RUTH SLAYEN

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RUTH SLAYEN Peacefully, and with family by her side, Ruth Slayen (née Boal) passed away on May 19, 2016. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Bessie Boal; her sister, Bea Fisher; her daughter, Heather Slayen; and her beloved husband, Hookey Slayen. She is survived by her children: Reesa (Martin), Sharon Kaplan, and Stuart Slayen (Shira Cohen); her grandchildren, Adam (Rachel Levy), Alyssa, Blair Kaplan (Shayne Venables), Alana Kaplan, Cari Slayen, and Noah Slayen; her brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Pamela Boal; her sister-in-law, Rose Slayen; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ruth was born on December 30, 1924, in Winnipeg. She was raised on Selkirk Avenue and attended King Edward and Isaac Newton Schools, and later earned a diploma in stenography from Success Business College. In May 1948, she married Hookey Slayen. They first lived in Hookey's family home on Morley Avenue, then moved to Manitoba Avenue, and then Enniskillen Avenue. Ruth took great pride in the fact that she was one of the last original residents on her street, living independently until the age of 87 before moving into assisted living. Ruth managed the household while Hookey worked as a co-owner and owner in the produce business. She was a great support to him as he developed his businesses. As a couple, they lived modestly, but enjoyed travel to California, Salt Lake City, and New York to visit family, as well as trips to Las Vegas. Ruth was devastated when Hookey died in 1986, but as a woman of great strength and character, she continued to find purpose in life. As a mom, she was nurturing and supportive, never openly questioning her children's decisions and never imposing her will. Her love was unconditional, and her help unceasing. When Heather, her oldest child, died in 2006, Ruth was again shattered, but again got up, dusted herself off, and carried on. For Ruth, community service was an essential part of life. She was very active with B'nai Brith Women/Jewish Women International (now operating as Act to End Violence Against Women); she was a leader in the Sisterhood of Beth Israel Synagogue; and for nearly 30 years, she was a volunteer at the Seven Oaks Hospital Gift Shop. She knitted tuques for the homeless, lap blankets for cancer patients, and helped out with bingo at the Luther Home. She didn't preach about the importance of volunteerism, she simply volunteered - and loved it. Where she found her greatest joy, however, was as a grandmother. For Baba Ruthie, there was nothing better than spending time with her six grandchildren. There were trips to Garden City Shopping Centre to buy treats and toys, and plenty of time around the dinner table where Baba would serve some of her special dishes. One of Baba's greatest joys in her final months was knowing that her oldest grandchild, Adam, had become engaged to Rachel. Ruth's funeral was held on May 22 at Congregation Etz Chayim and was officiated by Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves. Pallbearers were Adam, Alyssa, Blair Kaplan, Alana Kaplan, Cari Slayen, Noah Slayen, Danny Gunn, Evan Roitenberg, and Sheldon Zipursky. Ruth's family expresses its gratitude to the frontline personnel at Victoria General Hospital for their tender care, and to the Hospital Home Team for making it possible for Ruth to live on her own for as long as possible. Those wishing to honour Ruth's memory are invited to make a donation to the Ruth and Hookey Slayen Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to any charity of your choice. Ruth Slayen was funny, bright, grateful, generous, and, in her own words, "a tough cookie." When she wanted to end a conversation, she often liked to say: "I'm gonna love ya and leave ya." She absolutely loved us - and we loved her - but she will never leave us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2016