RUTH NEIMAN (LEVIN)

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RUTH NEIMAN (LEVIN) 1920 - 2014 Ruth died as graciously as she lived, peacefully at home surrounded by love. She was a strong, resilient woman to the end. Ruthie lived her entire life in Winnipeg where she was always an active member of the Jewish community. A gifted musician, she attained the Royal Conservatory of Music, piano teachers' certification at the age of 14, the youngest person in the province to have done so. In the late 1930s she attended the University of Manitoba where she participated enthusiastically in sorority life. The tragic death of her beloved husband, Flight Lt. Hector B. Rubin, DFC, when his plane was shot down in March 1945 was devastating; she would never again be as carefree and joyful. Much of that was gone forever. She carried on and after the war married Maurice Selby with whom she had two cherished daughters, Karyn and Mindy. As the eldest grandchild of both the Levin and Cera families, Ruthie was an extraordinary daughter to parents Anne and Joe Levin as well as a devoted niece to her many aunts and uncles. She was an active volunteer in both Jewish and secular organizations serving as President of the Rosh Pina Sisterhood, a Girl Guide leader, accompanist for many musical productions and worked during various elections. Ruth had an innate sense of style and exquisite taste. Though self-effacing, she was considered to be a beautiful, empathetic woman. Following her divorce from Moe she married Mitchell Neiman. They travelled extensively in their early years together. He predeceased her in 2003. Ruth had a sharp intellect and excellent memory which she exercised most effectively at the bridge table. She could succeed at anything she set her hand to; from setting a magnificent table to hanging a light fixture. Ahead of her time, she embraced health food and yoga in the early 1970s and stayed active into her 80s. Sadly, Alzheimers disease slowly robbed her of her independence, speech and finally mobility. She bore her decline without complaint or self-pity. She was cared for with great dedication and love by Bella Bui and Aurora Fraser who were with her until the very end. She will be greatly missed and always remembered by her daughter Karyn Lazareck and son-in-law Mel, daughter Mindy, grandchildren Adam, Samuel (Chloe) and Jordan Lazareck, great-grandchildren Julia, Dylan and Benjamin Lazareck, sister Selma Shearer (Leo), and her nieces and great-nieces and nephews. For those who wish to remember Ruth donations can be made to the Ruth Neiman Fund in Support of Special Needs at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, (204) 477-7520 or online at jewishfoundation.org

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2014