Regina Ravinsky
(née Weiss)
Holocaust Survivor
With deep sadness, we say goodbye to our beloved Gina. Born in 1930 in Berlin to loving parents, George & Malvina, her childhood was derailed by the spread of Naziism, forcing the family to flee first to Czechoslovakia, and then to Hungary. In 1944, age 14, she was imprisoned in Auschwitz, where she tragically lost both parents. How she survived all of this and emerged with such a positive, sunny outlook is a wonder. Strong, resilient, caring and always there for others. Always ready with a joke to put a smile on your face. Truly amazing!
Gina arrived alone in Montreal in 1948. She created a life for herself, learned book-keeping, and had a successful career as office manager for numerous companies. In 1953, she moved in with the Lowy family, quickly becoming a full member. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Abe Ravinsky. After 51 happy years of marriage, Abe died in 2012, a loss Gina never really got over.
Gina will be missed by many: brother, Alex Lowy (Julia Mustard), nephews and nieces: Andre (Elise), Benjamin (Anne-Marie), Joshua (Jody) and Jason (Laura) Lowy; Frances (Robert), Esther (the late Eli), and Mindy (Regolo) Ravinsky; Judy (Bob) Tarnofsky; great nieces/nephews Sarah Miller (Howlan), Charles (Judy) and Rachel Herscovitch, dear cousins Rumi Gluck (Malka) and Eddy Korbel (Debbie), and lifelong friends Judy and Sim Shek.
Enormous gratitude goes out to those who have lovingly cared for Gina during the recent difficult years, first and foremost, Ibi Klein, followed by the wonderful staff of the 3rd floor, Kastner Pavilion, Jewish ElderCare, with special thanks to Bertha, Gregory, and Dr. Rubin. Funeral service from Paperman & Sons, 3888 Jean Talon St. W. on Wednesday, September 28 at 1:00 p.m. Burial at the Baron de Hirsch Cemetery, De la Savane. Contributions in Regina’s memory may be made to the Montreal Holocaust Museum (514) 345-2605.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Regina Ravinsky 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Montreal, Province: Quebec
I just learned of Gina’s passing. She use to work with my dad. In the 70s and early 80s she would often come to our place for diner with her husband Abe. We also went on vacation with them to Mitchum lake in the US 2 or 3 times. She is one of the nicest and most caring person I have ever met. Every time I met her she would be happy and smiling. She is one of the reasons I developed a passion for history that I have shared with my 16 years old son who wants to be an historian. I will be going to Berlin for the third time this summer. This time we are bringing our son. We will again visit the Memorial and I will have a thought for Gina and her family.