Obituaries
RUTH KETTNER
It is with sadness and gratitude that we mourn the loss of our mother, Ruth Kettner. She died in her 100th year on February 15, 2023. We are sad that she is gone. We are grateful that she died the way she wanted to: peacefully in her own home, in her favourite chair, with her family holding her hands. Her warm heart stopped after more than three billion heart beats.
Most of all, we are thankful for her. She had a wonderful life. She was loved by more people than we know.
Ruth put her joy of life, her heart, and her warm hard-working hands into everything she did. She seemed to find enjoyment in all of it, especially being with and caring for her family, their friends, her nephews and nieces, her friends, fellow activists, work colleagues, and her patients. She made people feel welcomed and valued. Although not officially trained as one, she was a counselor to many, ready to listen to anyone who sought her advice or support. She was inclusive in a way that made those around her feel that they were part of her family. She made people feel loved. It was easy to love her back.
Ruth was born on May 2, 1923 in Winnipeg. Her parents were Molly Hechter and Hymie Wiseman. She grew up on Corydon Avenue with her three siblings: Ethel (Bert), Edna (Jack) and Barrie (Maureen). At the age of 19, she married Max Kettner. She and Max, who predeceased her in 2008, led a life full of love, work, adventure, compassion, learning, and generosity together for 66 years. They married in Kingston, Ontario during WW2 and moved shortly thereafter to Minneapolis for Max to complete his PhD. Ruth supported the family, which increased from two children (Faye and Billy) to four (Joel and Bruce), by working as a typist. In 1956, they returned to Winnipeg and moved into 84 St. Cross in Winnipeg’s north end. That house served as the well-loved family home for them and countless friends until all the children left.
Born left-handed, Ruth was pressured at school to write with her non-dominant right hand. Although she was initially resistant to it, she became ambidextrous, which may have been a factor in her lively and entertaining piano playing and her award-winning penmanship, which endured until the day she died. Her ability to navigate her way through or around such efforts to mould or constrain her – whether personal or societal – were a theme of her life.
Prior to her eventual career, Ruth was predominantly a “stay-at-home” mom. She was reliable and always available – not just for a hot lunch every school day or for help with homework and school projects. She created a home that was warm, comfy, and stimulating. Outside the home, she was involved with a peace activist group “Voice of Women”, Girl Scouts and Cubs leadership, and the PTA at Luxton school. She directed school plays for the annual Winnipeg Play Parade.
She had fun and knew how to create fun for others. She hosted events, big and small, and welcomed everyone with genuine warmth. She was delighted to receive guests – whether invited or not! – at the house or cottage.
Despite her many activities, she found time for relaxation and recreation. She was content to be alone, baking pies, cakes, and muffins in bare feet while listening to opera. She was as at home at the opera or ballet in New York, London, or Winnipeg, as she was camping in Arizona or the Rockies.
At the age of 42, once her children were in high school and university, Ruth decided to go back to school to obtain a diploma in Early Childhood Development. She chose to work with hospitalized sick children, and soon became the Director of the Child Life Department at Children’s Hospital. There, she led a gradually expanding team that developed and implemented an innovative and well-respected program. She became a sought-after teacher, speaker, and consultant, locally, nationally, and internationally. At the core of the program’s success was Ruth’s creativity and warm heart, inspiring all the staff as well as others throughout the hospital. Although she loved working directly with the children, much of her work was providing direct support for their parents, especially those of terminally ill children. She also applied her life experience of navigating challenging obstacles by using her charm and persuasiveness to advocate for the children and to obtain resources from administrators and benefactors.
She was awarded many honours during her life including the Queen Elizabeth ll Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, YWCA Woman of the Year in 1978, and the Child Life Council Distinguished Service Award in 2004. She received an honorary professorship in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Manitoba. Not bad for a girl who left school after grade 10!
For their retirement, Max and Ruth bought a recreational vehicle for winter vacationing in Arizona. When Max’s eyesight failed, Ruth learned to drive the 32-foot RV so they could continue wintering in their favourite State Parks in Arizona.
