Obituaries
DINA FRANKEL
Dina Frankel (nee Gilman), loving wife of the late Mark Frankel Z”L, dedicated mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 27, 2023 (15 Tevet 5784) at Grace Hospital.
Dina Frankel was born in the North End of Winnipeg on October 7th, 1931 to Samuel and Mollie Gilman Z”L. Growing up in this humble, working class setting with seven siblings and immigrant parents fresh from the old country instilled in Dina a strong sense of family values that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. For Dina, it was always “family first”.
As destiny would have it, Dina met Mark Frankel at a Yom Kippur event in the early 1950’s and they were married in November of 1955. Dina and Mark raised their three children in Garden City. As a close-knit family of five, the Frankels were devoted, active members of the Jewish community.
Mom’s legacy was that of total dedication in every area of her life. Be it raising her children and grandchildren or preparing meals for her extended family and close friends whom she thought of as family, Mom was never happier than when she was bringing people together.
Our Mother’s infectious personality & beautiful smile made her easy to love, and her natural warmth drew many friends into her orbit throughout her life. Fostering relationships was always important to Mom, and through weekly Mahjong games and her time at Gwen Secter, she was lucky enough to develop a group of friends who remained close forever.
Dina was a passionate woman, and when she loved something, she put her heart and soul into it — be it her love of knitting, reading, cooking, playing Mahjong, weekly bowling & in her younger years working full time and raising her children and then being there for her grandchildren.
Though she lived all her life in Winnipeg, Dina’s wisdom and experience surpassed the borders of Manitoba. Dina was always looking to learn new things and expand her horizons; an avid reader and lover of old films, Dina regularly took part in book exchanges through B’nai Brith Women and loved bringing her family to the theatre. The kids, thus fascinated with culture, traveled often when they were old enough to go on their own, and the parents followed suit in due order.
Giving back to her community was one of the driving forces of Dina’s life. Through her involvement with Jewish organizations B’nai Brith Women where she became chapter president of the newly formed Nadir Chapter JWI and Beth Israel Synagogue where she served as the Sisterhood co-president, she worked tirelessly to help her community.
The memory of Dina Frankel endures in her friends and family, who still work to live up to the principles of kindness, charity and Yiddishkeit that she instilled in them. Dina was loved in life, and will be fondly remembered for generations to come.
Towards the end of her life, Dina was aided by two committed, loving and invaluable caregivers who helped her tremendously through her later years — Femy Abenes and Marga Torres, both of whom often referred to Dina as their mother. Special thanks to Dr. Tamara Buchel and the team at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Centre led by Jennifer Lambert and Charmaine.
Dina is survived by her son Sidney Frankel [Roser Cusso] of Paris, daughter Gail Cantor [Ron] of Winnipeg, daughter Carla Worb [Michael] of Toronto, her five grandchildren: Jorey Worb [Alex Raiman], Molli Worb [Obed Ortiz], Harry Worb [Carly Goodman], and Marlee Cantor, her younger brother Ronnie Gilman of Los Angeles and sister-in-law and very dear friend Charna Gilman of Winnipeg, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Dina was predeceased by her elder siblings Ida Cohen [Lawrence], Izzy Gilman, Abe Gilman, Bess Miller [Al], Harry Gilman [Elsie], Jack Gilman, sister-in-law Anne Gilman, mother and father-in law Anne and Louis Frankel and brother-in-law Bernie Frankel [Gloria].
The funeral was held on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Chesed Shel Emes Funeral Chapel.
Pallbearers were: Son Sid Frankel, grandsons Harry Worb and Alex Raiman, nephews Murray Miller, Steve Rogul & Geoffry Wolk.
Donations in Dina Frankel’s name can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card
Etz Chayim Synagogue -Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.congregationetzchayim.ca/
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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