ERNA KIMMEL

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ERNA KIMMEL It is with love, fond memories and great sadness that we announce the passing of a "Woman of Valour" on February 27, 2010. Erna was born in Drohobycz, Poland. As a young adult she was thrown into a ghetto, by the Nazis, with her family. After the ghetto's liquidation, Erna and her parents were transferred to a forced labour camp, S.S. Zwangsarbeitslager, which was under the brutal control of the SS and the Gestapo. Fortunately, they were one of the few Polish Jewish families to survive the war intact. In Linz, Austria, Erna met the man of her dreams, Herman (Henek). In 1948, the family arrived in Winnipeg where Erna and Herman were married. They went to work as garment workers and began to build a life together. However, fate would have it otherwise, and tragically, Herman died young due to suffering at the concentration camp. At this difficult time, Erna threw herself into a life of volunteerism which helped her to go on. She volunteered with many organizations, but two kept her busy for over a half a century. For 28 years, she dedicated her life to the Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble where she designed and created costumes. She gained such pleasure from the performers while giving them love and support. In 1978, Erna became a founding member of the Winnipeg Associates of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. During her presidency of eight years, she organized and worked tirelessly on projects that yielded the largest financial support. In 1999, she received the first presentation of BGU's 30th Anniversary Award. In 2000, she was elected to serve on the Board of Governors. In 2006, she received the Negev Award, their highest honour. Erna dedicated the proceeds from her tribute luncheon to establish the Erna Kimmel Computer Laboratory. Erna was a remarkable woman who valued family and friends. She spoke of her two grandchildren to everyone and provided them with life lessons and unconditional love. She was known for her delicious baking and stylish outfits. Erna will always be remembered for her boundless energy, vibrant smile, sense of humour, positive attitude, friendship and enormous giving nature. She was a unique lady, a true survivor, loved and admired by all whose lives she touched. Erna was predeceased by her parents Celia and Solomon (Weiss), husband Herman, and brother Philip (Weiss). She is survived by her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Renee and Brian Kaplan, Harris and Rachel, brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Evelyn Weiss, nieces and nephews and their families. Funeral services took place at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on March 3, 2010, with Rabbi Larry Lander officiating. Interment followed at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Erna's grandchildren, Harris and Rachel Kaplan, her nephews Sol Weiss, Eric Winograd and Mark Stesin and great-nephew Michael Schwartz. Donations may be made to the Ben Gurion University of the Negev; the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, or to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2010