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ESTHER LEVEN 1921 - 2014 Esther Leven (nee Garfinkel) was born in Kamenetz, Poland in 1921. She came to Winnipeg as an infant. She was predeceased by her husband David, and siblings Adele Baker, Baruch Garfinkel and Simcha Garfinkel. Esther was always active in the Jewish community, in the Talmud Torah PTA, Hadassah, the Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Heritage Centre. She distinguished herself as a talented Yiddish translator and translated three of the short stories in the 2007 book: Arguing with the Storm: Stories by Yiddish Women Writers. She was active in various Winnipeg Yiddish groups. Esther was an avid reader and enjoyed everything from detective fiction to serious literature. After her children were older, she took a diverse variety of university courses, from Anthropology to Psychology, out of intellectual curiosity. She was a member of a bridge group for several decades and a mahjong group for many years. In her later years, she became adept at crossword puzzles and enjoyed a good crossword challenge. Esther loved to cook and bake, and nothing gave her more pleasure than to see family and friends enjoying her food. She kept a kosher home and loved to prepare Jewish delicacies. Until her last year of life, she always made extra hamentashen at Purim and mailed them to family in other cities and countries. Esther was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She often boasted about her beautiful and talented grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Esther made a point of staying in touch with relatives in other cities, and eventually came to play the role of family matriarch. Esther is survived by her children Jody (Dorie), Len (Joanne) and Elliot (Jason), her grandchildren Shachy (Kobi), Boaz, Shauna (Jono) and Daniel, her great-granddaughter Ella, her brother Harry Garfinkel, and by many nephews, nieces and cousins. Esther died peacefully at home. Special thanks are extended to the many women who cared for her during the last year and to her long-time doctor, Dr. Ruth Simkin. Donations to the Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel or to any other charity would be welcome.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2014
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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I was so sorry to hear that Esther had died. It was a privilege and honour to work with her on Arguing with the Storm. I will never forget her dedication to the literary qualities of the very fine translations she produced, her patience with my queries, and the strength of her intellect. My condolences to the family and friends to whom she meant so much. - Posted by: Rhea Tregebov (friend) on: Sep 10, 2014
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Extending deepest sympathy to the Leven family on the passing of dear Esther. I met Esther in 2006 as a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society. I appreciated her commitment to raise funds in her building during the April canvass. Esther continued to volunteer until 2009. It was wonderful to read her tribute - she has left a lasting legacy. Please know our thoughts are with you - friends at the Canadian Cancer Society. - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at the Canadian Cancer Society) on: Sep 02, 2014
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Esther's proud and loving son, Jody, often talked about her whenever we met for lunch. Over several years Jody's stories created the image of a grande dame truly befitting the role of the Leven Matriarch; I wish I had met her. My heartfelt condolences to her family. - Posted by: Kevin Anderson (Friend of Jody and Dorie) on: Aug 30, 2014