ETHEL TENNENHOUSE (SINGER)

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ETHEL TENNENHOUSE (nee SINGER) Ethel died June 22, 2013 in Victoria, BC in her 89th year. She is survived by brothers, Sam (Betty) and Joe (Renee) of Toronto, son Gary, daughters Esther (Ron Klassen) and Sheila (Phil Wynne), and grandchildren David, Tracey, Aaron, Joel, Timmi, Michael and Jeffery. Predeceased by husband Frank in 2009, sisters Goldie and Rose (Israel Hendler) and brother Jack (Ruth). Ethel was devoted to her family and will be dearly missed. She was born on the family homestead in the Sonnenfeld/Hoffer Colony in Saskatchewan, the first child of Harry and Fanny Singer. She attended Dravland School. In 1937, "due to drought, rust, and grasshopper plague" the family moved to Manitoba. They rented a farm just north of Winnipeg and Ethel, at age 13, met the Tennenhouses who were also farmers. The Singer family moved to Winnipeg two years later. She went to Ulster School and in Winnipeg to St. John's Tech High. Ethel and Frank married in 1946, a beautiful couple. They raised their family in Winnipeg. Ethel fostered in her children an interest in art and faithfully maintained a Jewish home, traditions and culture. At 53 she signed up for art classes at the University of Manitoba School of Art; her work showed sure artistic instincts and a real facility as an artist. After Frank's late retirement from teaching and farming they moved to Victoria where they enjoyed being with grandchildren. Ethel was a fine cook and beautiful baker; many people have fond memories of spending time in her kitchen and learning to prepare wonderful dishes. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Ted Rosenberg, Rachel Stouwer and Sarah Thoms for providing the care that enabled Ethel to remain in the comfort of her home so long. Burial was June 24 in the Victoria Jewish Cemetery, Rabbi Harry Brechner presiding. If you wish to make a donation in her name, please consider the building fund for Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria, BC. May her memory be a blessing.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2013