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Obituaries

SYLVIA POSNER

The following eulogy was written by Sylvia Posner’s son, Matthew:
It is a solemn yet daunting task to compose a eulogy for a parent. On the one hand, you seek to highlight the qualities and extol the virtues of the person who gave you life and nurtured your development, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. On the other hand, you recognize your innate deficiencies in being able to fully encapsulate the essence of someone’s being in a concise synopsis, and fret over your inability to adequately honor their many contributions to this world. Within the context of this quagmire, I offer the following thoughts of my mother, Sylvia Shaw Posner.

Sylvia Shaw was born on August 29th, 1926 to Morris Shaw and Dorothea (Petal) Shaw. She was the middle of three children, having two brothers, Marcus the elder, and Harvey, the baby. They were the first Canadian-born generation of their lineage. The early years were spent in Edmonton, but the formative years of their childhood materialized after they had relocated to Montreal. Mom’s dad worked as a traveling salesman, which required her mother to shoulder the lion’s share of the responsibilities of raising the children. When my mom was 14 years old, tragedy befell the family when her father passed away. This calamity was compounded by the fact that World War II was raging, goods were in short supply, and society at large had yet to embrace women in the workplace, with the notable exceptions of teachers, nurses, and secretaries. Borne out of necessity, and armed with gumption and a steely resolve, my grandmother went to work and ensured that her children wanted for nothing, and received a well-rounded education. I believe that these life-changing events from her early years are the source of my mother’s fierce independence and legendary coping skills, courage and perseverance in the face of hardship, overarching sense of self-sacrifice and responsibility for others, and humble spirit and kind heart.

Soon after the war ended, my mother and father, Edward Neil Posner, met, and following what in contemporary times would be considered a brief courtship, they married on February 22, 1947. They settled in Winnipeg, my father’s hometown. In short order, they added branches of their own to the Posner Family tree. They raised five children, Miles, Cynthia, Stephen, Alex, and Matthew. Like her mother before her, Sylvia applied her can-do attitude and prodigious work ethic to all of her innumerable responsibilities and commitments. She worked tirelessly both in and out of the home, with the latter inadvertently becoming an outlet to develop and showcase my mom’s talents at professional baking. Weekdays, during school hours, my mom would work at Sharon’s Linens, first on Bannerman, and later on Main Street. Her only quiet times were the pre-dawn hours, which were spent laboring at crossword puzzles or a game of solitaire while enjoying a cup of black coffee, piping hot. The weekends were claimed by the Sildor, the family business that served as a banquet hall for the community. My mom would sell liquor tickets for the Friday evening socials until the wee hours of the morning, and on Saturdays would prepare desserts for hundreds of people that would attend weddings being held later that evening. Sundays were devoted to family, with the early years of married life being a time when the extended clan would enjoy an impromptu gathering simply to visit. Over time, the arrival of grandchildren enriched family time, and many happy hours were devoted to babysitting. The number of progeny swelled through the years that followed, and the final tally included nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In later years, my parents opened a delicatessen out of the Sildor that operated during the week, affectionately called Pal Joey’s after my dad’s favorite movie, and unsurprisingly, my mom created all the baked goods sold there. After the Sildor was sold, my mom and her first cousin Debbie Israel started up a business together, baking high quality desserts for many local restaurants and private affairs. Some of you may recall the name of their business…Sinfully Delicious. Indeed it was, especially their cheesecakes. As an aside, when my wife Brenlee and I moved away from Winnipeg in 1987, my mom lovingly put together a book containing all of her prized recipes so that she could start a business of her own. As many of you know, Brenlee and Sylvia shared an inseparable bond as well as a birthday, and out of an abiding sense of love, gratitude, and respect, my wife called her business Syl’s Secrets.

