Joshua Édouard Arno Bozzini Rothman passed away on the evening of Monday, July 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. The son of Stéphanie Bozzini and Reuven Rothman, and eldest brother of Mathis and Léa Rothman, Joshua was born in Montreal on April 20, 2006.

He is survived by his maternal grandparents, Luciano Bozzini and Lise Thibodeau; his paternal grandparents, Mitchell and Laurel Rothman; his aunts and uncles, Isabelle Bozzini, Clemens Merkel (Félix, Béatrice), Anna Bozzini, Santiago Hidalgo (Magdalena, Elena), Chana Rothman, Kevin Kleinman (Izzy, Yarden, Misha), Jonathan Rothman, and Mika Lior (Aryeh, Dov).

At the tender age of 11 months, Joshua was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Despite the exceptional challenges this produced, which included regular hospital visits and intense treatments, as well as the loss of vision, Joshua persevered with courage, dignity, and optimism. Every step of his life was a testament to his incredible capacity to bring the best out of people around him, whether at home, at school, at the hospital, or among the many people he met along the way.

His scholastic life began at école Nouvelles Querbes, where he was quickly admired for ability to speak frankly about his illness, and to bring others to understand the challenges that people in his situation face. He excelled in all subjects, math, history, and science, and demonstrated a curiosity for everything life had to offer. As a result of his difficult challenges, Joshua developed a maturity that exceeded his years; people often remarked that Joshua could converse about any subject, no matter how complex, with humour, knowledge, and wisdom. He had a talent for listening and empathy, and above all he enjoyed laughing with others.

Joshua continued his secondary studies at École secondaire Édouard-Montpetit in the sports-study program where he began a new passion – fencing! His skill grew with the years, and despite his limited vision, managed to make the school team and excel. He enjoyed learning and was one of the best students in class in many subjects. At 13, his large extended family gathered in Montreal to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, in which he earned praise for his speech.

As the years passed, his illness became more present, and challenges grew. He began CEGEP in 2023, in the enriched science program at College De Maisonneuve. Joshua had many ambitions, including becoming a doctor or robotics engineer, but was forced to slow down because of his health. During this time, he spent many Saturdays organizing suppers and movie nights for his cousins. He was especially known for inventing exotic drinks which he would gleefully share with guests, and he loved to cook and take note of recipes he enjoyed. He loved talking about movies, planes, drinks, food, and almost any topic under the sun. Conversation was one of his favourite pastimes and everyone enjoyed conversing with him.

Joshua especially loved spending time with his sister and brother, whom he loved dearly. He was a friend to all animals and found comfort in their company. He enjoyed travelling and adventure with his family. He will be missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure to know him.

There will be a funeral service at the Mount Royal Cemetery and Funeral Complex, 1297 Chemin de la Forêt, Outremont, Qc H2V 2P9, this Friday, 12th of July. The family will receive condolences starting at 11h00, there will be a ceremony at 12h00, and the burial will take place at 14h00.