Lillian Bilsky Freiman

Lillian Bilsky Freiman (1885 – November 2, 1940), nicknamed The Poppy Lady, was a Jewish-Canadian philanthropist, and Zionist. In 2008, she was designated a Person of National Historic Significance by the Canadian Government for being "a gifted organizer and philanthropist who worked to improve the health and welfare of her fellow citizens."

Early life In 1885, Lillian Freiman was born at Mattawa, Ontario to Pauline Reich, a homemaker, Her family was of Russian-Lithuanian descent. It was one of only two Jewish department stores in Canada. The couple had three children, Dorothy (Alexandor, 1906–1986), Lawrence (1909–1986), and Queene Esther (Luxenberg, 1912–1997), and one adopted daughter.

Death On November 2, 1940, she died aged 55, due to failing health.

In 1957, her Victorian-style mansion on 149 Somerset Street West in Ottawa was converted to the home of the Ottawa Army Officer's Mess.

On December 29, 1941, a tablet was unveiled by Major-General L.F. LaFleche, Associate Deputy Minister of National War Services at Trafalgar House that was inscribed: