The following is a real letter written by a very close friend of Tema’s, which was published in the newspaper shortly after her tragedy.

Tema Lisa Conter was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Ralph Conter, and the late Deborah Conter. A sister to Howard and Arlene.

She attended The Halifax Grammar School from Grade 1 to Grade 9. She also attended Queen Elizabeth High School and The Beth Israel Hebrew School. Tema spent her summers from age seven to twenty-one at Camp Kadimah, she then furthered her education at The School of Retailing at Chamberlain College in Boston, Majoring in Fashion Merchandising. She moved to Toronto in 1985 and began a career in fashion management. She worked as buyer and manager for an established ladies wear retail chain.

On January 27, 1988 at the age of 25, Tema was murdered by a convicted serial killer who had spent most of his adolescent and adult life in jail. In a fatal error of the justice system, this man, who had been placed in a half-way house, in a Mid-Town Toronto neighbourhood, entered her apartment building early that morning and attacked Tema while on her way to work.

Her brutal and senseless murder, a nightmare beyond belief, was reported in detail in all of the papers.

There are no words for the devastation of her death on her family and friends. Her loss creased a void that could never be filled.

Tema was full of life and happiness, and lived life to the fullest. Throughout her school years, university, and career, she was known to many for her humour, wit, and charm. She was always the life
of the party. Her personality connected her with people of all ages; once that connection was made, they were forever her “Buddy”. At Camp Kadimah, a place that meant so much to her, she made lasting friendships with her campers, their parents, and her peers.

Tema was especially loyal and devoted to her family, coming home for visits at every opportunity, also making her grandmother, the late Ruby Hamburg, her top priority. She was generous, caring, and always found joy in the good fortune of others.

-Lynda Suissa