SYLVIA MIRIAM POLLOCK

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SYLVIA MIRIAM POLLOCK March 26, 1935 August 31, 2011 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sylvia, wife of Harvey, Mother of Martin, Karyn (predeceased November 30, 2009) and Nathan (predeceased November 13, 1982). Sylvia will be missed too by son-in-law Danny Globerman, daughter-in-law Randee Pollock, grandchildren Adam (Debrochna), Noah (Samantha), Simmie, Ethan, Jesse, Jayden, brothers Lloyd and Sam Friedman, sister Pearl Kredentser, brothers and sisters-in-law Mischa and Lynn Pollock, Gordon and Mimi Pollock, Monte and Cecil Kowall, her nephews, nieces, cousins and many dear and exceptional friends. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Nathan and Sarah Friedman of Regina, Saskatchewan and older sister Faye and brother-in-law Harry Wasel of Winnipeg. Sylvia was born in Rockglen and raised in Melville and Moosejaw, Saskatchewan and then moved to Regina. In the autumn of 1953, Sylvia enrolled at the University of Manitoba. It was here where she met her soul mate Harvey, sharing 56 and a half years of love as one--inseparable. Sylvia and Harvey's support for each other through insurmountable adversity of losing children reflected life together. Sylvia took pride in Harvey's accomplishments. However, his bridge game was no match for Sylvia's excellence. Sylvia's story is of a kind, caring, good humoured, generous and gracious woman. No envy. Sylvia supported unmarried pregnant mothers in the early 1960s, and in the mid 1960s and 1970s offering a home with employment opportunity to women in need from far away to assist them to bring their families to Canada was typical. Sylvia was empathetic and compassionate. Her home and cottage at West Hawk Lake was open to all who knew and loved her. Sylvia loved her kitchen and making people happy. Sylvia professed that No one should ever go hungry . Many Jewish holiday moments were rejoiced at Sylvia and Harvey's dining room table-Rosh Hashana lunch, breaking of the Yom Kippur fast, Passover seders and traditional Friday night Shabbat dinners. Never a complaint, always Sylvia's pleasure, celebrated with spirit and unity. Family togetherness was a principle punctuating existence -- Sylvia's way. Sylvia worked for Hadassah, The United Way and Citizens against Drunk Driving. She also assisted in settling immigrants in Winnipeg. Speaking at Headingly jail to inmates and to students at local schools about the perils of drunk driving gave outlet to Sylvia to educate, persuade and with hope save lives. She was a determined soldier who brought audiences to tears. To many, Aunt Sylvia was like a second mother and the often overlooked significant trait, that ability to listen and make someone feel heard was trademark. She was a cache of practical wisdom; advice was poignant, ever so sensible, delivered without veils. She made each grandchild feel important and loved and made sure each grandchild had special time with her. With Harvey, Sylvia travelled to Israel, a destination of meaning in her heart. They experienced European travel, Puerto Vallarta and Caribbean destinations. Sylvia visited Hong Kong. For the past 25 years winter vacation in Hawaii was an oasis of sharing happiness. Sylvia was a blessing. A sunshine smile and easy nature clothed a strong, intelligent giving soul who led by example. Sylvia was real, inclusive and honest. She was life. Her passionate message to all is Build a life of meaning, find happiness, laugh and amongst all, live. Sylvia's life was stolen by colon cancer. On Friday, September 2, 2011 Rabbi Allan Green officiated the funeral service at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Winnipeg. Speaking for Sylvia, Jack London delivered a profound and moving eulogy and her grandson Ethan Pollock on behalf of her grandchildren honoured his grandmother's memory with an eloquent, graceful tribute. Sylvia's grandchildren were her pallbearers. Heartfelt thank you to all whom co-ordinated and provided medical treatment and attendant care and support. Special thanks to the wonderful staff on the 8th floor Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface General Hospital for their kind and tireless attention. Donations in Sylvia's memory may be made to any of the following or charity of choice: The Nathan Pollock Fund c/o the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, The Karyn Globerman Endowment Fund at the St. Boniface General Hospital Foundation or The Sylvia Pollock Fund at the Winnipeg Jewish Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2011