ALICE CECILE KATZ (REPAY)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALICE CECILE KATZ (nee REPAY) July 15, 1940 - October 17, 2012 It is with great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Alice Katz on October 17, 2012 at the St. Boniface Hospital. Alice was predeceased by her mother Mary; her sisters: Laura, Hilda, Evelyn, and Ann; brothers: Wilfred and Harry, and husband, Howard. She is survived by her daughter Bernice; sisters: Ada, Pauline and Marie, and her brother Nick. Alice was born in Endeavour, SK - the last of 13 children. The family moved to Birch River, MB shortly after, where she grew up until moving to Winnipeg in 1952. She attended Churchill High School for two years before entering the workforce at Marlor's Shoes. She was also a part-time model for well known local photographers of the time: Phillip Friedman and J. Coleman Fletcher. After Marlor's, she began a long career in the food and beverage service industry, working at Rae Jerry's, Rancho Don Carlos, The Bon Vivant nightclub and the Pembina Hotel until she gave birth to her daughter at which time she became a full time, stay at home mom. In 1982 she became co-owner of Bernie's Deli with her husband. They then moved on to manage the Royal Manitoba Yacht Club for one year before she moved on to Tubby's Pizza and finished off her working life at Niko's, City Place until the location closed. From the first time Alice visited Winnipeg as a little girl, she loved it - particularly the Fort Rouge neighbourhoods where she lived most of her life. Despite being inherently shy, her beauty, strength of character, loyalty and sharp sense of humour brought her many good friends and admirers throughout her life. She loved to tease her customers, friends and family, to share a laugh. She had a heart of gold and would gladly give anything she had to share to anyone in need. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life - gardening and sun tanning during summer, outings to local destinations and events, trips to Kenora, harvesting the end of season bounties of her garden. She could occasionally be caught singing and dancing to her favourite Harry Belafonte songs among others. Her main joys throughout the years were spending time with family and friends or enjoying a good book. Alice was a tough, hardworking woman who persevered through life's challenges and always came through with grace and dignity. Her integrity, kindness, humour and generous spirit will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by us all. The family wishes to thank the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital as well as Doctors Shnider, Taraska, Walters and Sami for their gentle care and compassion. Thank you also to Brenda of Niakwa Towers for all your help and care throughout her time there. A service commemorating her life will be held Thursday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at Coutu Funeral Home, 680 Archibald Street. Donations may be made in her memory to any of the following charities of her choice: the Scoliosis Research Society, The Canadian Cancer Foundation, The Manitoba Lung Association or The Winnipeg Humane Society. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 23, 2012