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CAROL LESZCZ Peacefully at home, with her husband by her side, Carol Leszcz passed away on Monday, October 29, 2012, at age 52. Carol leaves her husband Rob Waldman and cherished children Sari and Ben Waldman, extended family and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents Molly and Hymie Leszcz, her brother Harry Leszcz, and in-laws Reva and Ben Waldman and Shira Waldman. Carol was a devoted and loving wife, mother and daughter, a consummate friend and a beloved teacher. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Carol grew up in Winnipeg's north end in a warm and nurturing family that valued thoughtfulness, humility and menshlikeit above all else. She attended Talmud Torah and West Kildonan Collegiate, graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a B.A. and Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Carol then embarked on a 27-year career teaching Junior Kindergarten at Talmud Torah and the Gray Academy of Jewish Education. Hundreds of children spent their formative years in her class, calmed by her bright smile and embraced in her loving arms. She adored her students and they, and their parents, adored her back. Carol's dedication to teaching was recognized with the 2007 Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. Carol discovered her gift for working with children during the summers she spent at Camp Massad, including five as program director. It was also at Massad that her remarkable artistic gifts became apparent. In 1987, Carol traded summers at camp for summers at the family cottage in Loni Beach. There the door was always open, the pantry always full and the grill always hot. Carol was a marvelous cook who expressed her love for family and friends in the foods she prepared for them. She graciously shared recipes and cooking tips and was the go to person for anything culinary. Carol's daily life was consistently made up of acts of kindness. She was a thoughtful and generous partner, mother and friend who gave of herself in myriad ways. She was the organizer, nurturer and navigator, who recognized instinctively how to solve any practical problem and how to respond to any personal challenge. Her humanity, decency and creativity touched everyone she knew. She was wise and witty, unbeatable at word games, and possessed remarkable inner strength and resiliency. In spite of her parents' and brother's untimely deaths and her own illness, she retained a positive outlook on life. This positivism derived from the tremendous joy that Carol received from her husband and children. She was delighted by Sari and Ben, and incomparably proud to be their mother. Funeral services were held at the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue on Tuesday, October 30, with Carol's dear family friend Cantor Gerry Daien officiating. Pallbearers were Grant Zipursky, Paul Winestock, Stephen Rosenfield, Bernie Chodirker, Shalom Coodin and Marshall Carroll. Donations in Carol's memory may be made to funds being established at Camp Massad Manitoba and the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, or to CancerCare Manitoba. Carol and her family were deeply appreciative of the care and compassion extended to her by CancerCare and the Health Sciences Centre's D6 ward.
Publish Date: Nov 10, 2012
CAROL LESZCZ With deep sorrow the family of Carol Leszcz announce her passing on Monday, October 29, 2012. Funeral to be held Tuesday, October 30 at 1:30 p.m. at the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, 700 Jefferson Avenue. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Oct 30, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 10, 2012
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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Expansive, intelligent, warm, inspired and inspiring, and possessing a keen sense of life's purpose: this is the way my 10-year old self remembers Carol, and the spirit that flashed by me when we enjoyed a fast greeting at a close mutual friend's simcha last year, decades after I knew Carol as one of my first Camp Massad directors. My deep condolences to Robbie, Sari and Ben. - Posted by: Mira (camper at Massad - 1980s) on: Nov 11, 2012
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To Rob, Sari and Ben, our sincerest condolences on the loss of Carol. Fond memories remain of watching the children grow to be such lovely people. They certainly had a "super" mother. May you find peace in golden memories that hopefully will soon take over your pain. - Posted by: Lorna Tergesen (fellow Loni Beach cottager) on: Nov 10, 2012
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I was heartbroken to hear of Carol's illness and passing. She was so full of life, love and energy and passed her enthusiasm and caring on to all who had the good fortune to cross her path. Robbie, Sari and Ben, my thoughts are with you as you carry on without her. - Posted by: Doreen Fleisher (student's parent) on: Nov 10, 2012
