Obituaries
ALLAN STERN
Born April 06, 1933, Allan Stern, peacefully passed away on June 09, 2017, at the age of 84.
Allan is survived by his wife Donni (Belzberg), daughter, Marlene Stern (Peter Rae), granddaughters, Amanda and Jordana Katz, brothers, Walter and Gerald Stern. He was predeceased by daughters Susan Stern (1997), Jocelyn Katz (2017), siblings Cyril (1987), Layla (2002), Mel (2005), parents Joseph (1939) and Bessie Stern (1977).
Despite or perhaps because of Allan’s numerous losses, cardiac surgeries and other medical challenges, he endeavoured to live a long and full life. That became difficult in his 80th year, when Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy (PSP) began to rob his well-being, yet he soldiered on. When Jocelyn, tragically passed away in February, he lost his will to live.
Allan was a loving husband, father, zaida and caring friend. He was a storyteller with a sharp sense of humour, his one-liners and antics were legendary and memories of family and the business community rich with interesting details. Charitable organizations, in particular Israel were beneficiaries of his time and generosity as were visits to family and friends with compromised health.
His autobiography, The Life and Times of Allan Stern in Verigin, Saskatchewan, 1933-1948, dedicated to his grand daughters, captured his early years. At 17, he moved to Raymore to sell trucks and tractors. He became known throughout the prairies for his business acumen and honesty. He and Donni married in Calgary in 1953 and she joined him in Raymore. In 1957, they settled in Winnipeg, where he and brothers Gerald and Cyril, opened Stern GMC Trucks, the only GMC truck dealership in Manitoba. He retired at 39, selling Stern Trucks to his then partner, Cyril. He didn’t strive for wealth. He sold to ensure financial security and more time for his family, community, other business interests, and collections.
His most significant collection was antique clocks and pocket watches. He bought, sold and traded hundreds. ‘Time in and the timelessness of’ the family home, tastefully decorated with hundreds of clocks, holds wonderful memories for guests at numerous parties he and Donni and his teenage daughters hosted.
Summers in the 60’s were spent on their cabin cruiser, the SuMarJo, first on Lake Winnipeg and later exploring Lake of the Woods. The family cottage at Clearwater Bay replaced the SuMarJo. For family and friends, their unique cottage (antique clocks banned) was the desired destination for hospitality, gourmet food, laughter, especially when Allan held court and to observe or participate in a project he had underway.
In 1966, Allan made happen the family trip of a lifetime. He bought a school bus and named it Disneyland A-Go-Go. Together with his family, he drove to Calgary, picked up Donni’s 3 sisters and brother in laws, 14 kids, ages 5-16, 26 in total, and they drove to California, camping most of the way.
Business, collecting, visiting friends and exploring the world took Allan and Donni to Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Israel. North American travel was largely in their motorbus until spending winters in Israel and then California. When Allan’s health kept them home, he became a regular at flea and antique markets. Last year, after a noticeable absence, one vendor said, “Allan I thought you died”, he retorted, “I dug myself out.” Classic Allan, quick and funny, until his last day.
In his 40’s, for interest and experience, he went to auctioneering school, university for a term and registered to run for Mayor of Winnipeg until realizing Bill Norrie was the front-runner.
In 1971, appreciating the historical and architectural significance of the CPR’s Royal Alexandra Hotel’s famous Selkirk Dining Room for Winnipeg, he saved it from the wrecking ball. He organized the liquidation auction of the hotel contents, and bought and dismantled the dining room with the help of Donni and others. An antique clock museum across from Lower Fort Gary was his plan for the room, until the province expropriated his land to twin a highway. Thirty years later, the room was reconstructed to its former glory at BC’s Cranbrook Railway Museum. He and Donni were the guests of honour at the Museum’s 2010 weekend of opening events, culminating with a journey in the private vintage luxury rail car, pulled by the refurbished steam locomotive on its maiden voyage from Cranbrook to Fernie.
In his 70’s, he scoured the city and bought thousand of used books for a bookstore he wanted to open but never did. Another collection was vintage cars. He bought, refurbished, and sold many, save the 1976 red convertible Eldorado Cadillac, that 3 of his best buddies, Alvin Zivot, Martin Corne and Harvey Pollock drove in as part of the funeral procession from the service at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue to its cemetery.
