ANNETTE STERN (MORELLO)

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ANNETTE STERN Annette Stern (nee Morello) passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, with her family by her side. She had recently celebrated her 93rd birthday. Even in her weakened state, Mom managed to sing the Happy Birthday Song with us, as she lay in bed. She was predeceased by her parents, Gaetano and Josephine Morello and by her husband of 52 years, Sam Stern in October, 2016. Left to mourn her loss is her son David (Oscar Orjuela Leon); sister Terry Albi of Winnipeg and brother Murray (Cathy) Morello of Toronto. Also, nieces and nephews from the Albi and Morello families. Annette was born on February 8, 1926 in Amato, Catanzaro, Italy. She came to Canada in 1933 at the age of seven with her mother to join her father in Winnipeg. He had arrived several years earlier to establish himself before sending for his family. This is where she gained her inner-strength and compassion as a person. She acted as the interpreter for the family and helped as caregiver for her younger siblings who were both born in Winnipeg. As a young woman, Mom completed business school and worked as a secretary, first with the railroad and then with the Manitoba Government Department(s) of Health and Dental Services. She enjoyed travelling with and supporting the health teams that provided care to people in remote parts of the province. When their son David was born in 1966, Annette chose to leave her job and begin a new one, raising him and providing a safe and nurturing home for her family. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother. Mom was never shy to defend her point of view and to take on new challenges seeing them through to the end. She was not one to give up easily. Mom also participated in activities outside the home. She was part of Mayor Norrie's election team for all his campaigns. Mom enjoyed singing for many years with the Rosh Pina and then Shaarey Zedek Synagogue choirs. As a convert from Roman Catholicism to Judaism, she believed that the music enhanced her connection to the faith. When her health began to fail, Mom became a resident at Deer Lodge (joining Dad) in January, 2013. She knew when it was time to make the move and accepted it with dignity and grace. Although they were on different units, Dad would make sure he visited Mom every day (except for Saturdays which he called his 'day off' to read the newspaper). The staff would say what a beautiful person Annette was; respectful, never complaining, happy and cheerful with a smile on her face and always sharing a kind word or comment. She would tell us how excellent the staff were and how well they looked after her. In her own words, "This is such a nice place." Mom participated in everything at Deer Lodge Centre: bingo, sing-alongs, crafts and weekly religious services with a variety of faiths. She believed in one G-d, regardless of the method of delivery. Toward the end, although confusion had taken greater hold and her memory had faded, she still knew who we were and communicated as best she could. It was a blessing for us to have her light up with a smile when we came to visit and never forgetting to ask how Ponchito the cat was doing at home. We will always remember her as a loving, strong, determined and intelligent lady. We are forever grateful to the staff on Lodge 7 and then of Tower 5 where she spent the last eight months of her life. You honoured her with excellent care, kindness and compassion. Thank you also to Dr. Julius Alexy, for being so approachable. He took the time to listen to my concerns and to answer my many questions. A private graveside service took place on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park with Cantor Tracy Kasner officiating. If one so chooses, a donation may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of your choice. Your body and mind are weak and tired no more. G-d bless you Mom!

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019