FLORENCE GUTNIK

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FLORENCE GUTNIK It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Gutnik on July 23, 2006. Beloved wife of Sidney Gutnik. Mother of Hope and husband Howard Morry. Dear grandmother of Joshua and Samantha. Sister of Ruth Gelfand, Myrna Poskar, Barry Segal, Norris Segal and Bert Segal. Sister-in-law of Beverley Segal, Ursula Segal and Gloria Mitchell. Predeceased by her brothers, Harry Segal and Terry Segal; and brothers-in-law, Spike Gelfand, Albert Poskar and Bernard Gutnik. Florence was born in Winnipeg, the third of eight children to Charles and Sarah Segal. Even growing up, Florence had a sense of style and fashion that set her apart. Her youth ended during the Second World War with the death of her beloved brother Harry at Normandy. When Sidney Gutnik asked Flo out on a date, he started a romance that would last over half a century. Florence only pretended that she didn't like it when, like a young Allen Sherman, her husband concocted songs about their life or entertained their friends with endless one liners. Florence was his best audience and biggest fan. The Gutniks were inseparable. She moved with him to Calgary and Vancouver and back again. Florence doted on her only child, Hope, who grew up to be Florence's confidante. Not a day went by that Hope and Florence didn't speak. In 1984, Hope's husband Howard became the son Florence never had. Florence always took great pride in her children. In later years, if you wanted to brighten Florence's day, all you had to do was mention her grandchildren. Josh and Samantha could do no wrong in her eyes, and they felt the same way about their Baba. They loved her french toast and rice pudding, and the way she made Zaida eat all the leftovers at dinner. They took pride that Baba let them (and only them) upset her perfect home. Sometimes it seemed that everyone was Florence's friend. But Florence also had lifelong friends who will miss her dearly. Her many cousins and nieces and nephews, will treasure her memory, as will her in-laws, Shirley and Julius Morry. Florence's caregivers, Shelagh, Toby, Ivy, Normie and Ida became part of Florence's family in the past few months. They were led by the wise counsel of Lynn Fineman. Services were held on July 25 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue officiated by Bill Wiseman, with interment at Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Pall bearers were Julius Morry, Hart Poskar, Gideon Shalev, Jeffrey Morry, Larry Vickar and Martin Bricker. We appreciate the overwhelming support of friends and family at this difficult time. For those who wish, contributions in memory of Florence can be made to the charity of their choice or to The Sidney and Florence Gutnik Endowment for Students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at 942-3085. In the end, those who knew her said that Florence Gutnik treated others the way she wanted to be treated, with abiding love and respect. The rest is commentary... We will miss you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2006