Obituaries
RHODA FELDMAN
Rhoda Feldman passed away peacefully at the age of 91 after a brief hospital stay, spending her last days surrounded by her loving family.
Rhoda was born in 1933, the only daughter of Sam and Lily Koven. She grew up in a basement apartment in Winnipeg’s North End. The second oldest child, she had an older brother Gerry and younger twin brothers Paul and Sorrel. With her father serving overseas in the Royal Canadian Corps of Engineers for six years during the Second World War, Rhoda often found herself as their caregiver. Despite the hardships experienced early in her life, she had fond memories of her childhood – in large part thanks to a caring family including her mother’s 4 vivacious sisters, who remained a presence over the years in which she built a family of her own. Regardless of, or due to, her humble beginnings, Rhoda dreamed big and possessed the energy and determination to make it happen.
Rhoda’s flair for writing was noticed early in her life by a supportive teacher. At a time when most women went straight from high school to focusing on marriage and family, Rhoda finished High School having worked on school newspapers and as yearbook editor, decided to pursue journalism. At the University of Manitoba, she wrote as a sports columnist and began approaching the Winnipeg Free Press regularly and persistently until she succeeded in finding a place there as a reporter.
Not long after starting, Rhoda hit the front page of the Winnipeg Free Press finding herself in the right place and time to cover a historic fire that levelled the Winnipeg Canoe Club.
Many of Rhoda’s closest lifelong friendships were established at the YMHA (The downtown Winnipeg Jewish Community Center) where she also met her future husband Zivey.
Rhoda and Zivey married in 1953, honeymooning in Las Vegas via a romantic road trip. They were a striking couple, glamourous and filled with promise for the future. She was just shy of 21, and too young to drink on her honeymoon. Two years later they welcomed their first child, Brian. Rhoda put her career on pause as she began her new role as mother, but later Rhoda’s career blossomed as she moved into fashion reporting for the Winnipeg Free Press. She travelled to major cities all over the world covering runways and trends. She had a legendary terrible sense of direction and would laugh recalling how she had gotten lost in every major city in the world.
During her career, she interviewed all the major designers of the era including Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. She also managed to secure an elusive interview with Estee Lauder, and she would reminisce about experiences at Studio 54 and meeting Andy Warhol.
An absolute force of nature, Rhoda spent years meeting deadlines at the paper and still putting together a huge spread for Shabbat dinner every Friday night where family attendance was mandatory, and friends were always welcome.
As a freelance journalist, Rhoda’s work was also seen in many papers and other mediums such as CBC Radio & Television.
The family takes comfort in the fond memories of their last celebration with Rhoda, that took place exactly one week before the day of her passing. They gathered to celebrate Rhoda and Zivey’s 71st wedding anniversary at the family home the couple lived in together for over 55 years.
Rhoda is survived by her husband, Zivey, her 5 children, Brian, Lisa (Herb), Karen (Larry), Susan, and Alan (Aviva), her 6 Grandchildren, Corinne, Leslie, Lyric, Clayton, Gabriel and Michael, and 6 Great-Grandchildren Donald, Cassidy, Ally, Eli, Reed and Sierra. She was predeceased by Brian’s wife, Colleen.
At the request of the family, if you would like to make any donations in Rhoda’s memory, please do so to the charity or organization 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.