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Obituaries

BERNICE ETHEL MARMEL O.M. June 13, 1927- April 28, 2021

Marmel BerniceBernice Marmel was born in Arran, Saskatchewan as Ethel Bernice Macklin. After moving to Winnipeg, she resided at the Winnipeg Jewish Orphanage and then went on as a teenager to live with her aunt and uncle Fred and Sarah (Hechter) Sures in River Heights.

She attended Robert H. Smith Elementary School before graduating from Kelvin High School. After marrying Max Marmel she moved to West Kildonan where she lived most of her life. Bernice obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Manitoba and much later in life her Masters Degree in Health Education.
Bernice had a lifetime of extraordinary service to others, especially to those whose poverty makes them more vulnerable. As a senior citizen, she was concerned naturally for other older Manitobans, but also worked for adolescent parents and school-aged children.
Throughout her life, Bernice was sometimes employed by organizations and sometimes worked as a volunteer. In fact, Bernice’s loyalty to the people whose concerns were at the heart of her work often caused her paid work to segué into volunteer work whenever funding ran out. She cared too much about the people and issues they faced to put projects aside.

Bernice believed in the possibility of working with people to enable them both to do what was needed and to grow. This was her method of working. When setting up a fitness program at a north end church, she taught the people how to apply for government funding. In a project she initiated, while with the Nor’West Health Cooperative, she enabled children who lived in a social housing project to speak out about their own health needs. This project was recognized with the Canadian Healthy Communities Project Certificate of Distinction.
Bernice served on countless volunteer boards and committees. Some of the groups that have benefited from Bernice’s work include the Manitoba Council on Aging; the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg; Mount Carmel Clinic; The Urban Idea Centre; the North End Women’s Resource Centre; the Food Network; ALCOA; and the Winnipeg Public Library Board.

Bernice was often ahead of current thinking, for example on sexuality among older people. A paper she wrote advocated for older people to continue to be regarded as sexual beings long before such thinking was prominent. Her work also addressed the problem of social isolation among seniors, establishing a Friendly Visitors program for the Age and Opportunity Inc., and a phone link for seniors from Deer Lodge Hospital. She was instrumental in the establishment of both Macbeth House and Bleak House senior centres in Winnipeg’s North End.
Bernice was long concerned about the pressing need for affordable housing, especially, but not solely for seniors. Among other groups, Bernice was part of the housing committee on the Council on Aging and also sat as part of the coalition on housing called together by the provincial government.

Bernice won many certificates of recognition and awards for her work, including ones from the Lord Selkirk West Kildonan Community, also Winnipeg’s KLINIC’s suicide prevention program, SPEAK. In 2002, she was given the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. In 2016, she received the Murray and Muriel Smith Award, the highest award by the Manitoba Council on Aging. Finally Bernice was awarded the Order of Manitoba in 2018, the highest honour amongst all others conferred by the Manitoba Crown. This award was for excellence and achievement in any field that benefits the well being of Manitoba and its residents.
Bernice travelled extensively for pleasure, usually on stand-by, all over the world. England, Columbia, and Tunisia were some of her favorites.
In addition to her extensive community work, Bernice was a devoted mother, sister and Baba. She acted as a strong role model for her family in her dedication to her community and relentless support for vulnerable individuals. Her calm and cheerful demeanour stuck with her over the last few years of her life, even when her ability to communicate became limited. You could always count on her to be smiling.

Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Sam Machlin and Rose Hechter-Machlin, and her brothers, Gerry, Joseph and Dr. Allan Macklin.
She will be fondly remembered by her daughter Rosalind, son Lawrence (Tam), grandson Shane Marmel and granddaughter Dr. Allison Marmel (Dr. Yale Michaels).
Funeral service and burial took place at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on April 30, 2021, officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose.
Pallbearers were: Dr. Billy Kettner, Dr. Joel Kettner, Bruce Kettner, Brian Scharfstein, John Michaels, and Jamie Michaels.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Max Marmel and Bernice Macklin-Marmel Fund for the Gray Academy at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.

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Obituaries

FREDERICK (RICK) SHATSKY

It is with great sadness that the family of Rick Shatsky announce his passing on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 85.
Rick was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Marjorie Shatsky, sister Susan Ross, and his wife Corrine Shatsky (Shore). Rick is survived by his son Myles, daughter Patti, son-in-law Michael Charach, and his grandchildren, Samuel and Carrie.
Rick was an avid sports fan, trivia buff, and had a genuine interest in getting to know people. His outgoing personality was well suited to sales and he held several positions with his last role as a long serving employee at Canadian Footwear.
A loving and devoted husband and father to both his children. He shared an extraordinary bond with his son Myles – their shared interests, love of all sports, and travel to sunny destinations brought him much joy. He loved being a grandfather and his grandchildren affectionately referred to him as Papa Rick.
Interment took place at Shaarey Zedek Memorial Park on Monday, February 19.
Thank you to Dr. David Hochman, Dr. Christina Kim, Dr Bashear, and to the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their care and compassion.
Donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

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Obituaries

BARBARA JEAN WERIER

It is with great sadness our family shares the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Barbara Jean Werier, who passed away peacefully on February 6 with family by her side. She was 91 years of age.

