Like many women who grew up in the 50’s, I started teaching in 1960, married David Singer in 1963 and resigned in 1964 when I became pregnant.

I was a “stay at home mom” for my son Michael and daughter Linda until my 30’s when I began to feel that there had to be more to life then this one option. 

I began my personal life transition by accepting a teaching job at Jewish Peoples’ School, where I previously  volunteered as a teacher’s aid.

After two most enjoyable years, which whetted my appetite for something more, I applied to a mature student certificate program in Family Life at Concordia.

I graduated in 1983, interned for one year at Jewish Family Services and was hired by the same agency.

In 1990, when I turned 50, I finally made up my mind to fulfill my long time dream of getting a degree in Applied Social Science.  I wanted to have more academic credibility, perhaps advance professionally and gain a real sense of pride.  In 1997 I reached my goal and graduated with distinction.

In 1997 my husband retired, I stopped working and together we wintered in Florida.  After five years of the lazy life we felt the need to something more meaningful.

At 72 years of age, David came out of retirement, returned to school and started a new career in real estate.  With so much free time and a need to feel useful, I volunteered as a paraprofessional at Maimonides, a residence for the elderly, where I now do the orientations for new volunteers and conduct some educational workshops.  I love what I am doing.

In my spare time I play bridge and golf, take long walks, workout at the YWHA (which I call necessary suffering) and baby-sit my 4 grandchildren who, lucky for me, all reside in Montreal.

My son Michael is married, has two children, Alexander and Benjamin and practices dermatology here in Montreal.  My daughter Linda is also married, has a masters in Library Science and does information research at home privately, while raising her two children Laurel and Gregory.

I am certainly looking forward to seeing long lost friends.

Ethel Pinsky Singer......The other twin

PS For those who are interested, Carol and I still don’t look alike!!