What I have shared with you thus far amounts to the structural framework of what you shall see was an exemplary life, distinguished by chesed and measured by the fulfillment of the sacred mission of Tikkun Olam. Let us turn our attention to more substantive aspects of my mom’s life whereby her character and values can be appreciated. This is where the divine spark of Sylvia Posner resided, and illuminates the impact that she had on the lives of countless individuals. My mother Sylvia was one of the most exceptional and endearing people that I have ever met throughout my life. During childhood, there is a naive tendency to take one’s parents for granted. Time, maturity, life experiences, and the transition to parenthood cause us to become more reflective, and comprehend, with a renewed perspective, the various dimensions of their character, values, priorities, and personal qualities. The delicate interplay between these entities define and determine how one interacts with, and is perceived by the outside world. Through the lens of adulthood, we see our parents anew, and become acutely aware of the full extent of our good fortune. As a young man, I realized that I was profoundly blessed to have Sylvia Posner as my mom. This conviction has only strengthened over the years, and will forever enshrine her as my first, and most enduring hero and exemplar.

My mom had several gifts, and it is debatable as to which one was the most iconic. She had this uncanny ability to instantly put people at ease, making them feel welcomed and valued from the moment she made their acquaintance. She was unpretentious, authentic, and possessed a knack to always see the hidden potential in people that had escaped the recognition of others. This may explain her lifelong staunch support for the underdog and disenfranchised. Her natural tendency was to effusively praise and graciously elevate others as she understood the power of kindness to boost self-esteem, dignify one’s spirit, and transform pernicious attitudes. Her kindness, generosity, and hospitality knew no bounds, and it easy to see why our home was the preferred place for our friends to congregate.

Always thinking of others, and never one to complain or adopt a woe-is-me mindset, Sylvia was a continuous source of inspiration for others. Hers was not an easy or charmed life, but there was always joy in her heart. She confronted the struggles of life with steadfast determination and savored the joys associated with its simple pleasures. Syl was an avid reader with mysteries being her preferred genre, and I would be remiss if I failed to mention her affinity for scrabble, where she garnered the reputation of a formidable opponent. My mom was never bored and filled her days with an endless array of activities. The consummate social butterfly, she would often host friends and family in her apartment at the Portsmouth Retirement Residence. Her solitary pursuits enabled her to indulge her creative instincts which centered around knitting. This was likely an extension of her artistic tendencies that first manifested as a teenager, when she would produce advanced oil paintings. Knitting was a hobby that provided endless satisfaction, and the quality of her creations could easily sell for a small fortune. I still treasure things that she made for me over four decades ago, and they remain in pristine condition. She delighted in her children and grandchildren and celebrated their every activity and accomplishment, but her main source of pride derived from their menschlichkeit. Her friendship was warm, genuine and loyal. I can’t count how many people over the years have shared with me how special my mom was, or that she was their favorite, or that her hearty laugh and incessant good cheer were positively contagious. Syl had a larger than life personality with a sense of humor, razor-sharp wit, and affectionate and expressive disposition to match.

Another aspect of my mom’s narrative relates to her sense of responsibility and penchant to serve others. At times, this took the form of being there physically for others during a period of need, without hesitation or reservation, despite tremendous personal hardship and sacrifice. On other occasions, she was simply available to offer a sympathetic ear or supportive shoulder. Of course, there were plenty of situations where her wise counsel and honest assessment were sought, and this need, I surmise, may have served as the impetus for the development of speed dial. Regardless of the circumstance, my mom was a reliable and consistent source of comfort, encouragement, and sagacity. As long as Syl was available, you never felt overwhelmed or alone. She was trusted and trustworthy. Sylvia’s humility sometimes veiled her savvy, though her posse was well-acquainted with her towering intellect and capacity for nuanced thinking and creative problem solving. My mother, ever the selfless caregiver, insisted on caring for my father and grandmother in their homes as failing health hijacked their independence and vigor. She would not allow others to care for her loved ones as long as she had the physical strength to do so, for she couldn’t be assured that they would safeguard their precious dignity during this most vulnerable phase of life. On September 17, 1999 Sylvia bid farewell to Eddie for the last time, after 52 years of marriage. It would be accurate to describe my mom as a truly selfless human being. Unicorns may actually exist after all.

