CLARA COHEN

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CLARA COHEN Clara Cohen passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital on October 28, 2016, after a short illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Rifka and Myer Lowe, her brother, Albert Lowe and her beloved husband of 45 years, Myer Cohen. Born in Rawa Ruska, Poland, in 1925, Clara came to Canada in 1935 with her parents and brother. They lived in Winnipeg's North End, where Clara attended William White Elementary, and then St. John's High. She made friends upon her arrival that remained friends until the end. Clara married Myer Cohen on September 5, 1948. Together they ran a grocery store on Jubilee Avenue for 13 years, until Myer became a respected real estate agent in 1963. They raised four children, all of whom were educated at Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. Jewish values were central to Clara's life, and she raised her children to be proud and affiliated members of the Jewish community. Clara was involved in volunteer and charity work, for the Bnay Abraham Synagogue and ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation Through Training). She was responsible for a best-selling fund-raising cookbook, as well as a national convention. In addition to volunteer work, Clara was gifted in many hobbies, including decoupage, rock polishing, sewing, knitting, crochet and needlepoint. She and Myer also travelled extensively, to Hawaii, California and several trips to Israel. After Myer's retirement, he and Clara spent a number of winters in Florida, which were among the happiest times they had. After Myer's death in 1993, Clara continued to spend winters in Florida, and holidays with her children in Montreal. After the closure of the Bnay Abraham Synagogue, she joined the Chavurat Tefila Synagogue and remained a faithful and involved member until she moved to assisted living in Winnipeg's south end. Funeral services were held on October 30 at Chesed Shel Emes and Bnay Abraham Cemetery. Clara is survived by four children, 20 grandchildren and seven great-grand-children. She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends. Donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2016