Obituaries
LEE ANNE BLOCK February 9, 1952 – February 19, 2022
Lee Anne Block died peacefully on Saturday from pancreatic cancer. She was 70.
A few weeks earlier, Lee Anne was teaching at the University of Winnipeg, playing with grandkids and frustrated by some persistent stomach discomfort that was evolving into pain. She was also glowing after a joyous trip to see her grandsons, Sam and Ari.
Lee Anne grew up in Winnipeg’s vibrant North End Jewish community. The eldest of three sisters, her neighbourhood was filled with cousins and friends whom she cherished throughout her life.
Lee Anne met her first husband, Sheldon Oberman, when registering for classes at the University of Winnipeg. They had two children together, Adam and Mira, and later became a model of how to cooperatively co-parent post divorce.
Lee Anne taught middle school and English as a Second Language in Seven Oaks School Division and was active in Winnipeg’s theatre community. A major project was co-producing a community theatre production about women’s struggles with mental health.
She moved to Toronto in 1995 and obtained her Master’s degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.
On a visit home over the winter break of 1997, Lee Anne’s former mother-in-law introduced her to Richard Grunfeld. Her life was forever changed for the better.
Not long after she moved back to Winnipeg to be with Richard, Lee Anne decided to continue her academic career. She obtained a PhD from the University of North Dakota. Lee Anne was hired by the University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Education; where she obtained tenure in 2016. A passionate educator, her research focused on place-based learning and sustainability.
Lee Anne helped create the Langside Learning Garden, a partnership with Spence Neighbourhood Association – to develop sustainable urban gardening, and also worked on projects related to greenspace used by teachers, outdoor learning, and the importance of school gardens.
Lee Anne worked with a remarkable group of people to create the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest Winnipeg in St. John’s Park. The Healing Forest is a living memorial to Indigenous children and families lost to or affected by the residential school system. Lee Anne helped develop educational programming and curriculum so neighbourhood schools could use the space for outdoor learning.
Her academic and community service work was recognized with the University’s 2018 Faculty and Staff Campus Sustainability Recognition Award.
Lee Anne is survived by: her mother Jeanette Block; her partner Richard Grunfeld; her children, Adam Oberman (Jill) and Mira Oberman (Brent); stepsons, Ben Grunfeld (Pancham) and Aaron (Alina); her grandchildren, Rani, Sam, Daniel, Lizzy, Ari, Asa and Finn; her sisters, Rhea Tregebov (Sam) and Sheila Block (Marylin); her brother-in-law Tom (Leslie); along with beloved cousins and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her father Sam Block.
A funeral was held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
A “Baba’s Bannock and Jam” Fund is being established to honour Lee Anne’s legacy. It will support educational programming – and snacks for visiting school children – at the Healing Forest. Donations can be sent to St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, “Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest”, 135 Anderson Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2W 5M9.
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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