They along with Jeff Stern and Fred Chernoff were honorary pallbearers. Pallbearers were Peter Rae, Martin Pollock, Cyril Labman, Lewis, David, and Joey Stern. He said a funeral should be when the weather is good and that it not ruin a cottage weekend. His funeral was Monday, June 12; there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Allan’s interests kept his wife at the ready, his daughters saying “what”, and his working friends envious. His stories would often come back to him boasting about his wife, daughters’ and granddaughters’ activities and accomplishments and to whom he dedicated his life to instilling good values, a joie de vivre, and to keeping safe. Donni in turn, helped him live longer than his team of medical specialists expected. Their love kept her by his side every step of the way.
Allan’s family is grateful to the staff on 3W, Deer Lodge Centre, where he resided since December for their excellent care, and to family and friends, whose visits he enjoyed. His charm, love, kindness, and stories kept all wanting more of his company, even when the symptoms accompanying PSP prevailed. His surprise passing was unexpected. While it relieved him from the worst of the diminishment accompanying PSP, it was a huge blow to his family who were not ready to lose him.
If desired, donations can be made to the Jocelyn Stern Katz memorial fund: https://memorial.support. ubc.ca/jocelyn-stern-katz/ 1.877.717.4483 or 500-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, the Susan Stern and Jocelyn Katz fund at the Winnipeg Jewish Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BRENLEE WERNER
Brenlee was born on August 30, 1935 and died December 11, 2024.
Brenlee, so named as family legend has it, because her mother, Sarah Brotman wanted Brenda and her father, Ernest Brotman, wanted Leah, and so the original Brenlee was born. She grew up at 55 Bannerman the oldest of three extraordinary daughters including Caroline and Bonnie the youngest. Brenlee, the beautiful and talented 17-year-old, was spotted by a dashing neighbour, the handsome Nate Werner, and a lifelong love story was born. He said “I’m going to marry that girl” when spotted walking with her father. And he did.
She enrolled in the University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture, in Interior Design and was crowned university Freshie Queen at a gala event. She was renowned for her beauty and style. When she moved to New York where Nate had his ophthalmology residency, she completed her design degree at the Pratt Institute.
Brenlee and Nate travelled the world together, well before such journeys were popular; to Japan, to Europe and to Israel after the six-day war. So began their dedication to Israel, and her drive to move her family there for a sabbatical year in 1972. They were constant companions, on winter vacations in Palm Springs and in the summer at Falcon Lake.
Brenlee was a determined feminist who always worked outside the home at a time when this was not the norm. She had a passion for business. She became a Real Estate Broker and Developer. It was her Highgate Project where she was really a trailblazer: the first in Winnipeg to renovate a heritage building into condos. She also developed Banbury Court, Crescent Court and Bonaventure Village. She was a consummate professional respected by contractors, engineers and the architects with whom she worked. She was the property manager of the Western Canada Lottery Building for 25 years where she was a tough lease negotiator, dedicated to her tenants’ concerns.
Brenlee had a great zest for life: she was a healthy lifestyle personified. Some days she could hardly be seen behind the piles of newspapers, New Yorker magazines, the Globe and the Winnipeg Free Press. She loved intellectual pursuits, and was an avid reader. She was intelligent and kind.
She was very proud of her daughters, Janet and Shelley, and supported them both in their careers. Shelley, also an interior designer shared an office with her for many years which allowed them to collaborate easily on business projects. She supported Janet’s pursuit of fine art and helped facilitate her years of education in Baltimore and at Yale. She took great pleasure in giving visitors a tour of her apartment, showing her mother’s and Janet’s paintings and books.
With her grandsons, her playful spirit came out, whether baking with Lewis or dancing in the kitchen with Jonah she had the gift of being really present when she was with you. She saw you and knew just what you needed from her. She had more energy than all of us combined. She was a bright shining star, our touchstone, and the heart of our family.
She will be forever missed by daughters Janet and partner Adrian Norvid, Shelley and husband Michael Draycott, grandsons Lewis Robinovitch and wife Robyn Cambruzzi, Jonah Simmonds and great-grandson Zev Robinovitch.
The funeral was held Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Chesed Shel Emes. Thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl who led the service and gave a fitting tribute to Brenlee.
The family gives thanks to Brenlee’s caregivers for their love and for making her a part of their families: Lhyn Vinan, Melisa Caluza, Ellen May Bautista, Edna Maula and Leo Policarpio. Special thanks to Isabel Vieira who worked with her for over 20 years.
