ANNETTE LASKER (BLANK)

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ANNETTE LASKER (nee BLANK) Peacefully on December 13, 2012, at age 89, after a long illness and a courageous battle. Annette is survived by her son Shane (Marilyn) and her grandchildren, Erica and Justin. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, her parents, Samuel and Eva Blank, and her siblings, Louie and Oscar Blank, and Ruthie Silver. Annette was the last survivor of her generation in the Blank family. She will be sorely missed by her nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends, and by her dear friend, Sylvia Cramer. Born in Winnipeg's North End, she was fiercely proud of who she was, and where she came from. She was raised on Magnus Avenue in a home that is distinct in that area even to this day. She lost her father at age 12 during the Depression, and had to grow up and learn to face down adversity in a very short period of time. Those who observed her toughness in life, especially while battling her final illness, might not be surprised to hear that she was involved in the odd tussle in the schoolyard back in the day. However, her outward toughness and determination was complemented by an inherent gentleness and sense of compassion that was evident to all those who knew her. She met Harry while a teenager, and they were married for 62 loving years. Together, they built their home on Burrin Avenue, where they lived for over 50 years. Even after selling the property following Harry's death, Annette carried pictures of the home with her wherever she went, and would show them to anyone who was interested, together with an explanation of why the house was better built than any others in the neighbourhood. Annette was educated at the I.L. Peretz School, Machray School, and St. Johns Tech. Before starting her family, Annette was employed in retail sales, first at Macy's, and then at Leonard's Limited, where she had the privilege of working with her lifelong friend, Becky Cristall, who predeceased her in 2010. After the birth of her son, Annette became a full time homemaker. She was completely devoted to her husband and son, and later to her daughter-in-law (who she accepted as a daughter) and her grandchildren. She loved and adored all of them, and the feeling was mutual. Her family's accomplishments were first and foremost to her. Family get-togethers were special and often. She had a strong sense of Yiddishkeit , and passed this on to her family. She celebrated her family's successes, and was there to provide support in less happy times. When Harry's health declined, she effectively became a full time caregiver to him, and her efforts turned a two year prognosis into seven additional happy years together. She similarly extended her own mother's years with a level of care and devotion that would be difficult to match. Annette spent her later years at the Portsmouth Retirement Residence, where she made and reacquainted with many friends. Her final months were spent at the Simkin Centre of the Sharon Home, and the family wishes to thank the many wonderful staff there, with special mention to Jane, Trifona, Connie, Genny and Asmeret. A debt of gratitude goes out to Annette's personal caregivers, Josie and Esther, who provided much comfort and happiness during her final years, both to Annette and to her family, and who maintained Annette's sense of personal dignity right to the end. A lady for whom personal appearance and detail was important, Annette's hair was made up and her make-up applied, even in her final few days. Funeral Services were held on December 14, 2012, officiated by Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Gerry Daien. Pallbearers were her grandson Justin and her nephews, Arthur, Myles, Dov, and Zev Blank, and Lanny Silver. Thank you as well to Rabbi Avrohom Altein of Chabad and Shelley at Etz Chayim for their assistance during this difficult time, and to Lynne Fineman for her help over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch), or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2012