Vera Hershfield passed away peacefully on June 25, 2019, after a stay at the Grace Hospital following multiple health challenges experienced on May 16.
Her survivors include sons Neil and Larry (Janet), grandsons Daniel, Evan (Jennifer), Zachary, and Gabriel, and nieces Sheilah and Joanne.
Vera was predeceased by her parents Abigayla and Chaim Rosen, her brother Allan Ross, and Sam, her husband of 61 years.
Vera was born in Leningrad in 1922 and came to Canada as a young girl in 1930.
She thrived in the midst of a large and loving extended family, learning English quickly, and was an excellent student.
In her life, Vera was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as an active community volunteer in several organizations including Brandeis Chapter of Hadassah-WIZO and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood.
In addition to being a wonderful homemaker, Vera also worked outside the home in various administrative capacities. Her happiest and most productive years were spent in collections and curation at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature, where her work can be seen in the Urban Gallery and the Nonsuch display. Many happy times were spent with her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends, guiding them through the Museum.
Vera had many talents. She enjoyed oil painting, she played an excellent game of Bridge partnered with Sam and others, and she wrote many clever and funny songs and articles.
Throughout her life, Vera was very kind with never a bad word, made and kept many many friends, had a great wit, and was very pragmatic in her outlook.
Living to 96 years old, with some health bumps along the way, Vera faced her old age head on, clearly, and with humour. She often quipped that “There ought be a better system. Nothing seems to improve with age.”
Her family would like to thank the staff at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Community (particularly Jan and Brian), Home Care (particularly Theresa), Esther’s Group (particularly Odessa and Lisa), and Grace Hospital.
A graveside service was held at Rosh Pina Memorial Park at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27, followed by a Meal of Consolation at the home of Allan and Leslee Abosh. Shiva was subsequently held in Winnipeg and Toronto.
Donations can be made to the Sam and Vera Hershfield fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
