Obituaries
RITA GUNN November 29, 1941 – April 18, 2023
With deep sadness the family of Rita Gunn (nee Grushko) announces the passing of our beloved Wife, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Great Aunt.
Even before she graduated from St. John’s High School, Rita fibbed about her age and started working in the Eaton’s slipper bar. After a period in retail, she married Bernie Gunn, and moved to marketing and promotions for CKY Radio. She began her university education alongside motherhood, as an adult student. During this time, she became a crisis counsellor for Klinic, setting the stage for a lifetime commitment to feminism and social justice.
Well into her forties, Rita earned her Master of Arts in Sociology at the University of Manitoba, completing a thesis on the failure of the criminal justice system in supporting victims of sexual assault. This eventually became a book (co-authored with Candice Minch) published by the University of Manitoba Press: Sexual Assault: The Dilemma of Disclosure. She lectured in Women’s Studies at the university and was a guest speaker at conferences in Canada and abroad.
When many contemplate slowing down, Rita embarked on a career as a management consultant, co-founding Prairie Research Associates in 1988 with her second husband Gregory Mason and Kerry Dangerfield. Thereupon followed a 27-year career where she directed major studies in criminal justice, health, and the arts. One of her favourite projects was an evaluation of the Inuit Art Foundation, which saw her travel throughout remote northern communities visiting artists in their studios and homes. A painting gifted to her by Simon Tookoomee was among her treasured possessions.
Rita gave generously of her time, serving as a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women. She also was on the Board of MTC and led the revitalization of the Black and White Ball to become one of Winnipeg’s premier fund-raising events.
Rita lived life large. She was a fabulous cook, though any meal she prepared always seemed to have more leftovers than food at the start. She cared for her father when his health faltered and attended her mother during her years in long term care. She always dropped anything she was doing to support her grandchildren. She was the ideal travel companion, always game for an adventure and new sights. Anyone who met her quickly realized they had encountered a force of nature: charming, astute, and generous to a fault.
Rita was predeceased by her parents Jack Grushko and Pearl Grushko (nee Levine), sister Geraldine Sugarman (nee Grushko) and brother in-law Jack Sugarman.
Left to mourn and remember Rita are her husband Gregory Mason, sister Brenda Casey (Peter), son Danny Gunn (Karen Blicker), daughter Alana Gunn (Steven Gall), and grandchildren Matthew Gunn, Jeremy Gunn, Jonah Gall, Ariella Gunn, and Raeya Gall. Also deeply saddened by Rita’s passing are nephews/nieces Jeff Sugarman, Rochelle Winterton, Noah Casey, and Jessica Musoke (Ronnie), great nieces/nephew, Niria Sugarman, Aziza Musoke and Keon Musoke, sister-in-law Cathy Albrecht (Sam) and Skylar Albrecht.
The family thanks the palliative care team at WRHA and the caregivers who helped Rita pass at home after her prolonged illness. Most notably, we owe a debt of gratitude to Joy Senyondwa, who tended to Rita selflessly to the last. Also, we appreciate the kindness of Helen Funk and Valerie Firth who offered Rita hours of companionship and compassion.
If you wish to remember Rita, please donate to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or the 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.
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