Obituaries
JOYCE FRANCES FINGEROTE (SCHWARTZ)
Surrounded by her loving family, Joyce Fingerote passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015, at the age of 87 years, after a lengthy illness.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband and soulmate, Laibl, her parents Harry Schwartz and Eve Udin, her in laws Penia and Sura Ita Fingerot, brother and sister in law, Sam and Sharon Fingerote and brother in law Frank Taran. Joyce is survived by her three daughters, Rhonda Youell (Harry), Terri Fingerote (Rick), and Barbara Krolik (Joseph); grandchildren Richard (Signy), Ilana (Adam), Laura (Josh), Erin (Dave), Isaac and Eve (Josh) and great grandchildren Ella (Erika and Carter), Sam, Lev and Yale.
Our mother was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 20, 1927. Her earliest years were spent in Gladstone and Minnedosa, Manitoba as the child of a ranching family. She moved into Winnipeg at age 6 with her widowed mother to attend school while living with her maternal grandparents, Louis and Bayla Fishman and her three loving uncles, Harvey, Harry and Sammy. When our grandmother remarried in 1937 mum then moved with her new family to the Fort Rouge area where she remained until rejoining her grandparents on Salter Street to be able to attend St John’s High School. Joyce’s memories of attending St John’s were ones of wonderful teachers, enriched learning, but most of all the friends she made which would last a lifetime.
After graduation mum attended the University of Manitoba for two years in the Faculty of Arts. She then began working as a dental assistant, while marrying the boy, our dad, who in her own words ”thrilled her” from the moment they met to their marriage on December 4, 1948.
Theirs was a beautiful marriage. Joyce and Laibl had a partnership full of love, trust, support and friendship. Their three daughters born within nine years of their marriage were the pride and joy of both.
Our mother made a career out of maintaining a loving, welcoming Jewish home. Never too busy to lend an ear, always available for each of her daughters and their friends, Joyce was a warm, compassionate and understanding woman who created an environment which welcomed everyone. Her culinary talents and delicious baking were always an asset to every heartfelt conversation and every Jewish holiday meal.
As grandchildren began to appear in 1975 our mother’s expertise with people and her love of life only increased .The time spent with her six grandchildren was never enough and yet beautiful unique loving relationships were established with each grandchild and subsequently each great grandchild as the years unfolded.
Mum’s interests were many and varied. Joyce enjoyed playing mah jong, followed in her last years by poker. She was an avid reader and excelled with crafts such as sewing and knitting. Our mother was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and both mum and dad were avid fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers both on the field and off. Travel was also a highlight with yearly family visits to Duluth and Minneapolis and winter vacations in Hawaii, Palm Springs and Miami. Visits to England, Israel, Las Vegas, Phoenix and California were a special treat every time.
Joyce’s funeral service took place Monday, June 8, 2015 at Etz Chayim Synagogue followed by interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Thanks to Rabbi Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves for officiating. Pallbearers included Joyce’s grandsons Richard Hechter and Isaac Krolik, and nephews Barry Taran, Dale Taran, Len Fingerote and Lloyd Baker.
Donations as you wish may be given to the JNF Joyce and Lou Fingerote Memorial Fund, the Etz Chaim Synagogue or a charity of your choosing.
We love you mom and we always will.
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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