MAXINE ZIMMERMAN

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MAXINE ZIMMERMAN On July 9, 2010 Maxine Zimmerman passed away peacefully at Riverview Hospital surrounded by family and friends, and, in accordance with her wishes, a cremation took place on the following day. She is survived by her husband, Harvey, her three children, Brian, Sam (Krystal Gostel), Tracy (Richard Blyth), her grandson, Dylan Zimmerman Blyth, her sister, Bonnie Rafaeli and her nephews Lioz, Zeev and Ohad Rafaeli. Maxine earned her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education at the University of Manitoba. She began her teaching career in the Jewish education system at Ramah Hebrew School and Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. Thereafter she joined Winnipeg School Division and after teaching at various inner-city schools she was appointed Principal, first at Argyle Alternative High School, and then at R.B. Russell Vocational High School and Kelvin High School. After a long and distinguished career in the public school system, she was seconded from the Winnipeg School Division to the Manitoba School Improvement Program (MSIP) as its Executive Director at the request of the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, the founder of MSIP in Manitoba. She served in that capacity until her retirement. She was not only highly respected by her peers but also recognized nationally as a leading educator. In 2002, she received the OISE Distinguished Educator Award in recognition of significant contributions which have served to stimulate and enrich education in Canada from the University of Toronto, and in 2002, MAST (Manitoba Association of School Trustees) awarded Maxine the Presidents' Council Award for outstanding personal commitment to the education of children in Manitoba . As a teacher and administrator, Maxine strived to motivate both students and teachers to achieve their potential and strive for excellence. She was a mentor and inspiration to many. She was a brilliant teacher whose students still revere her and credit her with having been a major influence in their development. She lived a life of devotion and commitment to the values and ideals she espoused and never compromised them even in the face of great obstacles. Maxine always had time and energy for others, right up to her very last days. Maxine's devotion to her family had no bounds or limits. She could always be counted on by her children, her sister and her nephews in what ever capacity was required of her. Her love and support for her family was constant, unequivocal and reciprocated. Her four year old grandson, Dylan, had a special place in her heart and in her life. Dylan's visits never failed to bring a smile to her lips. She had an amazing capacity to nurture, protect, and nourish all those fortunate enough to be included in her circle of loved ones. Perhaps these qualities are described best by the following words expressed by her sister, Bonnie, at the Celebration of Maxine's Life on July 13, 2010, Somehow, without our ever really noticing, Maxine wrapped herself around each of us. She knew we could do it, whatever it was and she wasn't about to let us disappoint her. She never made it easy. She wouldn't allow us to look away, to pretend it wasn't there. She would never let us get away with a thing. She pushed. She challenged. But, ultimately, she loved us. And she had so much love to give, that despite the demands and challenges, each of us knew that we were loved. And perhaps more importantly, she empowered us. In the eulogy given by a dear friend at the Celebration of Maxine's life, Maxine was described as a great and loyal friend, loving mother and grandmother, omniscient and omnipresent mentor, passionate life force, accomplished teacher and educationist, the very stuff of great novels. Indeed she was all this and more. We will not see her like again. She will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends. The family would like to express its deep appreciation for the extraordinary care given to Maxine by Dr. Janice Eisenstat, Dr. Christine Peschken and for the devoted personal care provided by Lorna. Donations to the Children's Heritage Fund in honour of Maxine Zimmerman can be sent to Winnipeg School Division, 1577 Wall Street East, Winnipeg, MB R3E 2S5 (Tel. 775-0231).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2010