With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Phyllis Newman on September 28, 2017, at the age of 86, surrounded by her family.
She will be greatly missed by son and daughter-in-law Mark and Natalie, daughter Reesa, and grandchildren Lee, Michael, Jeffrey, and Sydney.
Phyllis was born in 1931 in Chrobesz, Poland. She was a survivor of the Holocaust, immigrating to Canada at the age of 16, as an orphan, landing in Halifax in January 1948.
Despite this horrific beginning to her life she built a new life in Canada, marrying Jack in 1950 at the age of 19. She moved to Toronto, then to Barrie, Ontario and back to Winnipeg. Phyllis and Jack worked hard to build a new life together, they were married for 63 years. They enjoyed life, they entertained and traveled, and in later years spent winters in Florida.
After Jack’s passing in January 2014, Phyllis remained active. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, going to movies and concerts, out for lunch and dinner, and trips to the local casino. She especially loved to dote on her grandchildren.
Even though she developed some recent health issues, she remained independent and active. Just the week before her passing, she was busy cooking for the Rosh Hashanah holidays.
Phyllis will be remembered as a kind and generous person who valued family above all, and who could and did talk to anyone and everyone.
Funeral services were held on October 1, 2017 at Etz Chayim Synagogue. Pallbearers were Elliot Goszer, Steven Tritt and Sheldon Zipursky, and her grandchildren Lee Starr, Jeffrey Starr, and Michael Newman. Donations in her memory can be made to Jack and Phyllis Holocaust Education Fund, c/o The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, or a charity of your choice.
