Mila Sandberg- Mesner: Holocaust survivor, author, speaker, humanist, Aunt Mila and beloved friend.
Amalia (Mila) Mesner passed away peacefully in her home on November 3, 2023, surrounded by the warmth and love of the many people she touched so deeply during her remarkable life. Mila leaves behind her adoring husband of 70 years, Isidor (Izio/David), and many loving nieces and nephews. Mila was born in Zaleszczyki, Poland on November 22, 1923 to her parents Fanny and Zygmund Sandberg, and sisters Rose (Ziuta) Sandberg Wasserman and Lotti (Lola) Sandberg Wiesel.
Mila was a holocaust survivor, her story best told in her own words in Light From the Shadows (2005) now translated into many languages. True to her nature, Mila’s stories focussed as much on the generosity of those who helped at considerable risks to themselves, as on the horrors unfolding. After the war, Mila began a new life in Montreal, gathering friends, meeting and marrying Izio, and learning English and skills that led to a career at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, her work and colleagues much more to her than a job.
In her retirement, Mila became an active public speaker about the holocaust, at memorials and unveilings, in classrooms, and privately in conversation in her living room, captivating all audiences with her vivid descriptions, and enriching everyone with her humanity.
“I will be happy if my words and deeds contribute - even in a small way- to a better understanding between people.”
Most of all, Mila had an amazing gift for connecting with so many people from so many places, young and old, with diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Your warm light and love will live on in our hearts.
Funeral Services (open to all)
Thursday Nov 9, 2023
Mount Royal Funeral Complex,
1297 chemin de la Foret, Outremont, Quebec
1:30 to 2:00 pm - Gathering
2:00 pm - Service
3:00 pm - Burial of Urn
Live streaming https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/81686
Late afternoon, approx. 4 to 6 pm, drop in Mila and Izio’s condo, 6950 Cote St Luc, Apt. 604.