ARLENE WIENER

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ARLENE WIENER January 8, 1914 - August 11, 2010 As she entered her 90s, Arlene Wiener had just two real passions: reading and living to be 100. She said it was a promise she made to her mother who lived to be 95. To reach that goal, as an incentive she saved obituaries of Winnipegers who died at over 100. But it was not to be. A case of advanced breast cancer in 2008 and a fall in 2009 put an end to that ambition. Her love of reading disappeared in her final year and she stopped reading altogether. She is survived by her sons Frank Wiener of Richmond, BC and Martin Wiener of Toronto, and by her brother Mackie Goldin of Israel. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Desta Wiener, grandchildren Lori Lee Harrison, Michael Wiener and Jayson Wyner, and great-grandchildren Christopher Harrison and Alexander Wyner all of the Richmond / Vancouver, BC area. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Max Wiener, in 1993 and her brothers Irvine Paghis of Ottawa in 2003 and Cecil Goldin of Vancouver in 1985. As a reader, Arlene particularly loved mysteries. One of her great joys was the annual hospital spring book sale at the St. Vital Mall where she would stock up with scores of books that would last her throughout the year. Is was a ritual she wouldn't miss for decade upon decade and she claimed she never duplicated a book in all that time. She was an avid reader of the Winnipeg Free Press and read it thoroughly every day. By the 1980s, she and Max had travelled throughout the world, having been on all the continents by Antarctica. Another of her passions for many years was duplicate bridge and she became a Life Master in 1988. But soon after that her interest wained as she aged and getting around become more and more problematic. She loved her children and, even at at distance, enjoyed and shared their comings and goings. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved her very much and will miss her greatly. Our very special thanks go to Lydia Ferreira who, for many years, was a constant and loving friend and caregiver. As well, our special thanks go to Maria Vasques and Aubrey Gabb for their help and friendship over the years. Without all three, Arlene's last year would have been totally bereft and unhappy. Also, our thanks for the excellent and attentive care our mother received from the nurses and staff of Tuxedo Villa. A private graveside service at the Rosh Pina Memorial Cemetery will be held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, August 15. Any donations in Arlene Wiener's memory should be made to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2010