My mom was a proud and independent woman, whose biggest fear was to develop dementia and become dependent upon others. It is the cruelest fate that robbed this giant of her cognitive faculties in her twilight years. True to form, in the early stages of her decline, with a full awareness of her condition and prognosis, my mom accepted her situation with an abundance of grace, dignity, and humility that was both sublime and edifying to behold. Her kindness only increased. Her concern for others only magnified. And never did she submit to bitterness or engage in self-pity. Her courage, a consistent feature throughout her long life, was unfailing and on full display during this final titanic struggle. I remember having lunch with her during a visit to Winnipeg, and witnessing the grace with which she conducted herself as she interacted with others. I learned through her powerful example, to accept each phase of life with serenity, and that within the act of acceptance, there is a dignity bestowed upon the human spirit. Fear dissolves when denial and resistance are extirpated. My mom was a shining light for me and countless others during her life, guiding us along the uncertain and precarious path. We honor her memory when we incorporate her teachings and examples into our everyday demeanor. As we accept the torch from her noble hands, we shall aspire to be a light unto others, so that her legacy of goodness and giving may be perpetuated through the generations that follow. You have my eternal love, gratitude, respect and admiration. May G-d rest your blessed soul mom. Shalom.

 

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Obituaries

Clarice Yentel Shell (Marantz) May 7, 1927 – May 13, 2025

Surrounded by family, our beloved Mom and Baba said goodbye at age 98. She is survived by her son Barry, and daughters Miriam and Ruth, her daughter-in-law Dorinda Neave, grandchildren Davina and Sam (Elisha) and great grandchildren, Benjamin and Rose.

Clarice, known as “Cal” was the last of her generation to leave us. She was predeceased by her parents Joe and Razel Marantz, brothers Chip (Shirley) and Basie (Shirley) and her brothers and sisters-in-law in the Shell family, Hymie (Kay), Pauline (Sam Zinman ) and Bill (Ruth). She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Ben Shell and her son in law, Harry Sumner.

Born in Winnipeg, Cal was a trail blazer her entire life. She had numerous volunteer and professional achievements. One of her legacies was her ground breaking research to earn her Masters degree in Social Work in 1966. This led to Cal joining the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba where she made enduring changes to the core curriculum during her 15-year career.

Alongside her enormous contributions to the community, Cal was devoted to her large extended family. This was evidenced by her attendance at the weekly zooms and every major family event including her last visit to Winnipeg at age 97 for a very special Bat Mitzvah. She was a role model, a mentor, and a confidant to many. A skilled listener, Cal had an uncanny way of engaging others. She spoke her truth, helping to make changes and get things done. Cal knew the names and relations of the entire Shell and Marantz extended families and instead of counting sheep, she would often lie there recalling every single name, in every generation, all around the world, until she fell asleep. Her commitment to staying connected will always be remembered as one of her finest gifts.

In 2015, at age 88 Cal moved to Vancouver to be closer to her immediate family members. We thank the amazing staff and her friends at Legacy Senior Living who helped make the last 10 years of mom‘s life rich and full. We would also like to thank Dr. Alex Lecky for his years of excellent care, Colleen Riley and the gifted medical team at Vancouver General Hospital, who made her comfortable in her last days.

