ANNA GORDON

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ANNA GORDON Anna Gordon passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. She is survived by her children, Ellen (Keith), David (Evan) and Sheila (Glenn); grandchildren, Sky (Raphael), Michael, Evan, Jessica, Erin (Jeffry), Rebekka and Zoe; great-grandchildren, Sophie and Gabriel; brothers, Harvey (Ruth) and Nathan (Carolyn); and numerous nieces and nephews. Anna was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Harry, her sister, Shirley, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Shirley Wolodarsky. Anna was born in Lvov in 1921 to Rebecca and Max Mitchell. From an early age, she worked in her parents' butcher shop on Aberdeen and Powers. She often told the story of her parents' forced departure from Russia and how she was born "on the way" to Canada. The events of her early life affected her deeply but she overcame them to become a determined and accomplished woman. As a girl, Anna was a voracious reader. She had a great love of music. She loved going to the movies and these passions endured throughout her life. As a young married woman, Anna worked to put Harry through law school and, after having three children, she completed her high school diploma and went on to complete two university degrees in Sociology. Anna was committed to equality and social justice. She was an early supporter of the CCF and the NDP; and her first job after she finished university was as Special Assistant to the Minister of Education in the Schreyer government. Later, Anna worked as a civil servant in the Department of Education until her retirement. Anna was a strong personality -- she had firm opinions and did not hesitate to share them. She successfully balanced her wide-ranging interests and pursuits with the needs of her family. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and unwavering in her love and support for them. The family would like to express their appreciation for the care that Anna received in the last years of her life at the Simkin Centre. A graveside service, officiated by Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves, was held on Friday, July 19, 2013 at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Michael Hildahl, Evan Hildahl, Jeffrey Mitchell, Gary Wolodarsky, Neil Swirsky and Sherman Kreiner. Donations may be made in Anna's memory to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2013