RICKY HANDLER (SHWARTZ)

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RICKY HANDLER (nee SHWARTZ) Ricky Rochelle Lenore Handler, beloved wife of Bob Handler, passed away Friday, August 24, 2007, surrounded by family. The funeral was held at Etz Chayim Synagogue on August 26, 2007. Pallbearers were Marty Tadman, Arthur Tadman, Larry Shwartz, Jeff Kushner, Steven Zimberg and Yoni Malam. Interment followed at Rosh Pina Cemetery. Ricky, born June 8, 1936 in Winnipeg, was the youngest of Joe and Bessie Shwartz's four children, and the only sibling to be born in Canada. Ricky and Bobby had four children, all of whom survive her: Micheal, his wife Cathie Gold, and their children, Brindy, her husband Sean and sons, Nathan and Connor, Jody and Jesse; Debra, and her daughter Sage; Allan; and Susan, her husband Troy De Luca and their son Tyler. Ricky is also survived by her brother Izzy, and sister Sooky (husband Mel Narvey), many cousins and three generations of nieces and nephews. Ricky was predeceased by parents Joe and Bessie, sister Faye Wincure, and her sister/brothers-in-law, Vera Shwartz, Jack Tadman, and Dave Wincure, and by Bobby's parents Minnie and Abraham Handler. Ricky made, and was blessed with, a full and vibrant life. Ricky and Bobby, a loving and fun-loving couple, enjoyed many adventures at home and abroad on four continents. Many adventures were on water, cruising to the Keys or Bahamas from their winter home in Florida, traveling to Winnipeg Beach by water, and camping on Lockport Island. Ricky was Bobby's indispensable first mate (on several levels), and each was better because of the other. Ricky was unfailingly supportive of her children, and embodied the best of being a great mom and a great baba. Ricky and Bobby commonly traveled to be with Sage, and holidayed with Tyler every winter in Florida. Ricky felt privileged to look after Tyler for two days every week, until he was two years old. All who knew Ricky knew she was friendly, warm and gracious. She would effortlessly go out of her way to make all welcome on her boat, at her home or family cottage; and most importantly, into her family. Ricky's courage and determination was as big as her loving heart and she was the best wife a man could hope for. Even those who knew her best were impressed that Ricky became able to safely perch on the bow of the boat, and in weather fair and foul, moor the boat. That she continued to boat after going through tornadoes and hurricanes is a testament to her courage, not to mention love and devotion for her husband. The quiet courage that she displayed since her diagnosis, in insisting on being someone who was living with cancer, helped her family stay strong throughout her illness. Ricky's family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of: CancerCare Manitoba, the Health Sciences Centre, and the Riverview Health Centre. Special thanks to Rabbi Larry Lander, who helped to make this most difficult time more bearable. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Rochelle Handler Family Foundation through either CancerCare Manitoba or the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or a charity of one's choice.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2007