After Max died, Ruth continued her engagement with The Compassionate Friends of Winnipeg. She maintained relationships with at least three generations that were touched, directly or indirectly, by her care for their children and support of their families. She remained in contact throughout her life with the numerous staff and colleagues who sought ongoing connection with her. She joined a creative writing group that met regularly at her home. Over a period of ten years, she wrote over one hundred short non-fiction stories, some already published, and others yet to be.
We think that the story of her life is a wonderful and inspiring one. We are grateful that our families – all three generations – and so many others have been a part of her story and share her legacy.
Her greatest joys were, of course, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made them all feel special. She was their “Ma”, “Baba”, or “Baba Baba”.
Faye: Marni (Grant), Isanne, Maya, Noa; Rachel (John), Hannah; Katherine (Bryan), Nathan, Tess. Frank and Valerie, Martyn, The Hilderman/Berry Family, The Greenberg Family.
Billy (Jane): Amy, Jack; Libby, Lucas, Emma. Billy (Debbie): Robert (Lisa), Sally. Billy (Avril): Ashlyn (Eitan), Devon (Sandra) Lola.
Joel (Sharon): Michelle (Joel), Arthur, Hannah; Beth (David), Alice, Georgia, Simone; Joanne (Matt), Juliette, Emma. Joel (Charlotte): Heather (Roz), Demi; Ben (Megan), Jack; Jace (Olena).
Bruce (Lindafern): Madeleine (Nico), Aaron, Yael; Jacob (Rylie), Asher, Ben.
Donations can be made to the Ruth Kettner Child Life Endowment Fund (at Children’s Hospital Foundation) to support child life workers’ attendance at professional development conferences and courses.
A memorial service to mourn her death and celebrate her life will be held on June 29, 2023, at The Leaf conservatory in Assiniboine Park. The service will begin at 2:00 PM (doors will open at 1:00). Our plan is to livestream and record the formal part of the ceremony.
Obituaries
MAY TADMAN TALLMAN (nee MINDESS)
On June 10, 2024, the world lost a loving mother, grandmother and friend when May Tadman Tallman peacefully passed away at her home in her sleep, three days shy of her 100th birthday. In her final days May was surrounded by family members, Michael, Candis, Julia and Joshimar Tadman, Rebecca (Rebbie) and Alan Schacter and Bob and Cathy Tallman.
May was born on June 13, 1924, and grew up in the North End of Winnipeg. Her life changed when she attended a dance at Winnipeg Beach and a young man, Alexander B. Tadman (Alex), came up to her and asked if she would be his steady. On April 7, 1944, she and Alex (who later became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants) were married. They raised two children, Michael and Roberta, and spent 51 very happy years together. During that time May did volunteer work with the Girl Guides of Canada, volunteered at various Winnipeg hospitals, was active in the bridge community and became president of the Chartered Accountants’ Wives Club of Manitoba. Alex died in 1995 while he and May were wintering in Palm Springs. May subsequently married a kind and loving gentleman, Daniel (Danny) Tallman in 1999. May was lovingly welcomed into the Tallman family and she and Danny spent 13 wonderful years together until his passing in 2012.
May enjoyed socializing at the Glendale Golf Club; she loved travelling and spent many of those long, cold Winnipeg winters in Palm Springs with Alex and then Florida with Danny. She travelled to Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Caymen Islands and enjoyed various cruises with her family. May was an avid bridge player and throughout the years belonged to many bridge groups and stopped playing only when prevented by her failing eyes and arthritic hands. She enjoyed shopping, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. May planned her meals like a chess master, always several meals ahead.
May was devoted to her family; nothing was more important to her. Their well-being and happiness came first and foremost to her.
May very much looked forward to and enjoyed family gatherings with her niece Rebbie (Alan) Schacter and their children and great-grandchildren. May always appreciated the welcoming and love the Schacter family extended to her. May also looked forward to and always enjoyed her lunch dates with her nephew Marty Tadman.
