ZELDA MYERS (KHANER)

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ZELDA MYERS
(nee KHANER)

Zelda was born in Montreal on June 30, 1923, to Sophie and Meyer Khaner. She died peacefully on February 17, 2019, surrounded by her family who adored her, and within the embrace of her Simkin Centre Community where she lived since 2005, when she moved to Winnipeg to be closer to her family.
With her husband, Irving, she had two children: Mia who still lives in Montreal and John (Barbara) who lives in Winnipeg. She had the great pleasure to know and to love her three grandchildren, Norah, Alexandra and David (Karine). They will miss her warm and gentle touch and the constant support and encouragement that she gave to them.
At 95, she outlived her siblings, John (Sue), Lyon (Val) and Miriam (Albert); Irving's siblings, Jacob (Lucienne) and Lilian (Arthur); Barbara's parents, Allison and Philip Ashdown; her nephews, Steven Khaner and Tim Khaner; her favourite aunt Dora Marowits; and cousin Bert Marowits (Marlene).
Left behind to celebrate her life are her nieces, Myra Khaner (Carmel), Willa Marcus, Jane Hendler and Julie Khaner; nephews, Richard Marcus (Seema), Jeffrey Khaner (Daniele), Jamie Khaner and Elliot Miller (Judith); cousins, Howard Marowits (Sema) and Syma Shaffer (Frank). She also touched the lives of her extended Khaner, Miller, Marcus and Marowits families, and always enjoyed hearing about their milestone events.
As a young woman, Zelda worked in the small family-run grocery store Marché Populaire on St. Catherine Street East in Montreal alongside her siblings, John, Miriam, and Lyon. Zelda met Irving through their involvement in politics and they married on March 17, 1945. Their marriage turned out to be an amazing adventure where they worked on projects together, travelled extensively and had the good fortune to touch and be touched by some very remarkable people from diverse backgrounds which helped to shape their views of the world.
As parents, they were a constant support to Mia and John. In particular, they both stood by Mia during very challenging times in the 1960s to 1980s, when the stigma associated with mental illness was pervasive and access to quality services was in short supply. After Irving died suddenly in 1987, Zelda continued to be Mia's champion and built an evolving support network for her that has lasted to this day.
When Zelda received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from McGill University, this was a very proud moment for her and her family. She went on to pursue Masters studies in Art History at Concordia University. She tried her hand at a number of visual art forms, including etching, sculpture and photography (she worked as an archivist at the McCord Museum documenting its costume collection). She became recognized for her large character Japanese calligraphy which she studied for many years and her works were exhibited many times.
Zelda fell in love with the performing arts at an early age and was able to experience some of the great dancers, musicians and actors of her time. Perhaps her greatest contribution to the arts was that she was an intelligent, generous and discerning audience member and appreciated all forms of beauty in the world.
Zelda lived at 5719 Northmount Avenue for over 60 years, first with her father and later with Irving upstairs, and Miriam and Albert downstairs. She was a gracious host for countless gatherings of family and friends. Her cooking was legendary. To grow up in Zelda and Irving's house was to witness a remarkable group of friends arguing late into the night about politics, the arts, current events, every now and again punctuated by uproarious laughter. What she had in common with all of her friends who came from so many different disciplines was a commitment to freedom of expression and a desire to make this world a better place for all.
Zelda's last chapter was spent at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg. It was a difficult transition for her but she managed to find her way through the challenges associated with the gradual loss of many of the basic abilities we all take for granted. On her journey, she met a whole new set of people from diverse backgrounds and was able to build friendships and, on many occasions, was able to show us that her wit and wry sense of humour was still very much intact.
Zelda wanted to express her gratitude to all of those who formed part of her village at the Simkin Centre. To her primary companions, Margaret, Joanne and Jennifer, the English language has no words to adequately express how thankful the Myers family is for your exceptional care of "Mama Zelda". Perhaps we can just say Bravo!! We also thank Aunties, Nati, Nila, Virghie and Doreen for always being there when you were asked to help.
She also enjoyed the company of a group of amazing people and their families that she met at the dinner table where she lived on Simkin 2. So many life stories shared among tablemates who looked out for each other on their respective journeys. Mum was honoured to know Gertie, Bea, Vernice, Cathy (Eric), Tanya (Mim), Nellie, Marjorie, Bert and Rose. Zelda also ventured out and spent time with others who were part of her village, especially Freda and Manny (Lynne), Esther (Gord and Heather), Guy (and his family), Brownie, Ruth and Nate.
Zelda appreciated the quality of care she received from the Simkin Centre staff. Thank you Sara and Nada for your leadership and Carla, your approach to spiritual care is an example for all to follow - your heart was always your smile.
Thank you to all of the nurses who looked after Zelda, including Democratita, Jane, Trifona, Tessie, Merle, Carol, Arlene, Donna, Mark, Lalaine, Ray, Gemma, Ghyslaine and Julian.
The Health Care Aides at the Simkin Centre who provide the most intimate care to residents treated Zelda with compassion and respect and were always mindful of preserving her dignity. Thank you to Jamina, Laurencia, Leonie, Eduardo, Joy, Larissa, Maria, Viktor, Paul, Ram, Estelita and Lydia. Anyone that may have been overlooked and should have been mentioned, please know that by mentioning any, Zelda was giving tribute to everyone.
A celebration of Zelda's life will take place at the Simkin Centre, 1 Falcon Ridge Drive, on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Amnesty International, The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre Foundation or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2019