Obituaries
REBECCA ROSNER (nee Rosenheck)
Rebecca passed away peacefully, at St. Boniface Hospital, on April 26, 2015, after a short illness, at the age of 96 years.
She was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, on September 27, 1918, to Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck. She was the third oldest of her eight siblings.
The family lived in Oxbow, Saskatchewan approximately 15 years and then moved to Hirsch, Saskatchewan. They were part of the “Hirsch Colony Jewish Settlement”. She was the second last surviving family member in her generation, on both sides of the family.
She was predeceased by her parents Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck, her husband Ephraim, her eight siblings: Ben Rosenheck, Max Rosenhek, Hanna Zack, Shirley Levine, Sylvia Frankel, Elkin Rosenhek, Ruby Sideman, and a “little girl” Rosenheck.
After her father passed away in 1945, the family moved to Winnipeg and they lived in the “North End”. Becky helped look after her younger siblings. She worked at Cari’s in the “undergarment business.”
She met Ephraim, the love of her life, in the mid-1950s. They married on November 9,1957, and had two children, Martin and Jackie.
In our early years Mother was at Home and Dad was a “travelling salesman” for a garment company.
Dad took ill in the early 1960s and was unable to travel. They decided to start a business and opened up Peacock Corsetry in the new Polo Park Shopping Mall. Becky was a “specialist” in her field and the store was known for its “customer service”. Becky and her staff did all their own alterations on the undergarments, free of charge. Becky also fitted many women after surgery. This provided them with comfort and brought back their dignity.
After nearly 30 years Becky retired. She was in her early 70s. Long-time customers would phone her at home and ask her to help them with their fittings and she would always oblige.
Family was always important to her. Becky always enjoyed attending family occasions – outings in the park, dinners, weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs.
A “Jewish home” was always important to her, along with the celebration of the Jewish holidays. Becky always baked honey cake and prepared other holiday foods three-four weeks in advance. Everything she prepared was delicious and she enjoyed being together with family.
In June, 2000, the first of her two grandchildren were born. Becky was excited to become a “Baba”. Natalie and Sarah brought great joy to her life and her eyes would light up every time she saw them.
She is survived by her son Martin, daughter-in-law Lori, grandchildren Natalie and Sarah, of Coquitlam, BC, and her daughter Jackie, of Winnipeg.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Doreen Rosenhek, of Richmond B.C.
A graveside funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on April 28, 2015. A meal of consolation followed at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were her nephews: Sidney Rosenhek, Larry Zack, Gerald Rosner, Evan Rosner, Jonathan Fine and Zev Rumstein.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Thorvaldson Care Center for all their kindness and compassion over the last two years. We also thank the staff of 5E Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital for all their care and concern. And a big thank you to Becky’s companion, Loretta. We are very grateful to everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
Rest in peace Mother and Baba.
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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