Cal was a remarkable person who lived a remarkable life. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, of which she was a founding member, or the Cal Shell‘s Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. More details about Cal’s life can be found on her Book of Life page
https://bookoflife.jewishfoundation.org/ebol-donors/clarice-cal-shell

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Obituaries

LOUIS COLISH FEBRUARY 15, 1945 – APRIL 23, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Louis Colish at the Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Bessie, whom he deeply cherished. Loui considered his father to be his best friend and he was a devoted caregiver to his mother in her later years.
Born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1945, Louis grew up in Garden City. He had a long and fulfilling career as a Reference Librarian at the West Kildonan Library, where he assisted countless patrons with their questions. Even in retirement, people he would meet often recognized him as “the librarian”.
Louis cherished his relationships with his family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing him described him as incredibly friendly, one of their favourite people, and simply the nicest guy.
A lifelong learner, Louis treasured his extensive book collection, with a particular love for astronomy and the works of Carl Sagan. He delighted in sharing stories of his travels to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Disney World, and his most cherished destination, Israel. He also enjoyed attending his bowling league, the Rady JCC’s senior program, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He loved music from the 1940s and 50s and delighted in performing his favourite tunes in talent shows at the Rady JCC and Gwen Secter programs.
Louis was a devoted member of the Rosh Pina and Etz Chayim synagogues. Fellow congregants fondly remember his passionate and dramatic chanting of the Prayer for Peace from the bimah—a heartfelt expression of his deep hope for a peaceful world.
A graveside service was held on April 25, 2025, at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Louis was a kind and generous soul who will be missed but never forgotten.

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Obituaries

HERB SINGER

Peacefully, with his family by his side, Herb Singer passed away on April 3, 2025.

He is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Sheppy Coodin), Marnie and Sheryl (Kevin Segall). He is also survived by grandchildren, Josh Glow (Leah), Sari Glow, Justin Segall and Hayden Segall, his brother Earl (Mimi), and sisters-in-law, Maureen Steinfeld (Leo) and Bonnie Dressler (Kenny). He was predeceased by his wife Myrna, his parents, Anne and Dave Singer and in-laws, Irma and Harry Nepon.

Herb was born on February 26, 1944, in Winnipeg and spent his early years on the family farm in Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan before the family moved into the city, eventually settling on Smithfield in the North End.

Herb attended West Kildonan Collegiate, excelling in both academics and sports. Herb and Myrna grew up between Salter and Aikins but did not attend the same high school because the back lane between Smithfield (where Herb lived) and McAdam (where Myrna lived) was the dividing marker for St. John’s and West Kildonan. They met in 1960, having been introduced by a neighbour of Myrna’s who was friends with Herb. It was love at first sight; they married in 1966 after graduating from the University of Manitoba.

Herb received his CA designation in 1972. He began his career in public practice but then switched to working as the controller of GIII Limited, which he said allowed him to spend more time with his family.

Herb and Myrna loved spending summers with their girls travelling to Detroit Lakes with other Winnipeggers. Later years found the family travelling campgrounds in Canada and the US in the trailer and finally settling in for summers at Gimli, where the family has happy memories of days at the beach and nights by the campfire.

Herb was an athlete all his life; he played basketball and football as a teenager and then played squash, tennis, racquetball and golf as an adult. Herb spent much of his retirement on the golf courses with friends and grandchildren and also loved his bowling league.

Herb and Myrna loved travelling and together explored China, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, England and Israel just to mention a few places.

Herb was an extremely social person and connected with many people over the years through golf, bowling, bridge and through winters in Palm Springs.

Herb was a supporter of community organizations over his years. He helped organize fundraising dinners for Talmud Torah when his children were students, he was umpire at his girls’ baseball games and in later years, he helped with fundraising at Congregation Etz Chayim, particularly with the yearly Golf tournament as well as the Lottery Brunch. He also donated blood well over 100 times.

His most rewarding role was that of Zaida. He loved spending time with his grandchildren whether it was attending concerts, games or marking a special occasion. He would always make sure his freezer was full of meatballs and ice cream and his cupboard was full of treats for their visits.

Herb loved watching sports on TV and rarely missed a Bomber or Jets game. He particularly enjoyed watching with his family and friends and thought himself an excellent armchair coach!

A funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park on April 4, 2025.

Those who are wishing to honour Herb are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to Congregation Etz Chayim or to the charity of their choice.

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