Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts and memories. Very moving. I didn't know most of your stories so thank you again.

I am so sorry to see this light go out. Esther was a long time memeber of Margarts Choir and we will miss her.

What a great photo of Esther with her lovely warm smile. I met Esther in 1974 when I went to work at Knox Day Nursery, where she was the Executive Director. She was so wonderful with the children and parents and was a strong supporter of the staff's fight for better wages. I was the president of the union local at Knox and Esther was a steadfast ally. She was not afraid to take on the government and other funders to argue the case for quality child care. Esther had a beautiful alto voice and I was privileged to sing beside her in a few choirs over the years. I especially remember belting out Pete Seeger songs with her in the pouring rain at the Folk Festival one year! We went to several parties at Esther's---there was always great food, interesting people and music-making. I have many fond memories of our times together over the years.

I send my heartfelt condolences to all of Esther's family.

Thank you, my friend Judi Gunter, for introducing me to Esther. While we never actually met, we enjoyed some conversations and correspondence, discovering we had a number of mutual connections. I am so sorry she has gone, but she has obviously left some wonderful memories for all of us.

My life intersected with Esther's in 1974 at Knox Day Care. She was the director and I was one of the parents. Esther led several of us on a crusade for higher quality day care in Manitoba. She showed Carol, Jean, I and several others how to speak truth to power. When I moved away to Calgary a couple of years later, we stayed in touch with occasional letters and cards that morphed into e-mail and then as FaceBook friends. A 50 year connection of mutual love and respect. Many many fond memories. Blessings to Yuri. Eda and Sonia.

I met Esther in the early 70’s when her children attended St. John's High School where I taught. We soon became friends that shared many interests. I cherish the memories of the late night conversations about politics, the woman's movement, music, and stories of her past. Her parties always included a variety of interesting people from all walks of life. Esther’s own life was a complicated one but was full and enriched those who met her. My sincere condolences to her family.

I got to know Esther when she welcomed my mother Olga (also a Simkin resident) and I into the Simkin Chorus. Esther was always so engaging and easy to talk to, and she will be sorely missed. The resident chorus group Esther created was a wonderful outlet for my mother, who has advancing dementia. And my talks with her from time to time in the Simkin atrium were something to look forward to.

I met Esther when we organized our "50s & 60s Jewish Schools Reunion" event in Oct. 2017. She was one of only two teachers who were able to attend. I learned she had taught kindergarten at Sholem Aleichem School when still a teen. And that she had introduced two of our favourite people to each other, Becky Gershuny & Emil Bertulli, both deceased (wish we had met Esther then also!). We came to know an enthusiastic activist for education, women's and seniors' rights, and so many more progressive causes. May her contributions and memory always comfort and inspire us.

I met Esther many years ago and couldn’t help admiring her vitality and her independence. An important event that still resonates with me was her mortgage burning party. Her intensity of purpose was inspirational. And I remember the joy Esther expressed at a concert not that long ago at the Labour Temple, laughing, clapping, thoroughly enjoying herself. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.

Pierre Agoli - Agbo

February 17.

Mes condoléances a Eda Nan Yovo,

Youri, Sonia, Bev, Lâcha, Mali et famille.

Esther, Mom comme je t'appelle si affectueusement, c'est avec gratitude et admiration que je garde les souvenirs passés avec toi.

Que ton âme reposé en paix.

What a wonderful, positive & engaging presence Esther was! I got to know her a bit as my parents were also residents @ Simkin. I enjoyed my interactions with her, truly felt her warm & engaging essence & appreciate her role in starting the choir (& leading the choir-what a beautiful recent afternoon that was!) Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

I sure admired your mom! She was bright and spirited and full of "can-do" attitude. My sympathies! I'm sorry for your loss!

I was a companion with Esther for nearly 2 years at the Simkin Centre. We had many talks about her life and places she had bee. She loved pictures of family on her wall and cherished her great grand daughter Illiana. We would sit in the atrium at the Simkin Centre and would tell me everyon's name and where they are from, Esther knew everyone and everyone knew Esther. There is a hole in my days that were spent with her talking and spending time with her friend. i will miss her and our friendship.

Mes sympathies très sincères. My deepest condolences to Eda and all her family at this difficult time.

I will miss Esther's hearty laugh, her endearing smile, her passionate embrace of life and her caring committment to community. She gave her all to each and every project that she embraced. I honour her.

Chère Eda, je viens d'apprendre la triste nouvelle au sujet du décès de ta maman Esther. Mes plus sincères condoléances. Je sais combien tu t'es occupée d'elle pendant plusieurs années. Je te garde dans mes pensées et t'envoie toute ma tendresse.

I think I got the story wrong. My aunty Becky told me Pete Seeger stayed at her house. Maybe both. You will be missed by many. Condolences to Yur, Eda and Sonia.

I met Esther at Simkin where my husband is also a resident. Whenever we passed by each other and said hello, she always greeted me with a smile. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Deepest condolences to my dear cousins on Esther's passing. I will remember her for her humanity, spirit and joy for life.

Our heartfelt sympathy to the family. Though we only knew Esther the last 3 years, we sure enjoyed her friendship at Simkin. She was a matriarchal presence here and we sure will miss her. Rest in Peace dear beautiful Esther!

Mary and Patty

Dear Eda and family

Sending prayers and comforting hugs on the passing of mom.

Your mom was one of a kind , and will be missed by all,

Cheers to one classy lady, that loved life.

tax lady Jan

I remember the fun singing parties,Esther had frequently at her house. There were musicians, singers and a lot of good music. It was a warm friendly atmosphere as Esther was so welcoming. Those good times nor Esther won't be forgotten. I still enjoy the friendship and company of Eda Korchynski who was always so helpful to her mother.

I will always cherish her dear daughter, Eda Korchynski and remember a wonderful afternoon at Esther's home when she played Pete Seeger songs on the mandolin as we chomped on gefilte fish. Be assured that the struggle continues, dear Esther while you rest in peace. .

1. Hi, I met Esther in the Spirit's Call Choir. I fondly remember her teaching us a Jewish song and to help us understand how to sing it she danced to it. The dance made sense of the song which was more scattingvthan lyrical. "Baum be de baum!" Sung with hands in the air and a bounce in your step!
2. Many years later, I met Eda as we both studied Traditional African Drumming and became friends. Eda arranged to have me hired to help Esther with house cleaning and massage services during her last year on Rosedale. She wanted to downsize for an easier transition into a care center at which time she shared stories of her life while sorting through her photos, deciding what to discard and what to keep for her family treasures.
3. I respected Esthe and helped with her move out of Rosedale into the care home on Portsmouth where I continued to provide cleaning and massage therapy for a while longer.
4. Esther's love for her family was evident to me as she shared stories of her history.
5. My life shifted and we ended our relationship but not until I had the pleasure of performing with Yuri in an African Reggae band. It would appear that Esther's love of music rubbed off onto her children and that's a wonderful legacy.

Esther was a dedicated supporter of the Women's Movement in Winnipeg.. I will miss her presence, her support, & warm smile.

This beautiful smile was Esther's signature bestowed on everyone.

Together with so very many others over the years she added her. voice to our beloved choir, first known as Spirit's Call, then renamed Margaret's Choir in honour of our foundress Margaret Tobin. It was there I was blessed to meet Esther, to sing with her, to laugh with her, to become a friend and colleague. ❤️

I’ll never forget Esther’s presence when I first met her. She was independent, unique, and combined strength with a warmth and generosity that made her truly special. Rest in peace, my friend.

A wonderful light in my life,she met some of my family in Florida, loved by all..........

Bonnie McLeod Bauer.