Sylvia Pitch (known by her Yiddish name “Tsipie,”) left this earthly plane, aged 88 years, on October 31, 2022. As per her wishes, she died at home surrounded by family. Tsipie was born in Winnipeg, Canada to Lily and Gordon Kemel. The oldest of three sisters, Tsipie led by example with shalom bayit being a priority. A devoted wife, she supported her husband Earl’s (z”l) dream to move to Beverly Hills, California, where a new adventure in her life began. Tsipie used her nursing and management skills to oversee their three convalescent homes.
After 12 years of California living, Tsipie and Earl decided to return to Winnipeg to reunite with their extended family, beginning another chapter and adventure in their lives. Following her employment at St. Johns Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, Tsipie became part of the USC research team in cardiology, where the creation of the phrase “type A personality” was born and a passion for research was ignited. Upon return to Winnipeg in 1980, Tsipie joined Dr. Fred Aoki’s research team, assisting with his landmark study of the Herpes virus. In her ‘off-time’ Tsipie enjoyed playing cards and Mahjong with her friends.
A sparkle in her eyes and smile, she was generous, loving and kind to all who crossed her path, often putting others’ needs before her own. As a mama she was always in our corner, always there for us and her extended family. Among the many delicious recipes she made, her chicken soup and matzah balls rivaled the best in Winnipeg. As a lifelong learner and a great cook, in spite of declining health, Tsipie was still cutting out recipes from magazines to try out.
Tsipie is survived by her three children: Randy (Neil Ross), Allen and Howard (Nancy); sister Saundra (Hart); sister-in-law Sheila Rabb; grandchildren Sophie, Travis, William, Geoffrey, Ariel and Eitan; and many cherished nieces, grandnieces, nephews and grandnephews, all who considered her a second baba.
You are loved and so very missed, sweet Mama.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Congregation Etz Chayim,
