RUTH RACHLIS

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RUTH RACHLIS December 12, 1926 - December 17, 2017 Ruth passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Predeceased by her parents, Joseph Promislow and Leah Promislow, her sister Rebecca (Rica) Ziskrout, brother Hank, and son Fred. Survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Harry Rachlis, son Michael and daughter-in- law Debby Copes (grandchildren, Linus Rachlis and Leila Copes), daughter Vivian (grandchildren, Sarah Thomson and Samuel Thomson), brother Albert Promislow, and leagues of nieces, nephews and cousins, with whom Ruth took an ongoing personal interest. With Harry at her side, Ruth attended more weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and other simchas than we could count, in Canada and the U.S. Ruth could always be relied on for her engaging personality and deep love for and interest in all members of her beloved extended family and her many friends, and Ruth's family and friends loved her back. Our lives will be forever enriched by Ruth's dedication, love and guidance. Born to Jewish immigrant parents in Winnipeg's iconic North End, Ruth's pre-school years were spent in Quinton, SK. Once school age, Ruth lived in Winnipeg but spent summers in Quinton, helping out at her father's store. Ruth attended the I.L. Peretz School and St. John's High School, where she met Harry. Ruth attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a B.A. in Latin, Chemistry and Math in 1947. Harry and Ruth married in 1948, the births of Michael, Fred and Vivian following in 1951 to 1956. The family's move to Montrose Street in 1959 began a decades-long open house organized, catered and hosted by Ruth. Family, friends, professional colleagues, kids' friends, clubs and groups were all graciously welcomed at Ruth and Harry's table and living room. Conversation was rich, agendas were covered, wise counsel and loving support was provided, antics were tolerated, and souls and stomachs were filled to the brim. Armed with her B.A., Ruth's professional career as an "untrained social worker" began in Dauphin in 1947. Ruth's first social work career (1947 to 1972) included adoption work, community and family outreach/support (Logan Neighbourhood House), family and individual counselling (Family Bureau of Winnipeg - now Family Services of Winnipeg) and medical social work (Children's Hospital). Ruth's strong beliefs in proper funding for social services and personal philanthropy always went hand in hand, and were shaped by her family background and lengthy social work career. In 1972 Ruth was accepted into the Master's program in Social Work at the University of Manitoba, proudly graduating with her MSW in 1974. Thus began Ruth's second career as an academic, working as a field and classroom instructor in the Faculty of Social Work. Ruth was born to be a professor. Hundreds of social work students and scores of academic colleagues were touched by Ruth's teaching skill, compassion, insight and knowledge. Whether with students or colleagues, Ruth's approach was never hierarchical, always respectful, patiently collaborative, enduringly inspiring. Post-retirement, Ruth never slowed down and her achievements continued. Ruth's activities post-retirement included: teaching social work students in northern Manitoba, EAP counselling, working with her colleagues for social work to become a regulated profession, aquacises, book club, three choirs, volunteering in reading programs at Robert H Smith School and with newcomer families at the Gray Academy, hanging out with her grandchildren, travelling to simchas and hosting Friday night dinners. One of Ruth's proudest moments was to be honoured by her peers as the Social Worker of the Year in 2008. The honour was richly deserved. Ruth was able to make her end of life journey at home with the support of the WRHA's home Palliative Care Program and the compassionate assistance of her care givers. The dedication of all was greatly appreciated. The family wishes to give special thanks to Jane MacDonald NP, Dr. Bruce Martin, Mary Ashcroft, all the WRHA palliative care nurses, nurses Jan and Wendy at the Shaftsbury Park Retirement Residence, and the loving care of Mafi, Lisa, Jeneth, and Lilly. We are so honoured to have made this journey with all of you. Funeral services were held on December 19, 2017 at the Chesed Shel Emes, grateful thanks to Richard Yaffe for officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. In tribute to Ruth's work with families and her lifelong dedication to the local community, the family requests that donations be made to the Jewish Child and Family Service, the United Way of Winnipeg or to a charity of your choice. May her memory be a blessing.
Publish Date: Dec 30, 2017

RUTH RACHLIS December 12, 1926 - December 17, 2017 Ruth passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main St. Shiva to be held at the Shaftesbury Park Residence, 905 Shaftesbury Blvd., on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Longer obituary including charitable wishes to follow.
Publish Date: Dec 19, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 30, 2017