Dr. Chava Eve Rotem

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Chava Eve Rotem, 92; Born in Berlin, Germany, January 15, 1928. She is survived by her daughters Shira (Roger – deceased) and Dina (Simon); Grandchildren: Chase (Tanya), Jessica (Jordan), Meghan (Mike) and Luke (Geneva); Great Grandchildren: Ethan and Declan. Eve left Germany at age 5 to begin a new life in Palestine (Israel). She was to chart her own course in life, often ahead of her time and unaware of being a pioneer for women. Married in 1947 (Zeev), they left for her to study medicine in Lausanne, Switzerland, learning French while simultaneously doing her studies. She returned to Palestine to fight for the independent state of Israel, assisting refugees in providing medical assistance on the ships from France to Israel. Returning to Switzerland to find work before emigrating to England to specialize in Cardiology - one of only a few women in this field – Eve gave birth to her first daughter in Zurich and her second 6 years later in Leicester. She completed her medical exams and certification in England and Scotland, practicing again before returning to Israel with her family. Her professional journey continued to California, with an opportunity to work at Stanford University, and then again in 1964 when the family moved to Vancouver, where she once again completed her exams to practice in Canada. Eve worked at various hospitals in the city, primarily at Shaughnessy Hospital until its closure, heading the cardiology ward and establishing the first “non-smoking” ward. In 1974 she opened her own cardiology practice. She was also a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC. However, Eve’s pursuit of better understanding and communicating with the world was not limited just to medicine. She travelled extensively around the planet developing her second passion, archaeology, and learning a 5th language, Spanish. Any spare moments she spent actively involved in outdoor physical activities: cross country skiing in the winter, hiking the Annapurna circuit at age 60, trekking in Patagonia and exploring multiple regions of South America to name just a few. But it was not only her energy that made her who she was, it was her integrity, honesty, passion, dedication and work ethic that formed the hallmarks of her character. These characteristics and her compassion, openness, willingness to help anyone in need, her friendship, zest for life and unwavering curiosity for all subjects, and her love of animals (and their love for her) are what everyone will remember and miss. Eve was predeceased by her husband in 1973 and so became a loving and caring single mother, grandmother, great grandmother and mother-in-law. She was loved and respected by everyone who came into her life and her passing has left a very large void, impossible to fill. A pioneer to the end, she will be missed immensely. Celebration of life to be held at a later date at First Memorial and Boal Chapel www.dignitymemorial.com Memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation: www.heartandstroke.ca or Knowledge Network: www.knowledge.ca