Obituaries
MOLLY LACHTER (nee) MINUK
With heavy hearts we announce that Molly Lachter, our dear sweet mom, grandmother and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully December 12, 2019, with family by her side.
Molly will be sadly missed by her daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori, son-in-law Marty, and grandchildren, Mark (Julianna), Michael, and Ryan (Rena). She also leaves to mourn her sisters, Yetta, Clara; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Annette; brother-in-law Jack, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Tybel and Beryl; husband Norman; son-in-laws, Murray and Darryl; sister Evie, and brother Norman.
Mom was born May 21, 1923, the eldest of six children, to Tybel and Beryl Minuk and was raised in a loving close-knit family. After graduating from St. John’s High School, Mom attended a bookkeeping program and then implemented her skills at Western Glove.
Mom and Dad met at a wedding and it was love at first sight. They married in 1948 and thereafter, welcomed three daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori. While we were young, Mom stayed home with us. We all remember Mom helping with homework, cooking great meals, sewing costumes for our various activities and always there to support us. Mom was a best friend to each of us, whether it was to comfort or celebrate, and it remained that way throughout our lives.
As youngsters, we saw Mom’s compassion for animals blossom. From the beginning, she babied and helped care for Marilyn’s pup and later enjoyed Carol’s dogs too. While out walking, Mom stopped to pat every dog along the way.
Later, when Dad had his own electric sign business (Allied Signs), Mom joined him in the office. Even the accountants marvelled at how meticulously she kept the books. In spite of their busy schedules, we experienced wonderful family trips, such as to Detroit Lakes, the Seattle World Fair, B.C. and California. Mom also loved travelling with Dad to Florida, Hawaii and New York. After Dad’s passing, Mom had a memorable trip to Alaska with some of her siblings. She also had a blast with Lori on a 10 day road trip in a sportscar to Minneapolis.
Mom was very social and enjoyed participating in the B’nai B’rith, Gwen Secter, and later the Luther Home day programs. She also stayed a member of the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. Yiddishkeit was important to Mom and she imparted her love of it to her family.
Mom and Dad had a wonderful, loving relationship. After Dad’s stroke, Mom literally stayed by his side. At the bowling alley, she would hand him the ball so he could continue his love of the game. While watching the Miss America Pageant, Dad proclaimed Mom was the most beautiful of all.
Following Dad’s passing, Mom enjoyed countless times at the Golub household, which for many years became the hub for family holiday dinners and special celebrations. While she was able, Mom loved bringing over special dishes she had carefully prepared. She was always the centre of attention.
For the next 20 years Mom continued going on trips to Clear Lake with Marilyn’s family. She enjoyed a special loving connection with Murray and they would spend countless hours schmoozing and laughing together. Mom and Marilyn also cherished their times together. Mom was very fit for her age and would trek over the hilly golf courses, scorecard in hand, keeping everyone honest. She delighted in every experience, from volunteering at the annual triathalons and cheering Michael and Mark on, to stargazing through Mark’s telescope and viewing the Auroras.
Lori took pleasure in regularly taking Mom out for dinner. They treasured their times spent together. Marty would also often join them. It was a tradition for Lori to include Mom on New Year’s Eve. They celebrated many years at the Velvet Glove, (with private viewing of fireworks) and later for many years at Hy’s Steakhouse, arriving back at Mom’s at 1:30 a.m.!
Mom and Marty enjoyed a close loving relationship. He fondly recalls the motorcycle ride on the back of his Harley was quite the thrill for her.
For approximately 18 years, Mom loved spending time with Lori and Marty’s many horses, patting them and giving them treats. She enthusiastically travelled with Lori and Marty to many horse shows and took pride in seeing the horses successfully compete. It was also a thrill for Mom to see their newborn foals, at one day old. Up until the very end talking about the horses would put a smile on her face.
After Dad’s passing, Mom’s strength was an inspiration to Carol. She affectionately remembers Mom beaming so proudly, walking down the aisle at Ryan and Rena’s wedding. Carol also holds dear the wonderful visits and so many lengthy phone chats she enjoyed with Mom.
Mom’s grandsons brought her so much joy. Her love and involvement in their lives was priceless, from simply playing with them to beaming with pride at all their birthday celebrations, concerts, Bar Mitzvahs and graduations. Mom also enjoyed hearing about their many diverse experiences. Mark, Michael and Ryan have so many loving memories of their Baba. Oh, how she will be missed!
Funeral services were held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on December 16, 2019, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek and shivas at Marilyn’s home. A special thank you to Rabbai Kliel Rose for officiating, to Irv Vinsky for leading the shiva services and to the pallbearers, grandsons, Mark, Michael, and Ryan and nephews, Doug, Keith and Jeff.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mom’s caregivers, Violeta, Noemi, Paz, Thelma, Jamie, Linda H., Sanu and Linda E. for their loving care. With their dedicated support, Mom was able to remain in her own home. To our family and friends, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Your generous donations, cards, flowers, meals and food items were greatly appreciated.
Donations in Molly’s memory may be made to the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, the Winnipeg Humane Society or to 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.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login