CLARA ZUKEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CLARA ZUKEN Clara Zuken died peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2009 at the Grace Hospice in Winnipeg. Clara was born November 29, 1913 in Pavlish, Ukraine to Sheindle and Nuchem Usher Goldenberg. She was the second youngest of 10 children, all of whom predeceased her. The family immigrated to Canada in 1922 where Clara attended Aberdeen School and then St. John's High School. The love of literature was a constant in her life. As long as she was able to read, she was content. Clara met her husband Joe Zuken at the age of 18. They were married in 1938 and were inseparable until his death in 1986. When her sister Sonya died at a young age she stayed at home to raise her niece Janice Dietch. When she returned to work it was as the secretary in Joe's law office. Their marriage was a true partnership. Although Joe was the public figure, Clara was the quiet strength in the background. She was an intensely private person but drew many people into her life. When it became known that she was facing a terminal illness, nieces, nephews and honourary nieces and nephews came from Toronto, Montreal, New York, Connecticut and Hong Kong to say their final goodbyes. She faced her illness with incredible strength and dignity. In the final few months she was able to live at home with assistance from a palliative care nurse and home care workers. When she no longer felt strong enough to stay at home she made the decision to move to the Grace Hospice where she had wonderful care in her final eight days. She is survived by her beloved niece, Janice Dietch, her nieces Dee Dee Rizzo (Harry), Barbara Levy and honourary niece, Bev Randle and her nephews Teddy Goldenberg (Alice), Norman Goldenberg (Gail), David Goldenberg (Katrina), Joe Goldenberg, Arthur Ross (Kathy) and Saul Olyan (Frederik). A private burial has taken place. If people wish, donations in Clara's memory can be made to the Joseph Zuken Memorial Trust Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350- One Lombard Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0X3, or a charity of their choice. Thank you to everyone who enabled Clara to die as she lived, with courage and dignity.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2009