NELLIE ZAIDMAN

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NELLIE ZAIDMAN The family of Nellie Zaidman (née Merkel) sadly announces her sudden passing at home on Friday, November 17, 2006. Her loss is mourned by her loving husband Ben, and their children: Shelley Chochinov and her husband Morris; Paul and his wife Fraya and their children, Elaine and Dyanna; Harriet Zaidman and her husband Cecil Rosner and their children, David Rosner and wife Beth Kettner (London, England), Mark Rosner and partner Karelle Arbez (Toronto) and Michelle Rosner; Ellen Zaidman and her husband Doug Sywake and her children, Jessica Schwarz (Cairo, Egypt) and Melissa Schwarz and partner Stephen Carpenter. She will also be missed by her many friends, who recall her smile and zest for life. Nellie was born May 12, 1922, to Isaac and Fanny Merkel. Their home at the corner of Flora Avenue and Andrews Street was the centre of a large and loving circle of aunts, uncles and cousins. She kept in touch with relatives throughout her life and was an unending source of family stories and information about the North End in its heyday. She attended Aberdeen School and later worked in ladies clothing sales on Selkirk Avenue and Main Street. Nell and Ben grew up next door to each other, and were lovers ever after. They were married for 59 years, raising their children in West Kildonan and Garden City. Nell was an active community volunteer, convening teas and raising funds for home and school associations, B'Nai Brith Women and in the drive to establish Seven Oaks Hospital. She worked with mentally challenged children at Dufferin, Luxton and Robertson Schools. Later, she volunteered in the remedial reading program at Arthur Wright School. But the job she relished most of all was that of full time Baba. She loved her grandchildren beyond imagining, cheering their achievements, and they reciprocated her love. Our homes are graced by her beautiful needlework art. She loved dogs, playing cards with her grandchildren and took great pleasure in bowling with her B'Nai Brith group. Her cupboard was always full of fresh cookies; her home was welcome to family and friends for birthdays, Passover seders, and anniversaries. Conversations about politics, literature and life floated through her home, and she always added her input, laughter and love. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Morris Merkel and sister Ann Kerman. Her funeral will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 20 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Cres., with burial to follow at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Main St. In lieu of flowers please send donations to CancerCare Manitoba or the charity of your choice. Our hearts are filled with sorrow. Her legacy will endure.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2006