It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother and Bobie, FAYE RABER nee GORENSTEIN on September 12, 2024, the 9th of Elul in Ottawa surrounded by her family at the age of 103. Faigel was predeceased by her loving husband, Leon after 68 years of marriage in 2017 in 2017. Predeceased by her parents, Aryeh Leib (Louis) and Frayda Gorenstein of Winnipeg in 1951. Faye was the last surviving member of her generation having been predeceased by her brothers, sister, sister-inlaws and brother-in-laws on both the Gorenstein and Raber side of the families. She is survived by her daughter Frayda Raber (Charles Wiseman) and son Label Raber (Lynn Superstein), Grandsons, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut (Julia) and Michael Bokhaut (Tatyana) and Great Grandchildren, Samantha, Emma, Leon, Marcus and Bridget.
Faye was born in Winnipeg, September 1, 1921, the second youngest of seven (7) children at home at 360 Manitoba Ave. She attended Peretz Day School until Grade 5 where English and Yiddish subjects were taught and completed their after school program until the end of high school. Grades 6-9 were completed at McCrae School and high school at St John’s High School.
Mom had wanted to study to become a Dietician. Sadly her parents could not afford university tuition. She attended the Manitoba Business College where she was on the honour roll for Dictation, Short Hand and Typing. She worked as a Legal Secretary with her first job being with David Levin and then with the first Ukranian law firm- a father and son office- Swystun and Swystun.
When she and our father married on March 13, 1949, our Dad said he would be the provider and Mom was to be responsible for the home and the children. Our home was filled with love, affection and laughter, not to mention good cooking. Mom was very easy to get along with. She was kind and loving and yet, firm and very sensible. Rarely did we ever have an argument. Mom was a wonderful parent. We were very fortunate to have had a mother like her!
Mom was a life long learner and consummate community volunteer. Over the years she learned to drive a car at age 40, take Hebrew speaking classes, adult swimming lessons, learned to play Mah Jongg, sewing lessons, dancing lessons and computer classes. She was a Life Member of National Council of Jewish Women and of Canadian Hadassah WIZO. She actively volunteered at the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue chairing the Mother and Daughter Luncheon. Family and Yiddishkeit were very important to her.
She participated in Aquafit at the Rady Center three times a week well into her 80s, played Mah Jongg twice a week and attended Herzlia Synagogue weekly for Shabbat Services.
In the fall of 2017, Mom decided to come to Ottawa after our Dad had passed away on what she called a “Trial Basis.” She settled in beautifully. She participated in a Jewish Seniors’ Day Program at our JCC, played Mah Jongg, enjoyed her grand-son Yossi and his family’s company and synagogue services.
Funeral Services were held September 16, 2024, graveside at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Y. Benarroch officiating. Pallbearers were Label Raber, Charles Wiseman, Joshua Raber, Yossi Bokhaut, Michael Bokhaut and Geoffrey Katz.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.
Donations in Faye’s memory may be made to the Leon and Faye Raber Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue Winnipeg, Canadian Magen David Adom, or charity of your choice.