RUTH FLORENCE LEVI (OFFSTEIN) -

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RUTH FLORENCE LEVI (nee OFFSTEIN) 1926 - 2006 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, mother-in-law, bobba, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. After a six-month hospital stay, Ruth's heart gave out. She leaves to mourn, her daughter and son-in-law, Jacquelyn and Larry Wiese; her daughter-in-law and son, Barbara and Eric; her four grandchildren, Marilyn (Tony), Carrie, Sari, and Nathan; her brothers, Myron (Edith), Norm (Bobbie) and their children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 44 years, Samuel; and her parents, Ann Marder and Daniel Offstein. Ruth was born in Vancouver, but left her family and friends to move to Winnipeg with Sam. When she moved to Winnipeg in 1953, she did not know anybody except Sam's very small family. This did not deter her from making numerous friends and joining many organizations and clubs. With her outgoing personality, she kept herself extremely busy, especially when Sam went on his frequent four and six week sales trips. She was a life member of ORT, Hadassah-Wizo, and the Jewish War Veterans. Ruth lived a full life. Sam and Ruth travelled extensively, settling on visiting Hawaii more than 20 times. Ruth would spend numerous hours shopping for presents for her children, grandchildren, and friends while on her many trips. Ruth was a wonderful mother and bobba, always trying to help her children and grandchildren with advice and present to make everyone have a better life. She was a great cook until health problems kept her from continuing to plan and prepare large family meals. However, right up to her last year, she never stopped trying to help with family dinners. Ruth was an avid card player, especially majong and bridge. She would enter many bridge tournaments, earning Master points during these tournaments. She had to retire from card playing due to eyesight problems. Bobba Ruth, as many of us called her, was a fabulous typist. She was amazingly fast, even at 2:00 in the morning, when some family member had a paper due! During the Second World War, her typing skills and office skills landed her a job with the Canadian Army in a top secret military location. Bobba Ruth believed in supporting charities. You could not count on both hands, the number of charities that she donated to every year! Ruth was a real character! Her sharp wit entertained all of her family and friends for her entire lifetime. Even on the final day of her life, she was kibitzing and joking with her family and friends. We would like to thank Dr. C. Polimeni for the many years of care and compassion she showed to Mom, as well as a thank you to the many Seven Oaks Hospital nurses who cared for Mom, especially the nurses on the fifth floor. The pallbearers were Avery, Adam, and David Spigelman, Frank Dahle, Sheldon and Steven Zamick. Funeral services were held at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on Friday, October 6. Thank you to Cantor Daien for thoughtful words and Rabbi Balser. Donations can be made to the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Canadian Diabetes Association, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (Ruth and Sam Levi Fund) or a charity of your choice. Mom, we love you and miss you!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2006