A Lifetime of Family and Community
Frederick “Fred” Reiff was born on January 19, 1922, in Standerton, South Africa, to David Mendel and Esther Reiff. As a young man he moved with his family to Southern Rhodesia, attended Plumtree High School and later served in the Southern Rhodesian forces during the Second World War.
Rebecca “Rena” Abrahamson was born in Bulawayo on March 13, 1926, to Morris and Leah Abrahamson. Her parents had emigrated from Poland, bringing with them the traditions of Eastern European Jewish life that became an important part of Rena's upbringing.
Fred and Rena married on July 1, 1947, and made their home in Bulawayo, where they raised their three children, David, Leora and Hylton.
Fred spent more than fifty years running the family business, Matabeleland Clothing Company, with his brother-in-law Abe Abrahamson. Beyond business, Fred was deeply involved in Bulawayo's Jewish and sporting communities. He served in leadership positions with the Bulawayo Hebrew Congregation, Chevra Kadisha, Jewish Guild, Magen David Adom, Carmel Day School, Parkview Sports Club and numerous other organisations.
Rena devoted much of her life to Jewish and Zionist organisations, including Habonim, WIZO, the Jewish Women's Communal League and the Women's Zionist Council. One of her greatest contributions was to Savyon Lodge, the Jewish home for the aged, where she served as Treasurer from 1963 to 1993 and later became an Honorary Life Vice-President. Fred served as President of Savyon Lodge for twelve years and was later elected Honorary Life President.
Their dedication was recognised as early as 1959, when the C.A. Zionist Digest featured Fred and Rena as “Popular Communal Workers,” highlighting their remarkable contribution to Jewish communal life in Bulawayo.
After a lifetime in Zimbabwe, Fred and Rena moved to Toronto, Canada, to be closer to their family. Fred died on April 15, 2013, aged 91. Rena celebrated her remarkable 100th birthday on March 13, 2026.
Together, Fred and Rena shared almost 66 years of marriage and left an enduring legacy of family, Jewish identity and service to others. Their lives reflect the spirit of tikkun olam—quietly giving their time and energy to help build and sustain the community they loved.
Children (Gen #4)
David John: Born on April 12, 1951 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia. Married Gail Sagor on May 18th. 1976. Had 2 sons, Gavin & Craig. Died in Toronto on June 1st. 2021 (aged 70 years).
Leora Cherney (nee Reiff): Born on September 4, 1956 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Married Marc Cherney on October 25, 1981. Had 3 children, Michael, Elyssa & Alan. Living in Chicago, Illinois.
Hylton Seon: Born on September 28, 1958 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia. Married Susan Cohen on December 16th. 1979. Had one son, Aaron. Living in Toronto, Canada.
Grandchildren (Gen #5)
Gavin Brett: Born on November 18, 1978 in Cape Town, S.A. Married Mara Sherkin and have two children. Living in Toronto, Canada.
Craig Samuel: Born on August 27, 1981 in Cape Town, S.A. Married Joelle Breslin and have two children. Living in Toronto, Canada.
Aaron Jared: Born on June 18, 1981 in Cape Town, S.A. Married Laura Anthony on March 30, 2005 in Mauritius. Living in London, England.
Michael Evan: Born on July 17, 1985 in Chicago, USA. Living in Sydney, Australia.
Alan Hayden: Born on April 28, 1988 in Chicago, USA. Married Lisa Hurwitz (born August 18, 1988) on July 2, 2022. Living in Boston.
Elyssa Gabriel: Born on October 1, 1992 in Chicago, USA. Married Sam Block (born August 28, 1990) on February 17, 2019. have one son, Caleb.
Great-Grandchildren (Gen #6)
Ethan Jacob: Born on June 25, 2012 in Toronto, Canada.
Adelaide Hailey: Born on August 25, 2014 in Toronto, Canada.
Levi Miller: Born on May 10, 2014 in Toronto, Canada.
Charlotte Eden: Born on August 19, 2016 in Toronto, Canada.
Caleb Frederick: Born on December 3, 2021 in Chicago, USA.
Maya Danielle: Born on June 1, 2024 in Chicago, USA.
Jordan Emma: Born on October 28, 2025 in Boston, USA.