Obituary of Miriam Milavsky

September 13, 1930 – Edmonton, Alberta

January 13, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Miriam Milavsky (née Shugarman) announce that she passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Calgary, AB, surrounded by her large, loving family. She was 94 years of age.

Born September 13, 1930, in Edmonton, AB, Miriam lived a life filled with love, laughter and a generous spirit. She married Harold Milavsky from Saskatoon, SK, on September 5, 1954, and they settled in Calgary in 1956.

Before dedicating herself to raising her five children, she worked as a lab technician at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton. Her true legacy began as she embraced her role as a mother and later as a proud Bubby to a dozen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Family was always the heartbeat of Miriam’s life. She delighted in the company of her children, Charlene (Gerry) Molotsky, Roxanne Milavsky, Gregory (Andrea Adler) Milavsky, Abbie Milavsky, and Carrie (Mitchell) Brody, and her grandchildren, Alex (Adrianna), Baily (Noah), Jill, Ben (Katie), Riley (Michal), Callie, Ethan, Lily, Mollie, Curtis, Harry, and Zoë. She was also Double Bubby to Beckett and Theo.

She was blessed to spend her life in Calgary, happily fielding a nearly non-stop stream of visits from those she loved. Known affectionately as Bubby, Bub, or Bubbalouie, Miriam was a true firecracker. Her unfiltered wit and candid, self-deprecating humour made her unforgettable. She had an unmatched gift for making people laugh, especially her grandchildren, who adored her playful spirit.

As the matriarch of a large family, Miriam hosted Shabbat dinners every Friday and all high-holiday meals while she was able, always extending her table to anyone in need of a place to belong. Her legendary minestrone soup wasn’t just a family favourite - it became a beloved staple throughout the Jewish community.

Miriam also shared an extraordinary bond with her sister, Ethel. They were best friends and famous for their comically outrageous bickering, which always ended in tears of laughter for them both. Their twice-daily phone calls were a comedy show in themselves. Together, they explored life, from their early days in Edmonton to their snowbird winters in Arizona, where Miriam would drive and Ethel would navigate—they got lost often.

She was deeply woven into the fabric of the Jewish community in Calgary. Her willingness to help was renowned; she left her mark as a tireless volunteer. From hosting the annual fundraising tea for ORT Canada to various roles at Hadassah Wizo (including the annual Hadassah Bazaar) to managing the Tribute Cards donation program for the Beth Israel Sisterhood, Miriam was a cornerstone of countless community initiatives.

Miriam played Mahjong with her close-knit group of friends for close to 60 years, playing as recently as a few days before her passing. She loved her tennis matches at the Glenmore Racquet Club, and proudly showcased her fashion-forward ski suits at Sunshine Village while her kids hit the slopes. She walked for hours around Calgary with her beloved Whippet, Mindy, by her side.

Miriam found joy in crossword puzzles, Rummikub games, reading James Patterson novels, and watching “Dr. Pimple Popper”. She was endlessly social, effortlessly striking up conversations with anyone, anywhere. Her cleverness and blunt humour were well-known in the places she frequented, where she was affectionately known as Mrs. M. Always honest, Miriam became even more endearing later in life as her filter faded, embracing her unapologetically authentic self.

Miriam’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and the ability to bring people together. She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

Miriam was predeceased by her parents, Kraina and Shlomo Shugarman, and her sister Ethel Levene.

The family would like to thank all her caregivers who helped care for her over her last years and weeks, especially her cherished long-term companion, Cheryl.

Funeral Services will be held at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue (1325 Glenmore Trail SW, Calgary AB) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Beth Tzedec Memorial Park.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.