LAURA DESHELL

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LAURA DESHELL It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our wonderful wife, mother, Baba, and sister Laura Deshell. She passed peacefully with her family by her side at Seven Oaks Hospital on February 5, 2007 at the age of 88. Laura is survived and remembered lovingly by her husband of 57 years, Sam, son Murray of Winnipeg, daughter Judy of New York (Gary), grandson Benjamin, sisters, Rose Springman of Vancouver, BC, Anne Gitlin of Tisdale, SK, and Marcia Corrin of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her sister Sara Paley and parents, Gussie and Max Gordon. Anyone who met Laura loved her - making friends was second nature. She was a warm, caring, generous person vibrant and unpretentious always with a bit of mischief, which added that extra spark to her personality. Laura was born in Winnipeg on November 9, 1918 but grew up in Edenbridge, a Jewish farming colony near Brooksby, Saskatchewan. Though times were tough and there was always a fair share of work to be done, Laura was a tomboy with boundless energy for adventure and her friends with whom she was in touch with throughout her life. Laura was a gifted artist and from a very young age loved to sketch and paint in watercolors. She was imaginative and resourceful never at a loss for innovative ways to tackle a problem or situation. In every aspect of her life Laura always took charge she spoke her mind with genuineness, heart and a lack of guile. Above all Laura loved her family and loved her home. She was the consummate homemaker who loved to sew for her children, often staying up through the night to complete that skirt that jumper to be ready for the next day. We can still savor the taste of Laura's kugels, cheese cakes, and apple pies. They were so delicious. In the mid 40's she moved to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan where she worked in government service. In 1947 she moved to Winnipeg and began working at the Hudson's Bay Company as a personal shopper. Shortly after, she met her husband Sam who won her over with his rendition of The Way You Look Tonight . They married in 1950, had two children, Judy and Murray, and enjoyed a wonderful life together. Holidays and special occasions with family, including several reunions to Laura's childhood home in Edenbridge were highlights in their lives. After Sam's retirement they enjoyed trips to Vancouver, Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York taking in concerts and shows. They loved these times spent with family and friends. When Judy's son Benjamin was born eight years ago, he became Laura's pride and joy and they quickly formed a very special bond. In the last few weeks, Benjamin looked forward to speaking to his Baba almost every night and wishing her golden dreams. Laura loved her family and loved her life. When asked if she had any regrets, Laura said No, nothing. She lived the life she wanted and we all reap the seeds she sowed. She was a wonderful wife, mother, baba, daughter, sister and friend, and we will miss her terribly. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Seven Oaks Hospital for the exceptional care and compassion that they gave to Laura and her family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2007