Rachel (Ricki) Atlas
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rachel (Ricki) Atlas, daughter of the late Debby (née Goodis) and Moe Atlas, born on June 21, 1947, in Montreal, PQ. She is survived by her brother Bernie and sister-in-law Harriet as well as her nieces Lara and Randi.
Rachel moved to Toronto in 1976 where she worked as an editor for an educational publishing company, an art therapist supporting Veterans at Sunnybrook Hospital and, for the longest part of her career, as an elementary school teacher in both the private and public-school systems. Rachel taught many individuals of a variety of ages throughout her lifetime and touched so many people in her professional and personal life.
A heartfelt thank you to all those family and friends who helped Rachel in immeasurable ways on her final journey. Specifically, cousins Donna and Bob, friends Fran, Caroly, Kathryn, and Louise and friend and neighbour Leslie who has graciously taken over the care of Rachel’s four-legged companion Ziggy Stardust.
Rachel was an incredibly creative, spiritual, and beloved human being. She will be greatly missed by innumerable friends and family. Our lives and hearts are forever illuminated for
having known her.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the following charities which Rachel humbly supported: Sick Kids Hospital, Canadian feed the children and the SPCA.
Kathi Bailey
My condolences to the Atlas family.
Though I never met Ricki, she must have been a very special and courageous human being. Hoping good memories ease your grief.
Kathi Bailey
Carol and Marvin Lecker
Sincere condolences to the Bernie, Harriet and the Atlas family on the passing of Ricki. She was a very accomplished individual, and, very brave. May the comfort of friends and family ease your sorrow in the coming days. Love – Carol and Marvin
Eva
Dear Atlas family,
We extend our condolences on the passing of Rachel.
Lionel & Eva
Dave and Rachel Houlbrook
Our prayers and thoughts are with yout family at this time.
Leslie Thomson
Rachel was such a special person. She was my mentor, my friend, my spiritual advisor, neighbour & sister in recovery. I will miss her creativety, her sense of humour & her special ability to love & respect people unconditionally . She wasn’t afraid to take risks & enjoyed her life to the fullest. I will treasure her companion Ziggy Stardust with whom I have a long relationship with and continue to love & care for him in the same manner that she did, with patience & kindness. Bless you Rachel for all you have taught me. I will keep you forever in my heart ❤️
Sonny and Ellie kaizer
Dear Bernie, Harriet and family.
Thinking of you at this very sad time. Your sister seemed to be a real mensch
God give you strength at this difficult time.
Luv
Sonny and Ellie
Marvin and Judy Swirsky
Dear Bernie and family.
Marvin and I send our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your sister, Rachel. May the good memories that you shared help sustain you during this difficult time.
Marc McNamara
Condolences to all Rachel’s family, friends, and the people she touched and mentored along her incredible journey. She will be missed and cherished for the light and love she shared. Marc
Wendy and Harry
Dear Bernie, Harriet and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your sister Ricki. We hope that the happy memories you have will bring you comfort during this very sad time. Our thoughts are with you.
Wendy and Harry
Barbara Librach
I am so sorry to hear of Rachel’s passing. I knew her when we played mahj together for a few years prior to COVID. May she rest in peace.
Jerry Kates
Dear Bernie, Harriet and Family, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Ricki. Cherish your wonderful memories and may you know no more sorrow. Sending love, Sharyl & Jerry
Magda and Karl Keilhack
Rachel was a loving and compassionate person, we didn’t know her well but we wish her peace.
Judy and Mayer
Dear Bernie, Harriet, and family.
Mayer and I are very saddened that you’ve lost your sister Ricki. It sounds like she was a wonderful and caring person. May she rest in peace and may you have no more sorrow. J
Love,
Judy
Alison
Dear Family and Friends of Rachel,
The world has lost a very very special person. I know you must know this.
Rachel offered support to many by providing a deep perspective on life’s trials and challenges that allowed for grace, compassion and intelligence. Every time I spoke with her, I gained more insight into the mystique of the universe and my soul was comforted.
I offer my deepest condolences for your loss and hope that you hold close your fond memories of this lovely person.
Pat & Chuck Leneck
Dear Bernie, Harriet, and family-so sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. She is now at peace. May you take comfort in that. Forever in your heart.
Pat & Chuck
Claudia
My condolences to all who had the pleasure of meeting and loving Rachel. She was artistic and forever creative and always looking at ways to better herself and those around her. She had an impressive sense of humour and generosity of spirit that will be missed. All the best to her loved ones xo.
Sandra Raskin
Dear Bernie, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. May you have no more sorrow. Sandra
Heather and Robert Hirschel
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister, Ricki. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy Cairns
Dear Randi and Family
I’m very sorry for the loss of your Aunt Ricki. I never had a chance to meet her but I know what an important person she was to you. Ricki was so supportive of you and always gave such wise and thoughtful guidance. Whenever you shared Ricki’s thoughts on a situation, her advice always helped me too. In this way I know that Ricki’s wonderful energy and kind heart had a positive impact on many lives. What a full and interesting life she had. I know you and your family will miss Ricki dearly. I hope good memories and shared stories bring some comfort in this sad time.
Ellen Kelner
Lara & Family –
I had the rare opportunity to know Rachel in three different capacities – first as my teacher at Leo Baeck when I was a kid, later as my colleague when we worked together at Leo Baeck, and finally as my children’s French teacher at Humewood Community School. In all three situations, her creativity, artistic spirit and teaching excellence shone through. She will forever be remembered for the many children’s lives she touched. May this bring you comfort in the tough days ahead.
Rhonda Atlas-Snell
Dear Bernie, Harriet, and Family.
Please accept our deepest condolences and sympathies on the passing
of our cousin Ricki. May her spirit live on now that she is in a better and peaceful place.
With Love,
Rhonda, John and Nadine
Michele Bower
Rachel was such a bright light. She found joy in the smallest details. Rachel was an amazing artist and a great teacher. She taught in such a creative and exciting way. She made her students love learning French, which is no mean feat! She brought an added dimension to my life and was a treasured friend. May her memory be a blessing.