Eva Haman

Eva Haman (April 25, 1937 – June 28, 2021)

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing to God’s hands of Eva Haman (neé Schlesingerova), devoted wife of Vladimir and beloved mother of Susan Hayman. Eva passed peacefully and comfortably in her sleep on June 28, 2021, at Toronto Western Hospital. Our hearts are broken at the loss of this beautiful and kind soul who was the centre of our lives.

Eva, Vladimir and Susan arrived in Canada in 1968 from Czechoslovakia. She had been a public health physician in Prague, but as many immigrants at the time, needed to re-establish herself in another career path that was manageable while adjusting to the circumstances, language and norms of her new homeland. She made many friends in her Ontario government (Go-Temp) jobs and continued to work hard at several other places of employment after that, well into her 60s.

Those who were blessed to know her always remarked about her warmth, kindness, and open personality. Eva loved being around people, making new friends, and bringing joy to others through her welcoming smiles and laughter. She did not dwell on negativity and brought humour into conversations. In fact, people described her as “adorable” (and that, she was, indeed).

Eva’s voracious reading helped her develop a strong command of English vocabulary – something she deserved a medal for. This led her curious nature to tap into many interests. She loved theatre plays, movies, the ballet, classical music concerts, “Tea and Books” at the Toronto Public Library, University Women’s Club, Czech Women’s club, New Orleans-style jazz festivals, (and let’s not forget the Elvis Festival in Collingwood – how she loved Elvis), Etobicoke Rib Fest, Classical Car shows – all of these were great ways to spend time with her family and just enjoy what life had to offer. The simple things pleased her the most, and when there was delicious food added to the mix, she was in seventh heaven. She often ate with her eyes closed, savouring every bite.

Eva was a fiercely proud tiger mamma to Susan, whom she supported in her studies, various career paths and life’s ups and downs. She had a mother’s sixth sense about what “my Suza” needed. Eva introduced her daughter to others as, “Here is my little girl,” well past that little girl’s age of 40. Susan loved bringing her mother along to introduce to friends, as Eva was sometimes alone in the evenings and wanted company (and Susan loved her company). She was a deeply loving mother – resourceful, resilient and … so forgiving. She was loved by Susan beyond measure. Eva enjoyed exploring her new continent with gusto, with Vladimir driving the family in the Dodge Swinger all around the USA and Canada, exploring the pioneering spirit, famous landmarks and gorgeous terrain of both countries. She loved camping, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, swimming, and tennis. But most of all, she was so grateful to be in the freedom of Canada.

In her later years, when she had difficulty walking, every little day jaunt around Ontario was a source of great excitement. Something as simple as a lovely lunch at Hockley Valley General Store or in Belfountain was a treasured treat – she was with her husband and daughter and that’s all that mattered. With Vladimir, many evenings in their 70s and 80s were spent watching “Murder She Wrote” and Turner Classic Movies, enjoying suppers he made for her, or quietly reading in the den by the wood-fired stove, looking out over their little house’s backyard. She depended on him for many years for physical support around the house and was grateful for being taken care of by him as best as he knew.

In Vladimir, she found the love story she’d always wanted. And what a story! They have known each other since the age of 15! That’s a lot of life together (68 years and 10 months, to be exact). They were blessed to acknowledge their 61st anniversary recently, albeit in a quieter way from hospital. Eva faced her recent 9 months in and out of hospitals dealing with various health challenges with the same “can-do” spirit, bravery and trust of others that reflected her attitude toward life and people in general. We were gifted with being able to celebrate her 84th birthday with delicious desserts and champagne. She was so happy! But as she navigated her health’s twists and turns, toward the end, her spirit told her body that it was time to “let go and let God.”
We thank the staff at Humber River Hospital, Runnymede Healthcare Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Toronto Western Hospital for their compassionate care for Eva at all stages throughout her illness journey.
Eva is reunited with her dear parents Otto and Marie Schlesinger. We know she is hugging her friends and they’re dining together on a “very good lunch” from a “very good kitchen” (some of her favourite ways to describe food).

Dearest Eva, we love you deeply and feel blessed to have had you as a mother and a wife. May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you, and may your beautiful spirit continue to be all around us to love, guide and comfort us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada. A small gathering/visitation will occur on July 2nd at 1 pm. A full celebration of life will be announced at a later date.