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(nee PEIKOFF)

February 15, 1950 – August 10, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Leslie Gomori, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, on August 10, 2026, at the age of 76. Karen passed away peacefully with family at her side.

She was predeceased by her parents, Sydney Peikoff and Sylvia (Bloom) Peikoff; and her brother Hart (Chaim) Peikoff.

Karen grew up in a loving family on Waverley Street. Her grandmother Betty Bloom passed away the year Karen had her bat mitzvah. She attended Hebrew school, River Heights School, Grant Park High School and the University of Manitoba, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked in the fashion industry for several years and later worked as a legal secretary at the Fillmore Riley law firm. In 1992, she met Andy on a blind date arranged by her cousin, Howard. They had two drinks and dinner at Hy’s restaurant, and the rest is history. They got married and shared 34 years of beautiful life together. Karen moved in with Andy and his two sons, Paul and Stephen, coincidentally, also on Waverley Street.

Karen will be lovingly remembered by the love of her life, her husband of 34 years, Dr. Andrew Gomori. She also leaves behind Paul Gomori and his daughter, Freya; Stephen Gomori (Amber Hills) and their daughters, Elise and Laurel. She will be terribly missed by her sister, Roberta Ludwig (William), who lives in the US. She was very close with Roberta, talking on the phone almost daily, especially in the last two years. She will be missed by her nephews, Bryan Ludwig and Michael Ludwig (Bea), and Michael and Bea’s children, Arthur and Eloise; and her nieces – daughters of her late brother Hart – Erin Peikoff (Michael Weinstein) and their children, Joel, Max and Sylvie; and Sara (Peikoff) Zulyniak (Andy) and their children, Hartley, Oliver and Henry. Sadly, due to the risk of getting a respiratory infection during her illness, Karen was able to see Hartley, Oliver and Henry only once or twice, and dearly wished it could have been more. This was very difficult for Karen, who loved her nieces and missed seeing their children grow up. She loved them all the same, always checking in, and always asking for pictures and updates. When she talked about her closeness with Roberta, she recalled that Roberta’s first memory was being walked to kindergarten, not with her mom, but with her sister.

Those who knew Karen will remember her for her warmth, generosity, sense of humour and strength. She was popular, vivacious and a genuinely nice person. She was a wonderful cook, housekeeper and generous host. She had friends going back to her preteens. For nearly 70 years, her two best friends, Robin and Candice, kept in close contact, and were honoured to be pallbearers at her funeral. She also spent a lot of time with her cousin, Shawn, during her childhood and teens. Karen loved to read and always had her Kindle book with her. Karen loved to travel and together with Andy, regularly made it a winter holiday to go to St. Maarten and Nuevo Vallarta. They also travelled to Europe on several occasions. These were beautiful years with lots of adventures and meeting a lot of people with whom they continued their friendships. On her travels, she always picked up elephant figurines, which fill two shelves in their home. One elephant would be on her necklace almost every day for the last several years. Karen’s niece, Erin, commented that Karen was beautiful, with impeccable style, and had a wardrobe she and Sara would long for as girls.

Karen also loved going up to the cabin at Willow Island, just south of Gimli. Over the years she and Andy spent a lot of weekends there. On June 25, they decided to go to the cabin for the last time, however, early in their stay, Karen suffered acute respiratory failure. She was rushed to the Gimli Emergency Room, where Dr. Ludwig and Dr. Blelloch, along with the nursing team, worked intensively for over an hour to successfully resuscitate her. She remained at Gimli Hospital for two weeks where she received excellent, competent care for which they were very grateful. Upon discharge from the hospital, they decided to remain at the cabin for a further two weeks, finishing what they knew would be their last vacation together. It was very peaceful, but her shortness of breath continued to get worse, so they returned to the city on July 26. She passed away two weeks later.

Her biggest wish was to grow old together and spend the time travelling and do things she loved to do together. Unfortunately, she was unable to pursue these dreams due to the progressive limitation of her COPD, which she developed over 10 years ago. This was further complicated by Covid. Her condition got worse in the past six months and especially in the past few weeks. She fought this disease with courage and bravery. She clearly said that no one except those suffering with this disease can fully understand what it is like. She did not want to go back to the hospital, and she did not want any caregivers to be by her side. It was our choice to take care of all her needs at home in the last two weeks. The palliative care team from the provincial healthcare was excellent beyond belief in terms of how they helped. They were competent, compassionate, and took excellent care of Karen with daily visits to make sure she had everything she needed.

When it was obvious that the end was near, we were fortunate to have Rabbi Matthew Leibl come to our home to meet Karen on a couple of occasions. She told him that she was not scared to die. She said that she was scared to live one more day the way too many of the days had been for her at the end. He indicated that he could understand when they say that death is better than a life of pain, and eternal rest is better than a constant sickness.

During the last few days, Karen was surrounded by Andy, her sister, her family, her nieces and her two longest childhood friends, who gave her whatever comfort she needed.

In keeping with Karen’s wishes, a graveside funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on August 12. Rabbi Leibl held the service, and his care is very much appreciated.

We also extend our thanks to Karen’s family doctor, Dr. Michael Hochman, who always gave his time, understanding, and explanations throughout Karen’s illness.

Donations can be made on Karen’s behalf to the Manitoba Lung Association, MS Canada or Parkinson Canada.

Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal.

Love leaves a memory that no one can steal.

May her memory be a blessing and may she rest in peace.

Gerald Kalef passed away on August 1, 2026 at the age of 98. He is survived by his beloved wife Penny, daughter and son-in-law Susan and Eric, granddaughters, Michaela, Chloe and Emily, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Cheryl Kalef, Susan Wall, Reisa Libling, Tannis and Marshall Peikoff and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Anne, sister Myrle, brothers, Lawrence and Harvey, and daughter Marni.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan on June 24, 1928, Gerry’s formative years were spent in Regina, Toronto and Winnipeg. Following his graduation as a chartered accountant from the University of Manitoba in 1955, Gerry served as managing partner of Tadman, Hornstein, Kalef. He was appointed the honoured designation F.C.A., Fellow Chartered Accountant, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession. Gerry’s integrity, acumen, and mentorship to his colleagues was legendary. At the age of 60, Gerry established and led a new partnership through which he would ultimately build and operate Riverwood Square, an Assisted Living and Supportive Housing Facility in Fort Garry. His vision was to provide a home for seniors with dignity, where exemplary care is fundamental. Gerry proudly served as managing partner of Riverwood Square until his 95th year.

Gerry’s volunteer work was extensive, spanning many decades. He served numerous non-profit and charitable organizations including the Combined Jewish Appeal, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Historical Society, the Sharon Home/Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, Ramah Hebrew School, Mount Carmel Clinic, Skills Unlimited/Steps2work, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Foundation, the Estate Planning Council of Winnipeg, and the Long Term and Continuing Care Association of Manitoba. Gerry was a past president of Glendale Golf and Country Club.

Relationship was of central importance to Gerry. He cherished his family and thoughtfully maintained connection with his relatives, friends and professional and business associates throughout his life.

The family is greatly appreciative for the wonderful care given by his exceptional caregivers and Drs. Slutchuk, Edward, Hayes, Manusow, Aguayo, Sheps and Stillwater.

We are deeply saddened by his passing and immensely grateful for a life well-lived. Donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to Chesed Shel Emes, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of choice.