SHIRLEY BARON

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SHIRLEY BARON Shirley Baron passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2010 surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry, her parents, Yankel and Cheenya Gorbacz, her sister Clara Katz and brothers Max and Saul Gerb. She leaves behind to mourn her, two daughters, Susan Rose and Laurie Solomon (Jack), four grandchildren, David Rose, Shane (Lyla), Kevin (Sarah) and Shayla Solomon and four great-grandchildren, Hugh, Ryann, Cole and Koen Solomon. She is survived by two sisters, Fanny Mock and Marsha Garfinkel, three sisters-in-law, Larice Gerb, Anne Gerb, Freeda Baron, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Shirley was born in Midzerecze, Poland in 1918. In April of 1937 she, along with her mother and two younger siblings, was reunited with the rest of her family in Winnipeg. While attending English classes she befriended Pearl Baron who introduced Shirley to her brother Harry, a handsome, soft-spoken young man whom she married in September 1939. Together they forged a life based on hard work, mutual respect, yiddishkite , and unconditional love for each other, their children and their grandchildren. Shirley was also blessed with four great-grandchildren. Her passing leaves an immense void in the lives of those who loved her. Shirley was a woman who brought joy to those fortunate enough to have encountered her. The baba with the golden tooth had an infectious smile and a most positive attitude which helped her deal with several health setbacks in her later years. Falling and breaking her hip three weeks before her grandson's wedding and then appearing at the wedding looking radiant and ready to dance is but one example of her indomitable spirit. During conversations around the dinner table baba would often share with us her deep appreciation for Canada and tell us stories about her life as a young girl in the schetel . This was a woman of profound inner strength who lived life with humour, dignity and passion. Her love of people was undeniable and they loved her in return. Often you would overhear her complimenting someone on the way they looked. When asked why she would do this so often and even to people she barely knew, she answered that it made them feel good. She took great pleasure in making people feel good. Her legacy is her family and we will aspire to live our lives as she has taught us. The family wishes to express its appreciation to the staff of the Simkin Centre. Interment took place at the B'nay Abraham Cemetery. Pallbearers were Harv Mock, Al Katz, David Rose, Kevin, Shane and Jack Solomon. May God grant you the peace and respect you so richly deserve. You will live in our hearts forever.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 23, 2010