BEATRICE (BETTY) AKMAN

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BEATRICE (BETTY) AKMAN It is with deep sorrow and great respect that the family of Beatrice (Betty) Akman announce the passing of our family matriarch on November 17, 2008 shortly after her 92nd birthday. Mom was born in Alexander, Saskatchewan on November 6, 1916 to Joseph and Dinah Wolch who, along with brothers Herbert and Russell and sister Hattie, predeceased her. She is survived by her brother, Lorne Wolch, children, Bob (Shelley), Beth Bogner (Leon), Danny (Cydney) and Richard (Jackie) as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as Nana or Great Nana. She lived in Winnipeg all of her life, summering at Winnipeg Beach and always surrounded by good friends and relatives with whom she played and worked hard; collectively raising their children, many of whom are still one another's best friends. Her home was always open to friends and family and a meal was always available and graciously offered. She was an enabler, providing constant support and guidance, often delivered in the kitchen, her sole domain, one on one, after the others had long retired. She fished, played tennis and bridge well into her 80s. She cared for her grandchildren, at least one or more of whom often spent the night or was picked up after school and given a favourite dinner. She was always there with an encouraging word or advice with your best interests at heart. Her relationship with her husband, Lefty, was never trivial. They had a long and productive marriage, successfully raising four children. Her love for, and loyalty to him, was the most important part of her life. Betty was a woman ahead of her time. She was University educated, and always at the top of her class, when it was uncommon for women to achieve higher education. Rather than attend graduate school and accept an offered scholarship, she remained in Winnipeg in order to be close to her family. To her, family was the most important responsibility. She always stressed to her children that education was paramount to their lives in order to create independence and opportunity. Her words continue to drive her children and grandchildren to excellence. Also an accomplished pianist, her greatest achievement was that she was always there for those who needed her, especially her children, no matter what else was going on in her busy life. The Family wishes to thank Dr. Sheldon Permack, and especially Donnie, Levie and Rita for their exceptional care for Mom. Donations in Mom's name to a charity of choice would be most appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 06, 2008