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BERNICE ELFENBAUM
Date of Passing: Jun 12, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBERNICE ELFENBAUM Bernice Elfenbaum (nee Garfinkel) passed away surrounded by her loving family, at the Health Sciences Centre, on June 12, 2014. Bernice leaves to mourn her husband, Joe; her children and their spouses: Murray Elfenbaum and Stacy Diamond, Mia Elfenbaum and Marshall Stitz, and Debbie and Brent Meyers; her grandchildren: Elana and Peggy Elfenbaum; Dena, Liat and Gilad Stitz; and Julia and Justin Meyers. Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Lillian Garfinkel, and her sister May Kantor. Bernice was born June 2, 1933, in Winnipeg. She excelled at school and graduated from St. Johns Tech in 1950. Her natural artistic talent led to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (University of Manitoba). Shortly after graduating, while Bernice dreamt of a career as an animator with Walt Disney in California, she began working in the Social Work field. With her supervisor's encouragement, she went back to university. Bernice completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree (University of Manitoba), winning the Gold Medal. In 1960, when Bernice met Joe Elfenbaum, there was no looking back. They had a long distance romance while he farmed in Saskatchewan and she worked in Winnipeg for the Children's Aid Society. They married in 1963 and first settled on the farm where Bernice, ever the "city-girl", tried her hand at milking the cows and driving a tractor. They relocated to Winnipeg in 1964 and remained there, raising three children and becoming active members of their community. Bernice and Joe were married for 51 years. Bernice was an intellectual, who loved reading books and staying informed. She had a fantastic sense of humour - often self-deprecating, always witty and very quick. Bernice was known for giving insightful, non-judgmental support and advice (never unsolicited). She was a beautiful person who radiated warmth and affection. Bernice adored her family and friends and everyone who knew her loved her! Bernice was loving and nurturing and had a way of making everyone feel special. She would do anything for her loved ones and referred to her grandchildren as her "treasures". We would like to thank Dr. Claire Jaeger and Dr. Gerald Minuk for helping Mom in recent years, and Dr. Anne Sutherland, Dr. Owen Mooney and the GA4 staff for caring for her (and all of us) while she was in hospital. Bernice was laid to rest at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on June 15, 2014. Pallbearers were: Monty Goren, Steven Goren, Charles Kantor, Mark Kantor, Brent Meyers and Marshall Stitz. Donations in Bernice's memory may be made to the Joe and Bernice Elfenbaum Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or the charity of your choice. Bernice was classy, smart, funny, beautiful, supportive and so very loved. Our world is smaller without her.
Publish Date: Jun 21, 2014
BERNICE ELFENBAUM It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Bernice Elfenbaum on June 12, 2014. Funeral services will be held at noon on Sunday, June 15 at Congregation Etz Chaim, 123 Matheson Avenue. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jun 14, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2014
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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In the last few months of her life, Auntie Bernice was in extreme pain. Notwithstanding this, she would come almost every day with Uncle Joe to the Riverview hospital palliative care unit, to be with my mother. Auntie Bernice would sit two, three even four hours at time. Auntie Bernice was a dedicated to these she loved and cared about. She had a great sense of humour and her smile, would light up the room. I will miss her. Monty Goren - Posted by: Monty Goren (nephew) on: Jun 22, 2014
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To Joe and your children, please accept my condolences on the passing of this special person in your lives. I will always remember Bernice with warm appreciation and deep gratitude. As a friend of my older sister's, she was always kind and generous to me with both her words and her deeds. She encouraged my interest in art, and I remember our discussions about painting even today, sixty years later. She reached out to me and my family in a time of trouble, ever the dependable friend. Her passing leaves me with the warmth of remembering just what an incredibly good soul enriched my life. - Posted by: Shirley Grosser (Acquaintance) on: Jun 21, 2014
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I only had the opportunity of meeting Bernie once. She struck me as beautiful inside and out. Reading her life story causes me to realize what an intelligent and very kind woman she was, I do wish I could have gotten to know her. My condolences to her husband Joe, her children, grandchildren and my Auntie Sylvia Segal. Lisa MorantzE - Posted by: Lisa Morantz (Relative of my Great Aunt) on: Jun 21, 2014
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My Deepest condolences on the loss of your wife who was a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Ricki Segal (Friend ) on: Jun 15, 2014