MARINA GERINGAS Musician, Mother, Grandmother, Teacher Passed away in Toronto on June 20, 2016. Born in Moscow in 1939, she survived the Second World War, the Stalin regime and the Cold War, until she fled the Soviet Union with her husband, Yaakov, and their son, Eric, in October 1973. The family lived briefly in Israel until their immigration to Canada in 1975. A gifted pianist, she was invited to play at 24 Sussex Drive soon after her arrival in Canada. Not knowing the significance of the address, she got a lift from a fellow new immigrant, her friend Sergei, who drove her there in his beat-up car, which needed to be towed away within minutes of their arrival. It was an auspicious start to life in Canada, where Marina became one of the most well-loved and sought-after piano teachers in Toronto. With uncompromising and rigorous standards, she taught at least two generations of students to play Mendelssohn, Brahms and Mozart, and was formative in many pianists’ careers. Beyond her love of teaching, she loved her family more than anything and showered her only granddaughter, Melina, with books and affection. She lived and died on the strength of her beliefs, and expressly directed that a celebration of life be held instead of a funeral. A celebratory memorial and concert will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice.