The eldest living descendant
of Zelig ben Chaim Mayov, Esther Mayoff celebrated her 100 birthday
recently. Born on March 25, 1897 near Kostyukovich, Russia, Esther,
at about the age of eight moved with her parents Usher and Toba
Mayoff to Denmark after fleeing the pogroms of Tzarist Russia.
She has spoken of spending some of her teen years there before
the family subsequently immigrated to Montreal. After arriving
in Montreal, the family joined Usher's brothers and lived at 1315
Ave. de l'hotel de Ville. One of Usher's brothers, Schloima, had
a son by the name of Hyman. Already being familiar with Montreal,
Hymie took it to be his responsibility to show 
Esther the in's and out's of
her new homeland. Eventually these two cousins fell in love and
they married. Four children were born to this marriage, Solly
(b) 1918, Moe, (b) 1921, Sydney (b) 1923, (d) 1924 and Anne (b)
1925, (d) 1994. Esther has five grandchildren, Allen Mayoff, son
of Solly & Essie Mayoff; Nancy and Joann, daughters of Moe
and Sarah Mayoff; Rhona Morantz Pervin and Ian Morantz, daughter
and son of Anne and Abe Morantz. Her five great grandchildren
are: Jonathan Mayoff (Le-Blanc), Elana Pervin, Leah, Tobi, Nicholas
and Joshua Morantz. (Hymie passed
away in 1975.) Happy birthday, Esther!
comments to Art Mayoff