Obituaries
GERTIE SCHWARTZ
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished Mother, Baba, and Great Baba Gertie Schwartz at the age of 96. She passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 5th at her home in Toronto where she resided for the last 10 years.
Gertie was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years Harry (Hashie), parents Sam and Maeta Priesel, sisters Berte Sera and Anne Erenberg, and daughter-in-law Ronda.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Howie (Kathy), Maureen, and Ken (Gayla), as well as her grandchildren Brad (Donna), Devin (Melanie), Rayna (Bas), Lisa, Carly, Ali, and Lindsey. She will also be missed by her great grandchildren Shiffy, Chani, Rochelle, Rivki, Yitzi, Esti, Sara Aliza, Shevi, Benson, and Oliver, as well as sister-in-law Lucy Slusky, and many nieces and nephews.
Born August 29th, 1925 in Poland, Gertie emigrated to Canada with her family at the age of 3, first to Hoffer, Saskatchewan, and then to Winnipeg shortly thereafter.
Gertie’s early years were difficult, losing her mother when she was only 13. When she was 21, Gertie met Hashie, the love of her life, on a blind date. Six months later they were married spending 50 wonderful years together. They loved their many vacations to Florida, Hawaii, and later Palm Springs as well as their summers at the cottage at Falcon Lake.
Gertie was known as “Auntie Gertie” not only to her nieces and nephews, but to all the neighbourhood children, friends of her children, as well as the children of her many friends. Everyone was welcome in Gertie’s home.
During the last years of her life Gertie experienced numerous health problems, but nothing kept her down. We used to joke about her having 9 lives! Despite this, her mind was sharp, never forgetting anything or anyone.
At age 87 Gertie moved to Baycrest Terraces inToronto to be closer to family there, and to get to know her grandchildren better. She insisted she really wasn’t interested in making new friends. A month later she was playing Bridge 3 times a week and even teaching the game to beginners, as well sitting on committees.
Gertie had a thirst for knowledge. She was interested in everything and everyone around her, making new friends wherever she went. In her 80’s she embraced technology and spent hours every day at her computer either emailing friends and family, on Facebook or reading the Free Press. In the last few years Alexa became her best friend as she listened to Jets and Bomber games, and CJOB.
Gertie was always happy for other people’s success, and genuinely empathized with their disappointments. The eternal optimist, she always said “When one door closes, another one opens”.
We can only strive to be the kind of inspiring and dedicated person Gertie was, and hope to live a long life with a sharp mind and loving heart, and the same positive attitude which she has shown to us all.
What more can we ask for…a long life, respect, and to be loved by all!
Donations in Gertie’s memory may be made to the Gertie and Harry (Hash) Schwartz Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Winnipeg, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Obituaries
LAWRENCE WERIER
Lawrence Werier passed away at home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 6 at the age of 98.
We thought he might live to 100, but it was not to be. Even though he was diminished by dementia in recent years, he still sparkled with an indomitable spirit that could not be missed, whether he was dancing with his many beloved caregivers or sitting quietly with his wife or children. He brought an intense energy to everything he accomplished, such as building a business, making a sale, playing tennis or scuba diving in some remote location.
His work at Goldin and Company was both challenging and joyful, and his entrepreneurial creativity brought him to Asia regularly, where he had close friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan. He married Eddy in 1949, and she remained the love of his life. They traveled the world together on many exotic trips, and in each place he would seek out adventure and fun. He was a force of life and an energetic presence who kept working and living and devouring experiences, always insisting that “the cup is half full.”
Many remember Lawrence as a great storyteller because he could never resist the impulse to share his exciting escapades with others. He didn’t retire until the age of 83, and even after formally ending his business, he continued to wheel and deal from home. In all of these passionate endeavors, he always had time for his children and grandchildren when they came to visit. His love of family was profound, and he demonstrated this love by generously bringing everyone together—children, spouses, grandchildren and Eddy—at treasured family gatherings in Costa Rica, St. Lucia and Mexico.
