DORYS SILVER (BAY)

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DORYS SILVER September 3, 1929 - February 7, 2019 MORRIS SILVER February 17, 1925 - February 11, 2019 The family of Dorys and Morris Silver sadly announce their passing and celebrate their beautiful love story. Dorys passed away on February 7, 2019, at the age of 89, after a short battle with dementia. Morris passed away four days later on February 11, 2019, a few days short of his 94th birthday. Left to cherish their memory are children, Les and Andi Silver, Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, and Glenda and David Segal; grandchildren, Leigh and Sicily, Emanuel, Darcy and Elysia, Drew and Laura, Devin and Nicole, Shimon and Ashley, Ryan and Joshua, Ari and Michelle, and Jeff and Angie; 15 great-grandchildren, Dovid, Binyamin, Miriam, Gavriel, Ashton, Aiden, Hayley, Erin, Samuel, Chloe, Ethan, Ella, Morgan, Draegan and Scarlett. They will be deeply missed by sister Minnie and brother-in-law Dick Bell, sister Doris Bronstein, and sister-in-law Roslyn Silver, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, and a large, extended family worldwide. Dorys was predeceased by her parents, Abraham and Freda Bay, and sister Jen (Alec) Goldman. Morris was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Sarah Silver, sister Bertha (Joseph) Feldman, sister Bella (Hy) Brod, brother Meyer Silver, and brother-in-law Morris Bronstein. Morris Louis Silver was born on February 17, 1925 in Winnipeg. The youngest of five siblings, he grew up on Herbert Avenue in Elmwood above the family grocery store. He attended Talmud Torah, Elmwood, and Lord Selkirk schools. At 18 years old, he joined his brother in the Canadian Armed Forces to serve during the Second World War. Morris was trained as a telegraph operator, stationed mainly in Dawson Creek, BC. After the war, he worked as a telegraph operator for Canadian NationalCanadian Pacific Telecommunications in an office at Portage and Main. Dorys Bay was born September 3, 1929 in Winnipeg. The second of three sisters, she grew up on Flora Avenue in the North End. In her youth, she worked for her parents who were kosher caterers and hotel proprietors, most notably running a hotel in Watrous, Saskatchewan. Dorys attended Talmud Torah, William Whyte School, and St. John's High School. She then got a job as a medical receptionist in the McIntyre Block close to Portage and Main. It was at that famous intersection where Morris met the love of his life, spotting her one day waiting for the bus. They were engaged shortly after meeting at Portage and Main and were married seven months later on May 17, 1949. They were the proud parents of three children: Les, Tannis and Glenda. Morris went to work at Western Smallwares as a buyer, taking annual trips with Dorys to New York City to attend and buy at the famous toy show. Dorys stayed home to raise their children, and later opened an art gallery in the basement of their home in Garden City, became a lecturer for Weight Watchers, and obtained her realtor's license in her late 50s. In 1967, at the age of 42, Morris started his own firm, M.L. Silver Agencies, working as a manufacturers' agent, dealing in toys and housewares. He worked in an office in their home on Bluebell Avenue so he and Dorys could be together every day. About 30 years later, he closed his agency and went to work for the Winnipeg Free Press, where he would regularly win awards as the top salesperson. He stayed at the Free Press for almost two decades, finally retiring when he was 89 years old. Morris was loving, calm, gentle, humble and non-judgmental. He never complained or had a bad word to say about anybody. He was an uncomplicated man with simple tastes. He was soft-spoken, with a terrific deep, rich baritone voice. He loved watching sports and playing cards - beating everyone in his family even in his 90s. He had a terrific memory for birthdays, phone numbers, people and sports scores. Morris had remarkable stamina and speed and was hard to catch up with - even at close to 94 years of age. Dorys was affectionate, feisty and determined. When she wanted something done, no one and nothing could stop her. She was never afraid to share her opinion and was no stranger to offering constructive criticism. A perfectionist, with high standards for herself and for her kids, she was a devoted matriarch who wanted nothing more than the best for her family. Dorys was a fashionable woman, a fabulous entertainer and hostess, and a tremendous cook and baker. Dorys and Morris were incredibly supportive and doting grandparents who were immensely proud of their grandchildren's achievements. Their greatest joy was spending time with their grandchildren, frequently hosting sleepovers, dinners and card games, and attending concerts and synagogue together. Dorys and Morris lived their lives for each other and to be with each other. They were the perfect team. They travelled the world, played tennis, golf and bridge together, frequently attended the symphony and opera, and were regular attendees on Saturday mornings at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. For their 65th wedding anniversary in 2014, they renewed their vows, recreating their wedding for friends and family. They were inseparable - loving and liking each other for close to 70 years. It is fitting that they move into the next world together. Dorys and Morris were laid to rest, side by side, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on February 10 and 12, 2019, respectively. A funeral service officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl took place on February 12, 2019 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek to celebrate their love and devotion. Pallbearers were their grandsons. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Simkin Centre, Concordia and Seven Oaks Hospitals, and especially to Dorys' companions, Merlyn and Eva, for their wonderful and compassionate care and support. If desired, contributions in memory of Dorys and Morris Silver may be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation, to Congregation Shaarey Zedek, or to a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2019