May retained her sense of humour, quick wit, warmth, charm and memory right to the end. Despite her physical pain and limitations, she didn’t complain and considered herself fortunate to be able to live in her own home and have the care that she received from Marian, Clem and Cora.
May was predeceased by her parents, Morris and Rebecca Mindess; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Mary Mindess and Harry and Diana Mindess; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jack and Sooky Tadman and Bill and Anne Tadman; brothers-in-law, Harvey Tallman and Erwin Tallman; husbands, Alexander Tadman and Danny Tallman; daughter Roberta Chochinov and son Martin Tallman.
May is survived by her son Michael (Candis) Tadman, Gloria Tallman (whom May considered a daughter), son-in-law Ronald Chochinov, grandchildren, Julia (Joshimar) Tadman, Jennifer Chochinov, Carrie (Andy) Sundberg, Krissy Goodhand and Alexander Tallman. May leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Alexander and Bailey Sundberg and Morgan Tallman.
May was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Obituaries
MATTHEW GLASS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Glass, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Zaida), and community pillar on Friday June 28, 2024. Matthew passed away at the age of 92, having lived a long and wonderful life alongside his devoted wife, Dianne. This August, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Matthew was born in 1932 in Winnipeg to immigrant parents, and he was the third of four sons and grew up in an entrepreneurial household where his parents owned a corner grocery store in the North End of Winnipeg. Matthew was the only one of his siblings to pursue higher education, earning a professional degree in pharmacy. At the age of 18, he began an apprenticeship as a pharmacist and shortly after entered the faculty, graduating in 1954. This marked the beginning of a long and esteemed career as a community pharmacist.
Once he purchased his first pharmacy, Talbot Pharmacy in 1962, located at the corner of Talbot and Grey, and got married, Matthew began his long career serving generations of families in the community. He and Dianne spent the first ten years of their marriage without children, working hard at the pharmacy while traveling the world and sharing his love for the game of golf. In 1980 Matthew had the opportunity to open a second pharmacy in the same community, Munroe Pharmacy, located at the corner of Munroe and London. Later he would amalgamate both pharmacies at the one location. Matthew worked long hours and loved his profession, dedicating almost 60 years to pharmacy, with 50 of those years as a pharmacy owner in the Elmwood/East Kildonan community. He was deeply respected for his expertise, empathy, and respect.
As a pharmacist and pharmacy owner, Matthew had the privilege of not only managing people’s health and medication but also acting as their advocate, in many aspects of their life. He truly cared for his clients and their families, with generations seeking his services and guidance. Even though he retired over 10 years ago, he remained a cherished figure in the community, with many still asking about him and sharing kind words. At work he led by example with his strong work ethic, compassion and heart. He created a legacy at the pharmacy, one that his daughter Michelle, who followed in his footsteps, continues to uphold with pride.
Matthew was a role model and mentor for his family. He excelled in many activities, from winning bowling championships to curling and playing golf. He was very active throughout his life, achieving a hole-in-one in his 70s—a modest yet proud accomplishment. He supported the Arts with his wife with season tickets to the RWB, MTC, and Virtuosi to name a few.
Despite his busy career, Matthew made time for his family, especially as a Zaida to his three grandchildren, Miri, Gabi and Saully. Matthew was predeceased by his parents Fanny and Joseph Glass, siblings Ervin, David and Alfred Glass, son Frederick Glass.
Matthew is remembered as a kind, gentle, and generous man by all who knew him. He lived a full life, achieving everything he wanted to while being surrounded by his loving wife Dianne, daughter Michelle (Roni Estein) and his entire family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Matthew Glass.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at Chesed Shelemes and may be viewed at chesedshelemes.org
May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
Unveiling for Jerry Silbert
The family of the late Jerry Allan Silbert wishes to inform their relatives and friends of the unveiling of a headstone dedicated to his loving memory on: Sunday, July 14, 2024, 11:00am at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park 2795 Main St. Winnipeg, MB
Meal of Condolence to follow at the Congregation Etz Chaim, 1155 Wilkes Avenue Winnipeg, MB
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