BELLA GARFINKEL (nee RABER)

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BELLA GARFINKEL (nee RABER) Bella Garfinkel (Raber), born October 26, 1928, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Her loving husband Harry was by her side, as he was throughout their 57 year marriage. Bella is survived by children Sandra (Joe), Rochelle (Kevin), Elliott (Nikki), grandchildren Jeremy, Isadora, Mikaela, Simon and Avery, brother Jack Raber (Marcie), brother-in-law Max Hochman, sisters-in-law Esther Leven and Tsipi Garfinkel, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bella was raised in Winnipeg. After high school, she trained at the Mount Carmel clinic as an x-ray technician and worked at the Victoria Hospital until her children were born. She mentored many interns who spoke of her gentle guidance. After her children were born, Bella’s life was dedicated to raising her family and keeping a traditional Jewish home. She had a soft and gentle nature yet had strong opinions. She voiced her opinions only if she felt she could make a difference in someone’s life, otherwise, she resorted to quiet diplomacy. She was traditional yet independent and progressive. She ate ground flax and exercised daily long before it was trendy. She was a life long member of the YMHA and YMCA. She learned to drive at age 30, she learned to swim at age 50 and, she mastered the computer in the early 80’s long before computers became mainstream in every house. Her full time job was her family; her part time job was her volunteer work. She was a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver and was instrumental in the development of a kosher Meals on Wheels program. She served as a volunteer tutor for adults learning to read and write for the first time and was a key player in the development of the Know the Facts Literacy program that ultimately became a government funded agency. Bella was a long time member of Hatikvah chapter, Pioneer Women/Naamat and the Saturday Night Discussion Group. These were great sources of stimulation and friendship. She held season tickets to the RWB, WSO, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers for many years until she could no longer attend due to illness. While raising her children, she advocated strongly for progressive education. At home, family gatherings and holidays were always special. She was a grand hostess with exemplary cooking and baking abilities. These family gatherings were a combination of hard work, dedication and quiet diplomacy. Funeral services were held on Monday November 12, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bella Garfinkel Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7525).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2012