ETHEL PIERCE

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ETHEL PIERCE After a long full life, Ethel Pierce died at the Simkin Centre on Monday, April 20, 2009 at the age of 99. Ethel was predeceased by her husband Maurice Moe Pierce, her brother Terry Resnick, and sisters Becky Cantor and Ruth Gorenstein. She will be sadly missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and David Brodovsky, grandchildren Billy and Libby, Stephen and France, Sharon and Mauricio, Sidney and Cary and great-grandchildren Alex, Jacob, Joël, Max, Leah, Talia, Maren, Micah and Juliana. Born in Surkova, Russia in 1909, Ethel came to Canada as a young child with parents Moishe and Sora Resnick. She grew up in the north end and attended St. John's Tech. In 1935 she married Moe Pierce and as newlyweds they moved to Stoughton, Saskatchewan where he began his medical career. Shortly after their only child, Sheila, was born, they travelled to England, where Moe trained in eye, ear, nose and throat surgery. When war broke out in 1939, the young family moved back to Canada. During the war, while her husband served overseas, Ethel and Sheila lived with her in-laws, Esther and Beryl Pierce, and Sheila's three young aunts, Patty, Gertie and Brownie. At war's end, the family was reunited and life began for them in Winnipeg, where Moe established a practice. The house on Ash Street, where they lived for almost 50 years, was a central place for the couple to host family and friends. Family was central to her life. She had a loving husband, devoted daughter and son-in-law, and four grandchildren whom she adored. In the community, she and Moe were strong supporters of the arts, particularly the symphony, opera and theatre, where Moe served on several boards. She was a longtime active member of Hadassah. For many years, she and Moe travelled the globe. Their travels included many trips to Israel, as well as trips to Europe, South Africa, South America, India and Hong Kong. In her later years, she was content to travel in North America or stay in Winnipeg to spend time with children, grandchildren and eventually nine great-grandchildren. In 1999, after a stroke, she moved into the Sharon Home where she was near her husband Moe who died in 2000. One year later, she moved to the new Simkin Centre. Her family is grateful to Paulina Trinidad who first cared for Moe and then cared for Ethel for the last nine years of her life. Paulina was more than a care giver, but also a friend and an advocate for her, which allowed her to live and age with dignity and in comfort. We are also grateful to many members of the staff at the Simkin Centre who showed her much kindness. After a century of life, the qualities we most admired, remember and will miss about her are important life lessons - be kind, patient, listen well, care for your friends, and love your family. If so desired, contributions may be made to the Dr. and Mrs. Maurice M. Pierce fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2009