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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
PEARL YAFFE It is with profound sadness that Martin, Clifford and Richard announce the passing of our wonderful mother Pearl in the early hours of Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the age of 95. She faced death as she lived life with strength, resolve and dignity. In addition to her "three boys", Pearl is survived by Robin Alter, Heather Levin Yaffe and John Statham, together with her grandchildren Sarah (Jay Whiting), Paul (Lynne Cann), Danielle (Edgar Matusalem) and Aaron, as well as her great-grandchildren Owen Jacob and Poppy Elise. She also leaves her sister Leah Sheps, her sister-in-law Essie Wolfson, and many Yaffe and Wolfson nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie Pearl dearly. She was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Bessie Wolfson, her devoted husband Philip, her sister Rose Waterman and brothers-in-law Max Waterman and Sidney Sheps, and her brothers and sisters-in-law Sam and Stella, Haishie and Daisy, Ed, and Phillip and Helen. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Leo and Betty Yaffe, Molly and Manny Shaw, and Rose and Harry Roth, all of whom regarded her as a sister and referred to her as "our Pearl of a girl". Pearl's parents were among the first Jewish homesteaders in rural Alberta, and our mom was the youngest of seven children. She was born in the Wolfson family's one-room farmhouse in Rumsey, Alberta on May 10, 1918. When our mother was about ten years old the family moved to Calgary, where she lived until her move to Winnipeg in the late 1930s to seek employment. It was there that she met our father Phil, with whom she enjoyed a 38-year marriage until his untimely death in January 1981. Our mother was a woman of enduring radiance and beauty, sparkling personality, indomitable spirit and remarkable resilience. She was an astute individual who approached life with keen intuition and common sense. Her warmth and vitality inspired those around her, and for most of her life her energy seemed boundless. In many ways Pearl was a traditional wife and mother, who presided over her kitchen and created masterpieces that became her trademarks. She was also a woman of varied interests and skills who instinctively helped those in need. As a stay-at-home mother with secretarial experience from her years in the work force, whose husband was an optometrist and whose father-in-law was blind, she volunteered to teach typing to visually impaired inner city children. Together with Phil, she was a staunch supporter of Jewish education, culture and values, serving in many capacities on committees at the I. L. Peretz School and performing in Yiddish theatre and play-readings at drama festivals and on radio. She was also a skilled bridge player and continued playing until shortly before her 94th birthday. Armed with her positive attitude and her quick and dry wit, she was resourceful and hardworking, even when faced with severe mobility problems and declining health as a result of spinal stenosis. Our mother and father exemplified and taught us the values of humility and kindness accompanied by a strong work ethic, always cautioning against approaching life with a sense of entitlement. Our mother was invested in the success of each of her children and grandchildren, and while she shared with us her candid opinions and advice, she recognized our differences and loved each of us unequivocally. She was an outstanding role model. We will miss her terribly. Funeral services will be conducted at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Shiva will be observed at #601-141 Wellington Crescent from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20; and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 22. We wish to thank all those whose kindnesses enriched and helped to extend our mother's life, including her close circle of friends and bridge ladies, and the compassionate health care professionals and caregivers who took a special interest in our mom and who recognized that it was an extraordinary lady to whom they were administering care. We wish particularly to thank Dr. Lori Ebbeling-Treon, Dr. Janna Pilkey, Stano Spina and Arlene Alvarez. For those wishing to honour our mother's memory through a charitable donation, a gift to the Pearl and Philip Yaffe Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (477-7525), the Philip Yaffe Memorial Prize in Cancer Research at the University of Manitoba (474-9195) or The Winnipeg Art Gallery (786-6641) would be very much appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2013
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Richard and family, I just learned today of Pearl's passing, and wanted to express my sincere condolences. Richard, I know how devoted you were in your care of Pearl; and she was blessed to have you near her. Treasure your memories of her. With affection, Susan. - Posted by: Susan Turner (friend) on: Aug 28, 2013
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I have many fond memories of my Auntie Pearl- from visits to Winnipeg before I started kindergarten to her stays with us in Toronto. I spent time with her and Uncle Phil in Winnipeg on a trip to the west coast over thirty years ago. I have a book with pictures of Pearl and Leah in front of the one room schoolhouse in Rumsey, Alberta taken in 1928. Although I had not seen Pearl in a few years I will miss her as I know we all will. Kathy and I send our condolences to cousins Martin, Clifford and Richard. - Posted by: Gary Wolfson (nephew ) on: Aug 22, 2013
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I only learned of Pearl's death this moment (August 21). She was a truly wonderful and remarkable woman. It was always a great pleasure to see her when I visited Winnipeg. She had great intelligence, wit, warmth of personality and a deep and generous humanity -- one of the finest persons one could hope to know. - Posted by: David Sheps (cousin) on: Aug 21, 2013
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I am a patient of Dr.C. Yaffe and know how devoted he was to his mother as we often spoke about her, even so I did not have the pleasure of meeting her myself I know how dearly she will be missed by her family. To all of you my deepest and sincere Sympathy. R. Nolius - Posted by: Renate Nolius (none) on: Aug 20, 2013
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Pearl was a terrific woman and aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She will be missed. We have wonderful memories of staying with her when we visited the family on our honeymoon as well as the many visits when she came to Toronto. - Posted by: Lorie Shekter-Wolfson and Lorne Wolfson (neice and nephew) on: Aug 20, 2013
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My condolences, Martin. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Darlene - Posted by: Darlene Pratt (Colleague) on: Aug 20, 2013
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Oh my, what a wonderful eulogy for the "lady" that was Auntie Pearl. I respected her for many reasons, among which was that she knew her mind, and was not hesitant to vocalize her opinions and values (which were always thoughtful and reality-oriented). And, I remember her sense of wit, coupled with her distinctive chuckle that I can hear now as I write these words... She gave of herself to so many, and, as noted in the obituary, many gave back to her when she most needed it. In that vein I feel a need to acknowledge, as I am sure others will, the remarkable, round the clock commitment Richard made to Auntie Pearl's every need. Those who have been family caregivers over extended periods of time can truly appreciate the pressures you have felt and the sacrifices you have made. Your success at this difficult task was in part because you carry many of the wonderful traits that have been so aptly attributed to Auntie Pearl. She lives within you and the rest of the family! - Posted by: Mark Yaffe (Nephew) on: Aug 19, 2013
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To express sympathy in the loss of your loved one and to let you know that many thoughts are with you and your family. With caring thoughts Miro and pharmacy staff 550 Kenaston Blvd. - Posted by: Miro Cerqueti & Pharmacy Staff () on: Aug 19, 2013
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Pearl Yaffe: Truly an awesome, giving and strong lady. Aunt Pearl was truly a woman way ahead of her time, yet she somehow managed an incredible balance of holding on to traditions as well. She was always there for anyone in the family, but she was particularly vital in keeping the Shaw family together during my mother's illness. Aunt Pearl had the unique ability to be a tower of strength yet at the same time have no limit to her compassion. She has left a void which cannot be filled and she will truly be missed. The best way to honor my aunt however is so say that I was blessed to know her. - Posted by: Richard Shaw (Nephew) on: Aug 19, 2013
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Dear Richard, John, and family, On behalf of the WAG staff and volunteers, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dear mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, and we honour the memory of your mother. Sincerely, Stephen Borys Director & CEO Winnipeg Art Gallery - Posted by: Stephen Borys () on: Aug 19, 2013
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Sadly, the world and your family has lost another true mentsch. Please accept my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Louise Gillman (nee Fineblit) (family friend) on: Aug 19, 2013