Vera Knizkova

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vera Sejnoha (nee Knizkova) on September 28, 2023 at the age of 90. She was the beloved wife of 67 years of Roman Sejnoha, loving mother to Vladimir (Karin), Milena (John), and grandmother to Lucas, John Francis, and Roman. Vera was an extraordinary woman known for her kindness, graciousness, energy and interest in people and the world around her.

She had a full and rich life which began in Czechoslovakia in 1933, where she where she began her career as a social worker and distinguished herself as a talented basketball and volleyball player, earning a coveted spot on the national team. In 1968 she moved with her husband and children to Mexico City where Roman took a post with UNESCO as a professor at the Instituto Politecnico Nacional. Vera took on the exciting challenge of installing her family in a new country, with a new language, and with a great culture to explore. She and Roman forged new lifelong friendships and Vera took on the role of coaching a girls' basketball team.

In 1975 the family moved to Canada and Vera, with her energy and remarkable ability to connect with people, quickly established herself in her new community. She taught English to newcomers to the country, thus facilitating their integration into Canadian society. Her family lived in various cities, including Sherbrooke, Moncton, Mississauga, and, finally, Montreal, where they settled to be closer to their beloved children and grandchildren.

Throughout all these years she pursued her love of music by playing piano nearly every day, and also played chess with Roman on a daily basis.

Vera passed away after a battle with cancer, and we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the Palliative Care Team at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal for their exceptional care during her final days. Vera leaves behind a large void but we celebrate her extraordinary life and cherish her memory.