Obituaries
FLORENCE VICKAR
The family of FLORENCE VICKAR, aged 98 years, sadly announce her passing on June 12, 2017.
She leaves behind her children, Larry and Tova Vickar, Reva and Allan Micflikier, Faye Vickar Lazer and Joel Lazer; her grandchildren Sam, Stephen and Marie, Daniel and Heather, Sara and Dorian, Jacob and Alysha, Jilda and Cameron, Sara and Christopher, Lawrence and Szandra; her great grandchildren Mason and Vaughn, Max and Zev, Emi and Greyson, Rin, Noa and Eli, Elliot, Lila and Simone; her sisters-in-law Eve Vickar, Ann Vickar and Gnessie Vickar as well as a large extended family.
After 68 years of marriage, her beloved husband Norman died in 2015 at the age of 98 years. Mom was predeceased by her parents Aaron and Reva Zeitlin, sisters Rose Freedman (Saul) and Minnie Pressman (Morris), and stepmom Rose Zeitlin.
Mom was born in 1919 in Russia and arrived in Canada with her parents and two younger sisters, first to Lipton Colony in Saskatchewan before settling in Winnipeg. In 1947 Mom was introduced to Dad on a blind date and though the first impression was neutral, the second date sealed the deal. They were engaged within three weeks and married a few months later.
Mom and Dad lived in Gronlid, Saskatchewan and by the fall of 1950 they had three children under the age of two. In 1955 we moved to the bigger town of Melfort with the need for school and a Jewish community.
Mom was supportive of Dad’s heavy commitment to business and the community. She was a member of several organizations, most notably studying to become the Worthy Matron of the local Eastern Star. They moved to Regina when Dad was elected MLA for Melfort and stayed for two terms of office. Mom was by his side, fulfilling the role that allowed Dad to succeed.
In 1984 they moved to Winnipeg to be near family. They continued their community involvement, primarily Jewish organizations. They were active attendees at many community events well into their 90’s.
Mom was a good cook and baker. Her Marble Chiffon Cake was featured at many of the Winnipeg neighbourhood children’s birthday parties, in addition to those of her grandchildren. Her cakes came with high expectations; if not perfect they were started again from scratch.
Her other major talent was her green thumb! She knew so much about plants both indoors and out. It was tough for her to relinquish responsibility for her gardens in the last years.
When Dad died in the fall of 2015 Mom missed him dreadfully. She missed her initiator and social planner. They were both people persons, she more quietly than he! Its ironic that heart failure was her final health issue!
Our family is so thankful for the team of caregivers who have been with us every day since the fall of 2012, when Mom was discharged from hospital and Dad insisted on his discharge the same day! Our honorary pallbearers were Josie Ramos, Alicia Ibalio. Clemen Alambra, Emma Manalad, Fatima Dalisay and Lovely Morante. Dad was immediately grateful for their help and Mom grew to appreciate them… Mom taught a couple of them some of her best recipes; blintzes, borscht and Mom’s Marble Cake are now in their repertoire.
In recent months we were fortunate to have a team of visiting nurses from the WRHA Palliative Care program. They were invaluable in their support and guidance to the family and our caregivers, and ensured respectful end of life care for Mom in her own home.
Mom surely hastened to join Dad after her passing! We have a vision of Mom sharing her displeasure with him for his early departure, leaving her behind… then they’ll settle in to that comfortable spot you must get to after 68 years together!
Donations are gratefully accepted to the ‘Norman and Florence Vickar Memorial Fund’ at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster St., Suite C400, Wpg., Mb. R3N2B2 or a charity of your choice.
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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