CHANAH (ANNETTE) HELD (BARNES)

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CHANAH (ANNETTE) HELD (BARNES) December 22, 1937 - July 12, 2011 After a blazing fight-to-the-finish battle with her third cancer, we lost our dear mother, wife, bubba, aunt, friend and neighbour. Chanah was predeceased by her parents Yetta and William, and brother Milton (Marilyn). Left to mourn her loss is her devoted husband Isser; children: Tauba (Fred), Hersh, Frances (Allan), Sylvia (Bob), and Esther; grandchildren: Reesa, Darian, Myla, and Matthew; granddogs: Xooom, Carman and Fred; nephews: Micah, Daniel and Ariel. Chanah's life was characterized by many physical challenges of which she overcame through sheer willpower, a great sense of humour and a strong desire to live. Throughout her various illnesses, Isser served as Chanah's primary caregiver. Isser and Chanah met at the Jewish Y in Toronto. That fateful meeting was followed by a phone call, in which the hearing-challenged Chanah couldn't hear the soft-spoken Isser. Exasperated, Chanah told him, If you can't speak up, I'm going to hang up on you, and she was as good as her word. She hung up. Isser phoned her back and, speaking up this time, forged a life-changing destiny. Even after living in Winnipeg for over 50 years, the former Toronto gal maintained strong connections to her family and friends back east. Chanah overcame her various health challenges to become the mother to five children; an avid reader; an amazing cook; a devotee of crossword puzzles; and a dedicated volunteer at Emunah, Talmud Torah, Herzlia, and Meals On Wheels. Isser and Chanah lived in the same house for over 45 years in which they raised their family. Devoted to her faith, and as a life-time member of Emunah, she visited Israel on two occasions. Over the years, doctors here accomplished remarkable things with Chanah. Among these dedicated people, we wish to give special thanks to Dr. Arthur Blank and Dr. Mathen K. Mathen for their extraordinary care; and also to Dr. Dave Hedden, whose successful hip operation allowed Chanah to graduate from a wheelchair to a walker - for Chanah, a dramatic and life-changing experience. Special thanks to her Homecare workers: Andrea, Sharon, Eva, Akiko, and Ann and to Occupational Therapist, Nicole. Isser wrote a little poem capturing Chanah's ability to enjoy life in the shadow of grave illness: At the time of a severe illness and she turned 64 she looked like she was at death's door At 65 she was happy to be alive At 66 she was up to tricks At 67 she thought she was in heaven At 68 she wasn't feeling great But at 69 she was feeling fine and at 70 which is 7 x 10 she was ready to start all over again. In her final days, Chanah and Isser would enjoy sitting out on their veranda visiting with family, neighbours, friends and, of course, the neighbourhood dogs; with a large box of Milk Bones always at hand Chanah will be fondly remembered as The Cookie Lady. We would like to thank those neighbours who were so supportive over the years, which include Selma Albersheim, Jerry and Reva Litman, and John and Louise Conci. Funeral service was conducted by Rabbi Green on July 14, 2011 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were Dr. Michael Eskin, Fred Simmonds, Allan Yamron, Bob Ginter, Myla Held and Matthew Held. Donations in memory of Chanah may be made to: Emunah, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Winnipeg Humane Society, CancerCare Manitoba, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or any charity of your choosing. Special thanks to Rabbi Green and Rabbi Charytan for their comforting visits during Chanah's final days.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2011