LILLIAN BENDER (FOOTLICK)

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LILLIAN BENDER (nee FOOTLICK) With her family by her side, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on March 3, 2007, at the age of 97. Lillian was born on January 25, 1910, in Smolensk, Russia, and in 1918 came to Canada with her parents, Isaac and Rachel Footlick (nee Zuselvich) and her brother Abe. They settled in Winnipeg and soon afterwards her sister Sarah was born. Mom attended Aberdeen School and on completion she worked at the Bay until she met her late husband, Joseph Bender. They were married on May 24, 1932 and following their wedding moved to Elma, MB. They subsequently returned to Winnipeg in 1939, where they raised their three children: Faye, Earl and Helen. Lillian was the consummate stay at home mother, always putting her children and family first. She cared for, nurtured, fed, clothed, healed and supported them throughout their lives. She took great pride in all their accomplishments, which was amplified by the arrival of her children's spouses, her nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was always encouraging and supportive, with relationships forged with profound and mutual love. She basked in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grand-children. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph; her son-in-law Ernie Tessler; her brother Abe and sister Sarah Burshstein; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ann Stalmaster and Ethel Segal; Manley Burshstein and Al Segal; and her nephew Leonard Paul. She is survived and will be missed by her daughter Faye Tessler, son Earl Bender (Gail) and daughter Helen Chargo (Harvey); her grandchildren: Zane (Shawna), Alan (Shari Kowall), Brenda (Joel Donen), Michael (Michelle), Tamara (Larry Philips), Shawn, Randy, Mitchell (Susan) and Melissa (Paul Siegel); her great-grandchildren: Dana, Alix, Brett, Melanee, Jessica, Joshua, Zachary, Adam, Justin, Brendan, Allie, Jacob, Elan, Abby, Ari, Jackie, Jason, Jonah and Vanessa; her niece Elaine Paul, her nephews, Ike and Jerry Footlick, Murray and Ron Segal and their respective families. She also leaves many friends and extended family across Canada and the United States. Services were held at the Congregation Etz Chayim officiated by Rabbi Henry Balser and Tracy Kasner-Greaves, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandsons: Zane Tessler, Alan Tessler and Michael Tessler, Mitchell Chargo, Shawn Bender and Randy Bender. Honourary Pallbearers were Joel Donen, Brett Tessler and Rory Paul. We extend our appreciation to the wonderful and caring staff, nurses, orderlies and aides at the Simkin Centre. We also offer a special and heartfelt thank you to Virgie de Jesus, Lillian's personal caregiver, for her devotion, faithful companionship and exceptional care provided for the remaining years of Lillian's life. If you wish, donations may be made to honour Lillian's memory, at the Simkin Centre, Sharon Home at 1 Falconridge Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1V9 or to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2007