With deep sorrow and in gratitude for the memories we have of her, we announce the passing of Naomi Chapman (née Romalis), peacefully on March 15, 2019 at the age of 84.
Naomi is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Arthur and Jo-Ann, Stephen and Sima, and Kenneth and Michelle as well as her grandchildren Shari, Jess and Grant Morgan, Yael, Daniel, Orli, Leora and Noa and her great-grandson Mikel as well as her brother and sister-in-law Brian and Miriam Romalis. She was predeceased by her parents Morris and Sophie Romalis and her beloved husband of 55 years, Jack Chapman.
Naomi was born on November 7, 1934 in Winnipeg. She grew up on Mountain Avenue and she was educated at Faraday School and St. John’s Tech. Following that, she attended the University of Manitoba and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Throughout all her years of education, Naomi was a dedicated scholar and was cited many times as a brilliant student. Soon after her graduation, Naomi and Jack were married and together raised three sons. The home on Sweetwood Bay was a gathering place for family and friends and many happy occasions were celebrated there.
Naomi had a life-long passion for the arts. Symphonies, books, plays, movies, operas and Saturday afternoon ballet performances with her beloved Aunt Rita Sarbit were attended on a regular basis. In addition, Naomi was a fabulous cook and many memorable meals were served. Whether it was for two or forty, she always served meals that were delicious and skillfully presented.
Naomi and Jack enjoyed travel both with their sons and each other. We have fond memories of our trips to California, Chicago, Israel and even just to Grand Forks.
After her sons were capable of taking care of themselves, Naomi decided to enter the workforce, first as a volunteer for the United Way and then to positions with ACTRA, the Manitoba Theatre Workshop (now the Prairie Theatre Exchange), CKY Radio and the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Upon her retirement, Naomi embraced the role of grandmother and, after three sons, thoroughly enjoyed shopping for her granddaughters. Naomi and Jack had many Sunday night dinners which have created countless happy memories for all of us.
Funeral services, led by Shames Bill Weissmann, were held on March 17, 2019 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Active pallbearers were Shari, Yael, Daniel, Orli, Leora and long-time family friend Jeff Slusky. Honorary pallbearers were family friends Michael Lazar, Howie Gilmore, Marvin Hendin, Brian Shuster and Lawrence Goldstine.
We gratefully thank the staff at Maples Personal Care Home for the excellent care they provided Naomi over the past eight years.
Donations can be made in Naomi’s honour to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or a charity of one’s choice.