Donations may be made in Brenlee’s honour to JCFS (Jewish Child and Family Services) 204-477-7430.
Obituaries
RIVA-LEE MCWILLIAM
It is with broken hearts we share the passing of our beloved Mom, Wife and Baba, Riva Lee McWilliam (Rudelier), suddenly, after a difficult year of health challenges. Survived by her loving husband, Scott, her absolute other half, high school sweethearts of 56 years, and married 47 years, and her three daughters, Beth Jacob (Jonathan), Rachel and Megan, and grandsons Kiva and Shale Jacob. She is also survived by her sister Rashi (Harold) and brother Nelson as well as nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews plus the extended McWilliam family and her adoring crew of close girlfriends. As a young woman, Riva lost her own mother and father Ray and Meyer Rudelier, too soon.
Riva was born February 3, 1954. She would tell you she was “born in St Boniface” but really, she came from the North End of Winnipeg. The baby of her family, and the apple of her dad’s eye. During her childhood, her family migrated south to Montrose Street. She attended Herzlia for a year before Montrose School and Grant Park. In those years, that crew of close girlfriends established and grew tight-knit and remained that way all her life. In 1968 Scott moved in across the street. Riva was a beautiful hippy with the most beautiful hair, and so she naturally caught his attention- the actual boy next door. He waved at her through the window, and the rest is history.
She went to university and earned a degree in social work, followed by a brief career in the field before she married Scott and had their first daughter, Beth, followed by Rachel. From the time she became a mother, her daughters were the permanent centres of her universe. She made Beth and Rachel the happiest sisters ever when she gave birth to a giant bundle of joy, Megan. She drove a million carpools, took daughters to million lessons, asked a million questions, ran a million errands, and made a million meals. She took us out for a million ice cream cones in the summer, and a million more beach days to escape the city heat. She was the ultimate caretaker, Riva’s absolute purpose in this life was to be a mother to all those she loved.
Scott and Riva opened a store together in the early aughts, an exciting venture to take as a couple, albeit short-lived. She went back to work at Canadian Footwear and worked faithfully there in the Foot Health Centre for over 20 years.
She stood by her beshert- her intended- Scott though thick and thin. Riva was an unshakeable matriarch. Steadfast in her devotion to support her family through sickness and health, richer and poorer, better or worse. She weathered every storm with an impossible strength. Later in life, she reached out to offer support and understanding to other families struggling through many of the same challenges we’ve faced. She rooted her family in a foundation of profound love and commitment, and we honour her by putting those values first in everything.
In Riva’s memory we ask that any donations be directed to Jewish Child and Family Services, earmarked for addictions and mental health support, or to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, that brought Kuma into her life.
“To love another person
is to see the face of god.”
This is the kind of love that Mom, in her way, gave tirelessly to her world.
Obituaries
SID SCHWARTZMAN
We lost our dear father and grandfather on Thursday December 19, 2024. Sid passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side. Born on July 31, 1930, in Winnipeg, Sid was the son of Luis and Anne Schwartzman and brother to Herb Schwartzman. Sid lived a long and fulfilling life, devoted to his family, friends, and community.
He leaves to mourn, his children, Lisa (Joel) and Neil (Gina), and Grandsons, Noah and Eli, plus his many friends.
Sid was blessed with an outgoing personality, and he exuded spirit, humor, loyalty, and honesty. Sid had a great passion for delicatessens. He loved a corned beef sandwich, party sandwiches, a butter tart, and a “nice fruit cup.” He was the first to take you to a hole in the wall for a great burger or hot dog. Then top it all off with an ice cream cone from McDonalds.
Sid graduated from St. Johns high school and subsequently started a career in sales. Sid spent 30 years as a sales manager for Richlu manufacturing. Sid loved working and was very lucky to find meaning and purpose there. Sid retired at the age of 87 which was a difficult but reasonable choice
It was through his career in sales that he met Marsha. After a short courtship, they fell in love and married. They greatly enjoyed their lives together and spent their time going to the theatre, symphony, travelling, and spending time with their many wonderful friends. They were married for 50 years.
Sid will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marsha Schwartzman Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
A funeral will be held graveside at Sharrey Zedek cemetery at 11am on Sunday, Decmeber 22.
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