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By Mildred Devins, Adult Leisure Chairperson Published in the Shaarey Zedek Shofar in May 2003
I was reading a copy of Lifestyles Magazine, which featured biographies of Izzy Asper and his family — a wonderful documentary, by the way. I was interested to read Izzy’s recollection of his boyhood days in his parents’ home.
The Aspers have been supporters of the Adult Leisure Group for many years, partly because Cecilia Asper (of blessed memory) was a long time devotee and loyal supporter of our program.
Upon reading the magazine, I learned that Izzy’s father, Leon, was a violinist, trained in the Odessa Conservatory and Izzy’s mother, Cecilia, was a concert pianist. During the Second World War, they conducted and played with the Canadian Legion Symphony Orchestra. They travelled throughout the country to entertain soldiers at Army and Air Force Camps.
Cecilia was such a modest lady. I wonder how many people were aware of this patriotic side of her nature. |
