In Celebration of
Sidonie Kazenel Felber (Kerr)
June 24, 1931 –
February 10, 2021
Sidonie, 89, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 in Montreal.
Loving mother and mother-in-law of Janet Kazenel and Richard Kaplan; Susan Kazenel; Michael Kazenel and Susan Caplan; Robert Kazenel and Rene Davies. Devoted and joyful grandmother of Melanie, Jessie, Daniel, and Elias. Dear and loving sister and sister-in-law of Marie and Joseph Field. Beloved aunt of David and Nancy, and their families. Predeceased by her former husband, Gerald Kazenel.
Born in New York City, to Lillian Kraus and Harold Felber, Sidonie was a graduate of Queens College. Her early career was as an elementary school teacher in Montreal, followed by many years as a documentary film editor at the National Film Board of Canada.
A musical artist with a beautiful singing voice, Sidonie performed opera with the Opera Guild of Montreal, and musical theatre with the Mountain Playhouse in Montreal. Many happy summers were spent in the Berkshires singing choral works with her family at the Berkshire Choral Institute. A fine pianist, she had a great passion for playing classical music.
Sidonie lived her life with zest, warmth, grace, curiosity, humour and optimism. Adept at appreciating each moment, she loved to find laughter in everyday situations, and her spirited love for life was contagious and inspiring. Her joyful daily routine, starting with her favourite breakfast, included time for quiet contemplation and reflection as well as the activities that brought her great pleasure and fulfillment. Of these, central to her day were playing the piano, listening to classical music, reading widely, writing (publishing four collections of short stories), being with family and following American politics.
Great was her love and deep gratitude for her family and friends, Sidonie will be remembered for her generosity, being a good listener, and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a food bank or a charitable organization of your choosing.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sidonie Kazenel Felber Kerr June 24 1931
February 10 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Outremont, Province: Quebec
I had the immense pleasure to know Sid as a friend and to have worked with her as an editor beginning in 1980. When we started she was older than me, way more experienced, and much wiser. She remained that way until the end. It’s not always easy for an editor to sit alone with a young director in a darkened room for several months, to grapple with the his incompetence, to make sense of his incoherent dream. Syd did that joyfully; she always walked on the sunny side of the street whatever the challenge. I’m certain she is doing that still.
Kate and I send our condolences and thoughts to all Sid’s extended family. Paul Cowan
Sidonie was my mother’s dearest friend up until her death in 2000. They took a trip together to Paris in the late 90’s – I imagine their shared love of art and culture made that journey unforgettable. I loved Sidonie’s warmth and kindness. She always made me feel at ease and welcome. Sending you my deepest condolences.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Suzanne Fleischman