Obituary of Anna Feldman

The family of Anna Feldman of Ottawa, Ontario is saddened to announce her passing on August 13, 2021 at the age of 94 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Joel Feldman, Deb Feldman-Stewart (Graham Stewart) and Michael Feldman (Donna Hagel), 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, and her sister Rhoda Blevis (Bert Blevis).

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Keiva Feldman, and her brother Kenneth Ain and her parents Max and Rebecca Ain.

Anna was born in 1927 in Cornwall, Ontario but was raised in Ottawa. As a teenager, she was withdrawn from high school in order to care for her siblings.  Then, following her marriage to Keiva in 1948, she completed high school and obtained an ARCT in singing.  She entered university as a mature student at a time when mature students were unusual.  She obtained a Bachelor of Music and a Masters degree in Canadian Studies from Carleton University.   In 1983 she received the Norman Pollock Award in Canadian Jewish studies.

In 1986, she and Keiva moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan at which time she launched her research project on the Jewish farming colonies of Saskatchewan. After many years she donated the entire body of this research including hundreds of audio cassettes (recordings of songs, interviews and oral narratives), to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. 

Anna’s interests included a life-long interest in learning, music and family. She was an independent woman, particularly interested in the role of women in the farm colonies. Her musical endeavours included singing Jewish folksongs on the radio, playing recorder in many chamber groups, and teaching recorder.  But it was having her family around her that brought her the greatest joy. She fell in love with Keiva at first sight and remained in love with him throughout her life … a true love story. While she was able to pursue her outside interests, she remained devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

Donations in honour of Anna’s memory can be made to the Silver Spoon Dinner  which funds the charities Saskatoon Interval House, Ronald McDonald House, and CHW  for women in Israel and Canada.

Please write cheques to:  The Silver Spoon Dinner  c/o Congregation Agudas Israel 715 McKinnon Ave, Saskatoon, SK  S7H 2G2

A Graveside Service and Committal Rites will take place on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Agudas Israel Cemetery in Saskatoon, SK. Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home. 306-244-5577