In recent days, people have reacted almost with astonishment that Lawrence has passed away, as if such a powerful energy might continue. We feel his loss deeply, along with his many friends in Winnipeg and beyond.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Eddy, and his children, Kerry, Cliff and Jodie, and their spouses, Suzanne, Sabrina, and Michael. He is missed by his two granddaughters, Cynthia (her partner, Matt) and Alex. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved grandson Koby. Lawrence had many wonderful caregivers at “the Shafts,” too numerous to mention, but Tess Braun was his special friend and honorary daughter, to whom the family is grateful beyond words. Tess, Chris, Mavis, Jonathon and Jules made him comfortable in his final days, and we extend thanks to them all.
Donations in his memory can be made to Shalom Residences (shalomresidences.com).
Obituaries
BETTY JOAN KATZ
Betty Katz passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
She was predeceased by her husband, Melvyn (Mel) and her daughter, Michelle.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Alana (Ted) and Bonnie (Howard); her son, Andy; grandchildren, Jonathan (Leiba) and Jeremy; and great-grandchildren, Louis and Ada.
Betty and Mel were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. Shortly thereafter, they purchased their cherished home on Lanark Street where they lived until after their 60th wedding anniversary. As the children grew older, Betty began a career in property management.
Betty is fondly remembered for her outgoing nature, wit, tenacity, and her great cooking, notably – her signature dish – Spaghetti a la Betty Katz.
Thank you to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre where Betty received excellent care for the last eight years. Betty enjoyed the recreational activities and every opportunity to sit outdoors and at the sunny windows. Despite living with dementia, she was heard singing the words to “oldies” whenever there was an opportunity.
Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for leading a beautiful funeral service in Betty’s honour at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on October 28, 2024.
Obituaries
MARJORIE BAKALINSKY
It is with heavy hearts and deepest sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of our dear sweet mother Marjorie Bakalinsky.
Mom passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Simkin Centre.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Joseph Weinstein; her sister Shirley; her in-laws, Dora and Beryl Bakalinsky; her sister-in-law Rosalie; and most recently, her dearest brother in-law Shia. Mom is survived by her loving and dedicated life long partner Leonard; her children Rachelle (Bob), Marty (Theresa), Cheryl (Avrum) and Gayle (Frank); her loving grandchildren, Jennifer, David (Andrea), Daniel, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Carllen, and Jerrett; her sister Kayla (Saul), sister-in-law Miriam (Jerry), and many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Winnipeg on March 7, 1935. She was raised as a youngster in the north end on Burrows Ave, then moved to Ferry Rd in St. James where her parents owned a grocery store. After graduating high school in 1953, she enrolled in nursing school in Chicago. She spent one year studying in Chicago, came home for summer break, met our dad, fell in love and didn’t go back. On June 5, 1955, Mom and Dad exchanged their wedding vows and were able to celebrate 69 years of marital bliss.
Mom always put others in front of herself, especially our dad, her children and grandchildren. She was the most unselfish woman we have ever known and loved. The matriarch of our family. Our home on Coralberry Ave. was always an open door to our many childhood friends.
Mom loved our cottage at Falcon Lake where many wonderful memories were made over the years, with her grandchildren always by her side. That gave her the greatest joy.
For over 25 years Mom and Dad’s second home was in Margate, Florida. Every year Mom would welcome her children and grandchildren to their Florida home, where there was always a home cooked meal on the dinner table.
There were many things Mom loved to do. One was playing mahjong with her weekly groups in Winnipeg and in Florida. Mom was an active member of Hadassah and was very involved in the Bnay Abraham Synagogue sisterhood. All of these were secondary to her love for her husband, children and grandchildren.
When it came to the point where her family felt Mom was no longer safe in her own home, Dad made the very difficult decision to make the Simkin Centre her new home. All the staff at Simkin who cared for Mom treated her with respect and dignity. Mom’s family will forever be grateful to the wonderful people at the Simkin Centre.
To Rabbi Matthew Leibl, thank you for being a source of support for our family. Your presence helped guide us through mom’s stay in Simkin.
Mom, we love you to the moon and back and beyond.
Forever remembered, forever loved!
In loving memory of our mom, Marjorie, donations can be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, or to the charity of your choice.
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