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In Memoriam: Gail Flicker, 1954 – 2010 

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The Journal announces the passing of Gail Flicker on Jan. 4.

Flicker worked part-time in the Norris Library Stacks at then-Sir George Williams University in the early 70s until 1976, when she became Library Assistant Clerk. She continued to work in the libraries in various capacities until January 2010.

She was the library’s specialist when it came to searching and cataloguing Hebrew language materials and she was deeply committed to her work as evidenced by a number of acknowledgments by students and faculty in their theses and publications. She was recognized for 30 years of service to the university in 2007.

According to colleagues, she worked with enthusiasm and high standards, and was remembered for her thirst for new knowledge — new rules, new technologies and cataloguing various formats of materials, which require a broad knowledge base and a meticulous application of detail.

Colleague Erika Brazinskis wrote, “I will miss Gail’s quiet reserve, her unassuming strength, her honest modesty, her thoughtfulness and kindness to all, her warm smile, and the great stories of family adventures she could recount with delightful humour that would have me laughing with tears.”

Flicker also studied fine arts at Concordia, earning a BFA in 1976 and a Diploma in Art Education in 1977. She was a talented quilter who sought out special fabrics and designed her own patterns. She was a founding member of the Loose Threads Quilt Guild. She created a beautiful chuppah for her niece Sarah’s wedding in 2009.

In 2005, Flicker began volunteering at the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre Archives and helped put together the Touring Collection. She equally enjoyed a long association with Na’amat Canada, and with the Na’amat Montreal Young Leadership Retreats.

Flicker is mourned by David and Ruth Flicker along with Paul, Sarah and Eric, and Charlie and Tegan. Donations in her honour may be made to the Gail Flicker Fund, c/o Na’amat Canada Montreal, 514-484-0252, or to the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre at the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts, 514-739-2301, ext. 8310. A guest book is available online.