ZELMA ZITZERMAN

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ZELMA ZITZERMAN June 3, 1935 - January 19, 2011 On Wednesday, January 19, 2011, Zelma passed away suddenly after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her ever loving husband Saul (Shelly) who was her constant companion and caregiver these past four years, her loving children Mira and David and David's wife Karen and her beautiful grandchildren Erin, Leah, Daniel, Matthew and Hannah, all of Toronto. She is also survived by her father-in-law Harry, age 104, and her sister Elaine Youngson and brother Sidney Goldberg, both of Vancouver. She was predeceased by her parents Myer Goldberg (1962) and Freda (Matlin) who passed away on the same date as Zelma 25 years ago. Zelma survived an earlier battle with cancer in 1990 but was given only a few months to live when the disease returned in 2006. Determined to leave the hospital, Zelma defied the odds and returned home to be with her family for an additional four years. Her children and grandchildren were her inspiration and they propelled her very existence. Through her perseverance, she gave her family the greatest gift of all. Zelma was an active member of the community and always remembered her days in her Hadassah chapter with fondness. She was also a supportive partner to her husband Shelly's active role in the Talmud Torah and JNF and together they were a significant presence in many fundraising capacities. Deeply moved by the courage of the children taking treatment with her at Cancer Care, Zelma regularly showed up there with handfuls of gifts and goodies for them. A deeply spiritual woman, she prayed every day for the well being of others. Zelma loved writing and wrote children's books based on characters she had created when her own children were little. Two of her books were published and a comic strip based on her character Trumpet the Elephant ran as a comic strip in 55 of the Gannet newspapers including the Winnipeg Sun. But her loyalty and love for her family was her defining trait. She loved her Shelly with a passion that was unconditional and together they faced life's challenges as a team. She celebrated every one of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments and encouraged them through all their endeavours. Despite her failing health, she was always there for love and support. She was truly an Aeshus Chail , a Woman of Valour. A private ceremony was held at Congregation Eitz Chaim on Friday, January 21st followed by interment at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Sheldon Altman, Ron Barsky, Jeff, Richard and Jonathan Buchwald, Jeff Morgan and Beverlee Searle. Special attendees: Laila Kesselman, Marlene Goldberg, Susan Barsky, Sheri Kowall, Sheila and Dr. David Brodovsky and Jim Pappas. Donations can be made at The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice. Shalom Lady Zelma. May you rest in peace.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2011