ESTHER FINKLE

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ESTHER FINKLE (nee KAPLAN) August 3, 1922 - July 30, 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Esther Finkle, on July 30, 2015 at the Seven Oaks Hospital from heart related complications. Predeceased by her husband George (1993); parents Ralph and Sonia Kaplan; her brothers, Julius (Linda), Arthur (Betty), Sam, and sister Lily. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Judy (Jack), Lewis, Marsha (Sonny), and Gerry; grandchildren, Ronna (Harry), Jason, Robert (Trina), Steven (Heather), Sammy, Jeffrey, and Shiri; five great-grandchildren; her brother Jack (Leah), sister-in-law Mona, and brother-in-law Steve. She will also be missed by her many dear friends and other family members. Esther was born in Winnipeg, attended Machray and St. John's Tec. Mom was always very proud of her North End heritage. During the Second World War, Esther moved to Vancouver and worked for Boeing as "Rosie the Riveter", a job in which she took much pride. Learning that her brothers were enlisting and becoming homesick, Esther moved back to Winnipeg and worked at Standard Aero. In 1946, she met and married her husband George and together they raised their family. Esther assisted George with the family business. George and Esther had strong beliefs in the importance of higher education. They established numerous scholarships and bursaries which enabled post secondary students to further their studies. In 2008, General Rick Hillier, Chief of Defence Staff, awarded Esther the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service for her establishment of the Flying Officer - George Finkle Scholarship and Bursary. Mom was an avid knitter spending many hours making toques and mittens for the Winnipeg Child and Family Services. She especially looked forward to attending her Tuesday Rady Jewish Community Centre Stay Young Meetings. Esther was a very loving mother, devoted to her family, her Jewish faith and was a very strong supporter of Israel. Mom's favourite quote was "always try your best". Funeral services were held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the Chesed Shel Emes with Rabbi Altein officiating. Pallbearers were sons, Lewis and Gerry, grandsons, Steven and Jason, son-in-law Jack, and dear family friend David Diamond (Montreal). Interment was at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined in favour of a donation to a favourite charity.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 19, 2015