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Obituaries

GWENDOLYN FAITH NELKO zt”l

Gwen Nelko edited 1It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Faith Nelko at the age of 81, of Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 24, 2020, of Covid-19 at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg.

She is survived by: her husband of 59 years, Dr. Sidney Nelko; children Marni (Aren) Nelko Altman of Vancouver, BC, and Trevor (Rachelle) Nelko of Plymouth, Minnesota; and grandchildren, Ashton Altman, Tristan and Dylan Nelko. She was predeceased by her brother, Sidney Flackman, of Winnipeg.
Gwen was born in Winnipeg to Sonia and David Flackman on August 22, 1939. She was a certified X-ray technician, and throughout her life was actively involved in many charities, most notably the opening of the Seven Oaks General Hospital where her husband Sid was a founding doctor. She assisted in Sid’s medical practice where her exceptional organizational skills, sense of humour, and leadership were a guiding light.
Gwen’s life was defined by love and great joy. Her greatest love was her family, for whom her exhilaration created a life of overflowing happiness and positivity. Gwen and her beloved husband Sid’s love story is legendary. “The Lovebirds”. No words can describe the powerful eternal bond they shared. Her adoring children and grandchildren were her life. She and Sid enjoyed many years traveling to visit Marni in California, Colorado, and British Columbia, and Trevor in Minnesota. She also had a special love for her cherished dogs, Phoebe and Tyler.
Gwen loved to entertain and the beautiful, warm home she created for her family was renowned as an extraordinary place always filled with fun, love, laughter and beloved relatives, friends, neighbours, and lots of kids. Gwen also loved adventure and was fortunate to have traveled extensively. Attending medical conventions with Sid, often in exotic locations, was one of her favourite pastimes.
According to Jewish tradition, Gwen’s passing on Shabbat recognizes her as a “tzaddik”, a person of great righteousness, and her name is therefore now followed by the acronym zt”l, reserved strictly for tzadikim, meaning “may the memory of this righteous one be a blessing”. It is said that God preserves the whole world for the sake of these few hidden saints and that the passing of such a righteous soul is a tremendous loss to all of humanity, leaving behind a vast spiritual void.
Gwen truly did live her life in an elevated state of higher consciousness. She was always the first to help, call, offer, listen, and truly care for anyone in need. She always gave 110% of herself, time and love, never asking for anything in return. She never complained or spoke a word of negativity about anyone or anything. Her eyes were open only to the beauty and blessings around her and the heavens poured down around all in her captivating presence.
Gwen is remembered most for her grace, radiance and her beautiful ever-present smile and laughter. May the infinite light of pure love, never-ending joy and loving-kindness of Gwen’s great, eternal spirit light the way for us all to elevate ourselves and our world in her blessed memory.
“I love you to infinity and back infinity times”
Memorial donations may be made to Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, Inc.
Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation
2300 McPhillips Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2V 3M3
(204) 632-3552

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Obituaries

NINA CHISVIN June 6, 1932 – November 24, 2024

After a full life well-lived, Nina Chisvin (née Globerman) passed away peacefully at the age of 92.Predeceased
by her beloved parents, Maishel and Raichel Globerman, her siblings and
their spouses, Morley and Dintzie Globerman, Esther and Irv Nisenholt,
Abe and Naomi Globerman. Left to mourn are her cherished husband Allan,
her children, Ellen Thompson, Sorel Friedman (Avi), and David Thompson
(Susan). Joining in their profound grief are her grandchildren, Paloma
and Ben Friedman, Corey Glasberg, and Piper and Belle Riley Thompson
(Michaela). Many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends are also bereft.
Also mourning her loss are Allan’s children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren, whom she loved as her own.Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 26 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.

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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).

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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.

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