Dr. Magda Sebestian (Dec 12, 1928 – Oct 5, 2025)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Magda Sebestian, beloved wife, mother and grandmother at the venerable age of 96. She will be deeply missed by her son Ivan, daughter Tania, son-in-law David and her treasured grandchildren Matthew and Jessica. Her adored husband Vlado (Ady) passed away just ten days after her.
Magda embodied strength, resilience, determination, humour and kindness in the face of unimaginable adversity. She was born in Secovske, a town in eastern Slovakia, into a loving Jewish home, cherished by her parents Vojtech and Aurelia (Aranka) and grandparents and her two brothers (Bandi and Robi). She described her early childhood as simple but very happy, filled with laughter, mischief and music. Magda was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and often sang solos at school performances.
In March 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Czechoslovakia and this marked the beginning of the end of Magda’s carefree childhood. She was eleven years old when the family business was taken over, she and her Jewish friends were barred from public places and were forced to wear a yellow star as a sign of shame. Magda was only twelve years old when her formal education was put on hold for the next five years. As the persecution of Jews intensified in 1942, Magda and her extended family were forced into hiding. They endured three years of intense stress and hardship concealing their identities in the Slovak mountains and villages.
As the nightmare of war finally ended, Magda channelled all of her formidable energy into making up for lost time. She enrolled in accelerated classes and mostly excelled at her studies. When she needed extra help in chemistry, her aunt introduced her to a nice young engineering student and the rest is history. 76 beautiful years of marriage!
Magda became a medical doctor in 1953 and completed her pediatric specialization four years later. Medicine was her calling; her patients loved her. She was skilled and compassionate and would think nothing of calling parents in the evening to make sure their children were okay.
In 1968, Magda’s life was dramatically disrupted once again. Three weeks after the Soviet army invaded Czechoslovakia, she and Ady, along with her mother and the kids, packed up the small family car and fled across the border to Austria. Several weeks later, after some consideration, Magda and the family boarded a plane to Toronto to embark on their new lives. The first few years in Canada were not easy for Magda. At age 40, she was faced with the formidable challenge of requalifying as a physician in a new language while juggling her family responsibilities. Not to mention battling profound homesickness and culture shock. Countless night shifts completing her residency requirements at St Joseph’s Hospitals in west Toronto and Hamilton meant learning to drive for the first time in her life. But in true Magda fashion she plowed through and eventually met with success. Magda was the acting chief of the neonatal unit at Women’s College Hospital for two years before opening her private practice in 1975. In her long and fruitful career, she touched the lives of thousands of young patients and their families. She was respected and well-liked by colleagues who appreciated her directness and sense of humour.
Magda knew how to enjoy life. Together with Ady, they travelled extensively, hiked and cross-country skied, laughed and danced and sang old folk songs and arias. The two of them cultivated wonderful friendships and entertained often, both at home and at their beloved cottage on Rice Lake. Magda was intellectually curious and was passionate about world affairs and politics. She always dreamed of a better world for her children and grandchildren. The family home became a regular stomping ground for friends and relatives from Europe, Australia, Israel and the United States. Despite a rough start, Magda grew to love Canada and the life she built here.
Magda was an amazing mom, mother-in-law and grandmother. She loved with her whole heart and she was always genuine. You always knew where you stood with her. She was a role model and hero to us all. Her weekly chicken soup and schnitzel dinners were legendary. Magda cherished her grandchildren and loved their special time together. She was always so incredibly proud of them. Her indominable spirit lives on in Matthew and Jessica.
Even in her final years, when the ravages of Alzheimer’s dimmed her, she still retained her warmth, sense of humour and love of music. She was loved by all who cared for her.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the wonderful nursing staff at Carefree Lodge for their kindness and dedication to Magda in her last year. Huge thank you also to Sandra, her private PSW.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to either the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre (Holocaust education and combatting both antisemitism and hate in Canada) or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Family and friends are invited to a joint celebration of life for Magda and Ady on Saturday November 1st. Service starting at 12pm to be followed by refreshments at York Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Road in North York, Toronto.