BLUMIE PORTNOY

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BLUMIE PORTNOY Blumie Portnoy passed away peacefully, at home, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Blumie was predeceased by her parents, Ida and Sam Polinsky, her brother, Dave Polinsky, sisters-in-law, Betty and Phyllis Polinsky, and her beloved husband, Iser Portnoy. She is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Portnoy (Rory Egan), Susanna Portnoy (John Bluethner) and Sallie Portnoy; grandchildren, Becky Chisick, David Johnson (Linda), Lorien Johnson, Cassandra Bluethner and Ben Portnoy; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Jonathan and Amaya van der Veen, Lily Chisick, and Felix and Spencer Johnson; and her dear brother, Ron Polinsky. Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Monday, May 29. Pallbearers were Becky, David, Cassandra, Ben, Nicholas and Jonathan; honorary pallbearers were Rory Egan, Max Polinsky, Sandra Polinsky and Shirley Stone. Blumie was born in Winnipeg in 1924. She attended Peretz School, Talmud Torah, St. John's High School, and United College, but she acquired her outstanding, quiet wisdom at the Polinsky school of family, friendship and Jewish tradition. She and Iser were sweethearts from the age of 15. They travelled the world, and spent summers at Winnipeg Beach and winters in Florida, very often with close friends, children and grandchildren in attendance. Together they were a strong presence in the Winnipeg Jewish community, and they were a paragon of loving and caring and generosity that Blumie carried on with determination and passion throughout her 26 years of very active single life. Blumie's smile lit up a room, and her vitality was unparalleled. She was a champion speed-skater and bowler, a pro at tennis, a whiz at bridge (which she continued playing right up to this February). She was also an accomplished pianist and an award-winning member of Hadassah. Blumie was uncommonly close with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they adored her no-nonsense, feisty good humour. For her daughters she was a guiding force, always able to see the clearest path through all complexity and pretext, and always helping to put things into better perspective; it was like having a conscience as well as a guardian angel by our sides. Blumie's remarkable integrity and sincerity set her apart and won her life-long friendships. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a woman who charmed the world with style and grace. The family would like to thank Debbie, Tess, Hilda, Lana, Myra and Dr. John Rabson, all who did so much to enhance our mother's later years. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to the Iser and Blumie Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Jun 3, 2017

BLUMIE PORTNOY Sadly, we announce the passing of Blumie Portnoy, May 24, 2017. Funeral services will be held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Monday, May 29, at 11:00 a.m. A longer obituary will follow.

Publish Date: May 26, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2017