She was predeceased by her husband Samuel Werier, and her sister Ann Jason. She is survived by her son’s Joel (Madelaine) and Alan, and her cherished grandchildren Samuel and Rachel.

Barbara was born in the north end of Winnipeg in 1932. She and her younger sister Ann developed a strong bond that would continue well into adulthood. One of her first employment opportunities was with Winnipeg Central Mortgage and Housing, which she spoke fondly of over the years. In 1965 she married her love, Samuel Werier, and they embarked on a 28-year long journey of love, family, and business.

Mom was devoted to her family and children and took great pride in their successes and was always a support in times of disappointment. She was in many ways self-made, and self-taught, and when her husband Samuel passed away in 1993, she continued to run the ‘family business’ J. Werier & Co, on the corner of Princess and Alexander, for the next 25 years.

She was strong, witty and had a tireless work ethic, and always demonstrated kindness and understanding – and she could stand her ground. She taught us how to be good people, and to appreciate the world around us.

Mom found great peace, happiness, and inspiration from a small family cottage in The Whiteshell, where many summer weekends were spent. She found great solace in nature, landscaping, and gardening. She could often be seen walking the trails at the cottage with a pruning saw in her hand. She understood ecology and sustainability before it was fashionable, composted for as long as we can remember, and refused to use fertilizers and chemicals to protect the animals and lakes that she loved.

Mom was the rock and glue of our family. She selflessly supported her family and all around her throughout her life. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to surround her with family and return that support over the last few years. A special thanks to Rodney Chester Larios, who provided exceptional care and became an extended member of our family.

Donations can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

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Obituaries

CLARICE DANZKER (née YAREN) December 29, 1924 -January 9, 2024

After a life well-lived, the family of Clarice Danzker announces her passing on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the age of 99. 

Clarice was born in Winnipeg to Nessie and Abraham Yaren, exactly 3 years to the day after her future husband, Ernie. She was the youngest of five children. She grew up in Winnipeg’s North End during the depression, and always described her childhood as happy. Her passing marks the end of an entire era as the last of her generation on both sides of the Danzker and Yaren families. She is survived by her children, Simmie (Larry) Nasberg, Lainey Danzker (Michael Werier), her grandchildren Steven Werier (Kimi Wertman), Alissa Nasberg, Nessa Werier(Jason Lichtman ), Benji Nasberg, her great-grandchildren Jacob, Sofie and Ozzie. She was pre-deceased by her husband Ernie, her siblings Lil Popeski, Jack Yaren, Harry Yaren, Sima Yaren and many in-laws, nieces & nephews. 

Clarice and Ernie met on a blind date over a game of bridge. They were married in the great flood of 1950 and as the story goes, they relocated their wedding from the Alexandra Hotel to a relative’s home, which they accessed by boat. This elegant lovely woman, together with Ernie, the gregarious man who was her inseparable  partner for over 60 years of marriage, built and sustained a family full of happiness, empathy, and love at which they were the constant center. Their home was characterized by  singsongs, guitar, laughter and people on every possible occasion. 
In the way she lived, Clarice taught those around her invaluable lessons. She was the eternal optimist, always finding something to be happy about. Nothing gave her more joy in her last years than spending time with her great-grandchildren. She was open-minded, progressive, fair, insightful, and dedicated. She treated everyone with respect &  had a kind word for all.  She was a person of strong convictions. She lived by the philosophy  of healthy mind and healthy body, and she remained active in both throughout her 99 years. 

Clarice was involved in many organizations, National Council of Jewish Women, the Shaarey Zedek sisterhood, school organizations, camp organizations, and the arts, which she loved – the symphony, the ballet, the art gallery, the theater. 
Clarice & Ernie & their family shared amazing times at Winnipeg Beach,  Naples, Florida and over 30 winters in Rancho Mirage, California, honing their golf skills and mastering their bridge games. They made lifelong friends everywhere they went.
Clarice always said “your visits made my day”, but it was she who made ours magical. 

The family would like to thank Tess, Baby, Maybelle, and Letty for their dignified care these last months and Dr. Kristen Creek for her exceptional and compassionate care. 

Funeral services were held on January 11, 2024  
Donations  in Clarice’s  honour may be made to the Ernie and Clarice Danzker Family Fund, c/o The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice. 

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