In loving memory of Candy Schaffel Black, z"l
Our treasured Candy Susan Schaffel, z’’l, was born on August 29, 1958 and raised in Toronto, into a loving family with devoted and encouraging parents. For as long as anyone can remember, Candy followed the beat of a different drummer and a song her peers did not seem to hear.
She graduated from high school with honours and attended the University of Toronto from 1975 through 1979, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She attended the University of Toronto Law School, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree, and was named to the Dean’s List in each of her years. In 1985, Candy was called to the Degree of Barrister-at-Law. She worked as a summer student at Goodmans, where she was accepted full time upon graduation and soon became a Partner. As a practicing lawyer, Candy had been recognized by her peers as an outstanding Barrister and Solicitor.
Although she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 46, Candy lived every day with determination. Throughout the seven-and-a-half years of her treatment, Candy inspired all of us with her courage and passion for life.
Candy and her husband, Philip Black, first became involved with the Neonatal Clinic at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem more than 20 years ago when their eldest daughter was born three months prematurely, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. At that time, because of their love of Israel and their gratitude to G-d for having a healthy child, the Blacks decided to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Shaare Zedek. Candy’s role as a mother to their three daughters was of paramount importance in her life and she wanted every woman to have the opportunity to experience this joy.
Candy died on January 10, 2011, and a year later On the Slopes was renamed in her memory. She was that special breed of person who leaves a universal impact. When she touched your life, you could not help but feel respected, impressed, happier and more confident, through the unique mix of Candy’s smile, laugh, brilliance, caring and calm. “Everyone loved Candy.” To those of us closest to her, Candy especially brought us real comfort. We are deeply thankful for her life and for her sharing it with us.
