ESTHER BINDER -

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ESTHER BINDER 1910 - 2007 Esther Binder passed away on February 16, 2007 surrounded by her family, at the Misericordia Health Centre. She was 97 years young. She leaves a legacy of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Her daughter Carole Wolfe (Ron), and son-in-law Arnold Faintuck. Grandchildren, Dr. Richard Faintuck, Neil Faintuck (Anthony Perott), Evan Faintuck, Sherry Wolfe (Patrick Elazar), Randy Wolfe (Bev Werbuk), Dr. Brent Wolfe (Sheryl). And great- grandchildren, Charley Elazar, Jana Elazar, Rachel Wolfe, Naomi Wolfe, Jocelyn Faintuck and Ian Faintuck, Ilana Wolfe and Sarah Wolfe. Esther was predeceased by her beloved husband Benny Binder, her brother Rubin, sisters Gertie Silvert, Dorothy Binder and her daughter Gloria Faintuck. Esther was born in Winnipeg and spent her formative years growing up in Roblin, Manitoba with her parents Sam and Rose Kulberg. Esther's father ran a general store and it was in Roblin that she studied and became a piano player extraordinaire. Esther's fondest memories were of her time playing in the family band for community events and celebrations. She moved to Winnipeg in 1929, studied and became a secretary. She married Benny Binder in 1932 and had two daughters, Gloria and Carole. The family moved to Rainy River, Ontario where Benny and Esther raised their family and ran the general store for over twenty years. When Benny passed away in 1966, Esther moved to Winnipeg and rebuilt her life. She began volunteering as a piano player to entertain residents at Deer Lodge Hospital. From that beginning, Esther branched out to perform at several other nursing homes and seniors' centres. For over 30 years, Esther provided countless hours of volunteer time to bring joy to the lives of young and old. Esther was recognized for her volunteer work through the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba being made a member of the Order of the Buffalo Hunt in 1977. Esther made many close friends over her life and enjoyed playing cards, making music, knitting and travelling. She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1986 when she travelled to Israel to visit her granddaughter. Esther lived proudly and independently with the constant support and caring of her daughter Carole. Esther lived her final years at the Misericordia Health Centre where she received exceptional care provided with kindness and sensitivity. A special thank you to the staff of Wolseley 3 for their care and consideration for Esther and her family. Esther was a strong, modest and independent woman who taught us the importance of greeting everyone with a positive disposition, seeing the good in the world and meeting each day's challenges with optimism. She allowed us the opportunity to fulfill our obligation to honour our parents. She basked in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved and appreciated each visit from her family even if it was a brief drop in to just say hello. Each day of her life, no matter what her struggles, she found a way to show thankfulness and appreciate the good. She was an Eshet Chayil , a Woman of Valour who inspired us all with her courage, fortitude and resilience. Her greatest legacy will be the gifts she gave to all who knew her; her spirit of giving, of sharing the joy of music and her unconditional love. Heartfelt thanks to Bill Weissmann of Congregation Shaarey Zedek for conducting the funeral service held at the Chesed Shel Emes on February 18, 2007. Pallbearers were Abe Borzykowski, Dr. Richard Faintuck, Patrick Elazar, Charley Elazar, Dr. Brent Wolfe and Randy Wolfe. Honorary Pallbearers were Arnold Faintuck, Ron Wolfe and Morley Slonim. If you wish, donations may be made to honour Esther's memory, to the Esther Binder Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba 477-7525 or to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2007