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Our daughter had the good fortune of being in Carol's Junior Kindergarten class when we first moved back to Winnipeg. Carol was "a teacher's teacher" - she seemed born to be a teacher. Everyone loved her - all the kids and their parents. She just radiated creativity and warmth. She gave so much to the children of this community over the years, and her passing is a true loss to us all. We were so sorry to hear about it. Our deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: linda feuer (parent of a former student) on: Nov 10, 2012
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my sincerest condolences to the family. I remember carol for her warm smile and kind gentle soul. May her memory be for a blessing - Posted by: Jeffrey Ross (Ex massadnik) on: Nov 02, 2012
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Carol was my colleague all the years that I worked on Matheson Street and then at Gray Academy. I had many occasions to drop into her classroom - it was always a place of warmth and laughter and where every little child was treated with love and respect. She gave so many children a great start! We will all miss her. - Posted by: Janet (colleague) on: Nov 02, 2012
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Our prayers thoughts and love to Rob, Ben and Sari in this time of loss. Carol was an amazing wonderful person and we will all miss her so much. Carol you will remain in my heart and thoughts always. - Posted by: Shannon (Friend and fellow soccer mom) on: Nov 01, 2012
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I knew Carol as a family friend and always marveled at her warmth, kindness and sense of humour. She made everyone feel special. She will be truly missed. My condolences to Robbie, Sari, Ben and family. - Posted by: Miriam Fliegel (Family friend) on: Nov 01, 2012
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Carol and I walked home from school on many a winter's day. She was warm, good natured and always pleasant. I was also Carol's counsellor at camp Massad, and she was a pleasure there as well. My condolences to Robbie and her children. - Posted by: AVA (old neighbour ) on: Oct 31, 2012
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Robbie and family, my deepest sympathy. My heart is heavy. May memories of a great woman console you: Warmth, spirit, kindness, delight, children, husband, community, Massad, love, family......these are words I think of whenever I envision the spirit which was and always will be Carol. "Alav Hashalom" kid. Moe (family friend and Massadnik) - Posted by: Moe (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2012
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Robbie and family, my deepest sympathy. My heart is heavy. May memories of a great woman console you: Warmth, spirit, kindness, delight, children, husband, community, Massad, love, family......these are words I think of whenever I envision the spirit which was and always will be Carol. "Alav Hashalom" kid. Moe (family friend and Massadnik) - Posted by: Moe (Friend) on: Oct 31, 2012
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A fine person with a vibrant personality. I feel blessed that we were able to see her this summer at a supper event in Winnipeg Beach and have a good memory to hold on to of her laugh and sense of humour. My condolences. - Posted by: Brent Apter (acquaintance) on: Oct 30, 2012
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Morah Carol was one of my son's first teachers when he started school. I was nervous sending my eldest off to "real school". Especially when I didn't know the teacher. Carol turned out to be one of the most warm, loving, nurturing teachers and women I've ever known. She was never afraid to hug a child and always welcomed them with her huge grin. She was one in a million. She'll be truly missed. - Posted by: cara kroft (mother of student) on: Oct 30, 2012
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My heartfelt condolences to her family, Carol will be missed. She was a truly wonderful, funn , kind person and I was lucky to have known her as classmates and a family friend. Lana Lipkowitz - Posted by: Lana Lipkowitz (friend) on: Oct 30, 2012
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To the LESZCZ Family Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Carole was one of a kind. The love and enthusiasm she had for every child was magic. We were graced by Carol's passion when she taught our son. The care and compassion she had for every little one was indeed special. May her memory be eternal. Our deepest sympathy - Posted by: The Ruta Family () on: Oct 30, 2012
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I am shocked and so sorry to hear about Carol's passing. I have many fond memories especially when I taught at Talmud Torah/ ilperetz and her infectious laugh and positive demeanor. She will be sorely missed! - Posted by: Allyne nepom (Colleague) on: Oct 30, 2012
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My prayers and thoughts to family and friends!!! Great moments, sharing rooms with AlephBet day care!!!! Such a wonderful human being with a contagious spirit!!!! Always in my heart, Carol!!!! - Posted by: Roxie (Colleague from the past) on: Oct 30, 2012