Mrs. Gittel Odel Lurie, a longtime member of the Montreal Lubavitch community and matriarch of a large Chassidishe family, passed away on Monday morning, 6 Av.

She was 96 years old.

For many years, Mrs. Lurie served as the early-childhood director at Bais Rivkah Garderie in Montreal, where she nurtured generations of young children with warmth, patience and a gentle manner.

Her husband, R’ Mordechai Lurie, was a distinguished Tomim who learned in Tomchei Temimim in Otvotzk, Poland. After escaping war-torn Europe, he reached Shanghai, where he continued learning in the local branch of Tomchei Temimim for five years. He later settled in Montreal and served as a shochet.

Together, R’ Mordechai and Mrs. Lurie established a Chassidishe home in Montreal and raised a family. Their son, R’ Chaim Nachum Yonatan “Nuchie” Luria, was selected by the Rebbe in 5736 as part of the first group of shluchim sent to Eretz Yisroel. He settled in Kfar Chabad, where he became known for growing Yanover esrogim.

Mrs. Lurie is survived by her children, R’ Nuchie Luria – Kfar Chabad, R’ Menachem Meir Lurie – Montreal, R’ Avrumie Lurie – Montreal, R’ Nuti Lurie – Miami, and Mrs. Raizy Schreiber – Monsey; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

The levaya took place on Tuesday in Montreak, passing by Bais Rivkah before continuing to the Lubavitcher chelkah at the Montreal cemetery.

Baruch dayan hoemes