Obituaries
FAYE FAIGEL GORENSTEIN RABER September 1, 1921 – September 12, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage in 2017 in 2017. Predeceased by her parents, Aryeh Leib (Louis) and Frayda Gorenstein of Winnipeg in 1951. Faye was the last surviving member of her generation having been predeceased by her brothers, sister, sister-inlaws and brother-in-laws on both the Gorenstein and Raber side of the families. She is survived by her daughter Frayda Raber (Charles Wiseman) and son Label Raber (Lynn Superstein), Grandsons, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut (Julia) and Michael Bokhaut (Tatyana) and Great Grandchildren, Samantha, Emma, Leon, Marcus and Bridget.
Faye was born in Winnipeg, September 1, 1921, the second youngest of seven (7) children at home at 360 Manitoba Ave. She attended Peretz Day School until Grade 5 where English and Yiddish subjects were taught and completed their after school program until the end of high school. Grades 6-9 were completed at McCrae School and high school at St John’s High School.
Mom had wanted to study to become a Dietician. Sadly her parents could not afford university tuition. She attended the Manitoba Business College where she was on the honour roll for Dictation, Short Hand and Typing. She worked as a Legal Secretary with her first job being with David Levin and then with the first Ukranian law firm- a father and son office- Swystun and Swystun.
When she and our father married on March 13, 1949, our Dad said he would be the provider and Mom was to be responsible for the home and the children. Our home was filled with love, affection and laughter, not to mention good cooking. Mom was very easy to get along with. She was kind and loving and yet, firm and very sensible. Rarely did we ever have an argument. Mom was a wonderful parent. We were very fortunate to have had a mother like her!
Mom was a life long learner and consummate community volunteer. Over the years she learned to drive a car at age 40, take Hebrew speaking classes, adult swimming lessons, learned to play Mah Jongg, sewing lessons, dancing lessons and computer classes. She was a Life Member of National Council of Jewish Women and of Canadian Hadassah WIZO. She actively volunteered at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue chairing the Mother and Daughter Luncheon. Family and Yiddishkeit were very important to her.
She participated in Aquafit at the Rady Center three times a week well into her 80s, played Mah Jongg twice a week and attended Herzlia Synagogue weekly for Shabbat Services.
In the fall of 2017, Mom decided to come to Ottawa after our Dad had passed away on what she called a “Trial Basis.” She settled in beautifully. She participated in a Jewish Seniors’ Day Program at our JCC, played Mah Jongg, enjoyed her grand-son Yossi and his family’s company and synagogue services.
Funeral Services were held September 16, 2024, graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Y. Benarroch officiating. Pallbearers were Label Raber, Charles Wiseman, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut, Michael Bokhaut and Geoffrey Katz.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.
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.