Warwick farewells adored centenarian
WARWICK centenarian and community icon Iris Cantor is being remembered as someone who was always up for a laugh.
Since the 103-year-old died last Friday, many in the community have paid tribute to the woman with a “love for life”.
Born in 1917 to one of Warwick’s founding families, Mrs Cantor dropped out of school after her junior exam to work in the iconic Joe Cantor’s Menswear store as a secretary.
Former reverend of St Mark’s Anglican Church, Julie Simpson, spent time with Mrs Cantor in her later life and said she would remember her as a “very sparky” character,
“She was very intelligent and very full-on,” Mrs Simpson said.
“She loved to have a joke and if you could crack a joke with her and she’d hear it, she’d like it.”
Mrs Cantor was a star athlete in her day and her specialty was the 220yard race during her Warwick State High School years, however she then moved onto hockey.
While former Warwick Hockey Association president Sheryl Windle’s years at the club did not match up with Mrs Cantor’s, she said she would remember the “witty” woman she got to visit for her 100th birthday celebrations.
The centenarian was also heavily involved in the Warwick Choral Society, the Warwick Philharmonic Society, and Girls’ Friendly Society, and last year told the Warwick Daily News she “loved” theatre and would have loved to have pursued the passion in another life.
Mrs Cantor moved into Akooramak care in 2016, and CEO Darryl Chapman said he would fondly remember the “immaculately dressed” woman who was a “delight”.
Mrs Cantor’s funeral will be held at the Warwick Funerals Chapel at 11am, on Monday.
Those unable to attend will be able to watch the service at www.burstows.com.au/tributecentre.