadian who immigrated in 1963 with her husband, Dr. Joseph Judah, and their two oldest children, Jonathan and Sherry. The family settled in Halifax not long after, where their youngest child, Joshua, was born. Here Naomi became a beloved figure in the local Indian and Jewish communities, as well as beyond.

She worked for more than 30 years as a nurse in India, the United States, and Canada. As a nursing instructor at the Victoria General Hospital, she trained many of the nurses who continue to provide care in Halifax. She spent the last decade of her career serving and educating the province as a public health nurse.

Naomi was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of countless groups, including the Museum of Natural History, the IndoCanadian Association, the Red Cross, and the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT). She was a long-time member of Shaar Shalom Synagogue, where she will be deeply missed.

Friends and family will remember Naomi as a source of laughter, warmth, and welcome, a keeper of stories, giver of treasured gifts, lover of the arts, talented painter, and unrivalled cook of delicious food.

Naomi was predeceased by Joseph Judah, her husband of over 40 years until his death in 1995; her siblings, Elisheba, Asher, Judah, Mary, Rachael, Ruth, Jonathan, and Isaac; and her beloved grandson, David. She leaves behind her brothers, Raphael and Shimon; sons, Jonathan (Evelyn) and Joshua; daughter, Sherry (Rob); grandsons, Aaron and Daniel (Catherine); granddaughter, Eden; niece, Yael (Gus); as well as a large extended family.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Parkland at the Gardens and all who were involved in Naomi’s care. Donations may be made in her memory to ORT (www.ort.org), or a charity of your choice.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a graveside funeral service will be held at the Shaar Shalom Cemetery on Connaught Ave this afternoon, Thursday, October 15, at 2:00 PM. If you cannot attend the funeral at the cemetery, you may do so via Zoom. Due to COVID, shiva will be observed virtually.