Obituaries
EVELYN MASLOWSKY
On May 18, 2020, Evelyn Maslowsky passed away at the Simkin Centre at the age of 92.
Evelyn is survived by her son Kenny, daughter Debbie (Arthur), daughter-in-law Chris, brother Nathan Yacowar (Lucy), brother-in-law Bill Mass (Zeke), her grandchildren Kaylee (Jared), Bobby, Tara and Sarah, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear friend Allan. She was pre-deceased by her husband Sam, daughter Barbara, son Jerry and her parents, Abraham and Freda Yacowar.
Evelyn was born in Burstall, Saskatchewan in 1927. She was raised in a most loving family with her brother Nathan on their farm in Leader, along with her aunts, uncles and cousins (like siblings). Evelyn moved to Winnipeg on her own at age of 17 to live with her aunt and uncle and attend St. John’s High School before moving on to ‘secretarial’ training. Evelyn remained a true Saskatchewanite –feeling torn who to cheer for when her beloved Roughriders played the Blue Bombers (a bit embarrassing for her son Jerry years later when he worked for the Winnipeg football club).
Evelyn married Sam Maslowsky in 1947. Together they opened their first store – Cut-Rate Grocery on Pacific Avenue. They soon welcomed their four children into the world and all six lived upstairs of the store. Evelyn used to say those were the best years, with her family (very) close, and good friendships with neighbours and customers.
In 1962, Evelyn’s parents moved to Winnipeg. Evelyn and Sam moved to Garden City, with her parents and in-laws living up the street. Evelyn continued working with Sam in the store and together, eventually purchased a new grocery store – Tweed Food Centre in Elmwood. Again, their customers enjoyed the first-rate service, warmth and good humour of Evelyn and Sam.
In addition to working in the store, raising four children and being a devoted daughter, Evelyn was very active in B’nai Brith Women where she led numerous community service programs in seniors’ homes and at facilities for physically and intellectually challenged adults. There were also many fundraising events including developing their famous ‘Penny Arcade’. Evelyn was also active in Pioneer Women and volunteered for numerous organizations.
Evelyn was always cooking and baking for her family, the community and beyond. Whether it was feeding 20 Hydro workers sandwiches and coffee (they were fixing lines after a storm in front of the house), making food for those sandbagging at flood lines, or feeding walkers on a fundraising walkathon stop at our house, Evelyn was ready to contribute the best way she knew how – with food and an open heart.
In addition to working in the store, Evelyn started a part time job as an enumerator with the Henderson City Directories. She soon became Supervisor of the Winnipeg office and other canvasses in Western Canada.
A highlight for Evelyn was, after Sam passed and she had turned 80, Jerry, Debbie and Sarah took Evelyn to her hometown in Saskatchewan. The town council office held a Tea for Evelyn and many of her childhood friends and neighbours (even the milk delivery ‘boy’) came to pay tribute to the incredible community contributions of the Yacowar family. This was sweetened even more when her cousin Maury joined the nostalgic visit.
Everyone who knew Evelyn was familiar with her zest for life, her fieriness, her ability to be a warm place to land, her inability to be judgmental, her sparkling eyes, her love of dance, song, family and friends. She was the ultimate caregiver. She walked into a Toronto club where Kenny was singing with a bag of Omnitsky wieners and vursht. She made Christmas dinner for 50 friends and family (as that was the only day Sam closed the store) and anyone else who couldn’t be with their own families. She shipped baking filled Purim packages to Bobbi and Kenny. She brought baking, cooked chickens and chili to Jerry and Debbie. She delivered, with love.
The family is grateful for past assistance of Friendly Caregivers and the incredible staff of the Simkin Centre (EVERY single one). We also thank pallbearers Tara Maslowsky, Bobby Maslowsky, Kaylee Maslowsky, Jared Schirmacher, Neil Baker, and Sheldon Kaminsky. There are not enough words to express our thanks to Almaze Mebratu, whose dedication, love and support of her baba, knew no limits.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to: the “Barbara Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba; or the “Jerry Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at Variety, The Children’s Charity of Manitoba; or “Jerry’s Gift – The Day Away Program” at the Never Alone Foundation; or to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace ma and take care of the rest of our family. You are so loved.
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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