Obituaries
MAX HOCHMAN February 18, 1922 – January 28, 2021
It is with profound sadness that the family of Max Hochman announces his passing on January 28,2021, in Winnipeg. He was three weeks shy of his 99th birthday.
Left to mourn his passing are his children Jeanette (Norm) Addaway, Sid (Andrea) Hochman, and Irv (Sharon) Hochman of Toronto ; his grandchildren Michael and Melissa Addaway, Lana Hochman, Faren (Ari Sniderman) Hochman of Edmonton, Jordan and Evan Hochman of Toronto, his great-grandson Noam Sniderman, his sister Ettie Slotnick of California, and many nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.
Max was predeceased by his wife Sara, parents, Hymie and Sarah, brother Leon, sister Anne Koster and step-mother Etta.
Max was born in Poland and emigrated to Saskatchewan. He had a difficult childhood as his mother died when he was only 11 years old. His younger brother was ill and passed away 6 years later. At 16, Max moved to Winnipeg to work. During WWII he enlisted in the Air Force, and was stationed, as he would say , “overseas” in Prince Edward Island as a morse code operator. From a young age Max learned the importance of resilience and the value of hardwork. He worked in sales at Allan Lyone for 40 years.
Max married Sara (Raber) and they were married for 56 years before her passing. Jewish values and family were an integral part of his life. He instilled these values in his children and grandchildren. He attended minyan at Etz Chayim (previously Rosh Pina) regularly and often arrived before the doors were opened.
Max was never a rich man, but what he valued most was his time. He gave it generously wherever he could. He was a long-time volunteer for Folklorama, Meals on Wheels, the Sharon Home, and the Health Sciences Centre gift shop. Max was fiercely independent and would rather do for others than have them do something for him. He lived independently until December 2020 and even drove a car until he was 97 years old. Max attended weekly programs at the Gwen Secter and the Stay Young program at the Rady Centre. With his friend Helen May Shrom he enjoyed many wonderful times socializing, particularly with his dear friends Chuck and Lil Frohlich. Max loved participating in and watching sports. He was a member of the YMHA for many years, bowled, curled and played Senior’s baseball. He took great pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He enjoyed attending activities of his children when they were growing up and that continued with his grandchildren. He was so excited when he became a great grandfather for the first time two years ago.
Max was a gentle, soft spoken, kind man who always greeted people with a smile. He made a positive impression on all who had a chance to meet him, even though he could not remember most of their names. When you look up mensch in the dictionary, you could very well see his picture. Max often seemed like the energizer bunny. You could say he “lived long and died young”. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on January 31, 2021. Special thank you to Rabbi Kliel Rose, Cantor Tracy Kasner, and all those who attended online shiva minyan services to honour Max.
Donations can be made to the Etz Chayim Synagogue, Gwen Secter or 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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