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BETTY RISKIN (SOTOLOV)
Born: Jan 30, 1931
Date of Passing: Mar 24, 2020
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BETTY RISKIN
January 30, 1931 March 24, 2020
Betty was one out of three children born to Isadore and Dora Sotolov in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 30, 1931. Betty was predeceased by her loving husband Leslie Riskin of 50 years; her parents, Dora and Isadore; as well as her two brothers, Louie and Ralph Sotolov. She is survived by her two compassionate and supportive sons, Sheldon and Irving (Dianne); her endearing granddaughters, Hannah (Braiden) and Abby (Reed); her brother-in-law Morris Polansky of Toronto; nieces, Perry Polansky of California and Sharon (Norm) Greenberg of Las Vegas; her nephews, Dr. Howard Love and Adam Greenberg; her furry friend Ozzy; her long-time, loyal friend Adriana (Fernando) Costa and many friends abroad.
Betty met her soulmate, Leslie Riskin, from Birchriver, Manitoba in 1953 and would soon be married a year later. They created a beautiful family together, being blessed with two loving sons, Sheldon and Irving.
Betty started her career at the Downtown Eaton's, in the catalogue centre. She then would go on to serve 25 years as an advertising manager at the Northgate K-Mart. Betty dedicated countless hours of volunteering in her community, serving Meals On Wheels with her husband Les, as well as, volunteering her time at B'Nai B'rith.
Her and Les would often be found walking laps at the Garden City Mall. They also enjoyed harness racing in the late 80s at the Assiniboine Downs. In the early 90s, Betty and Les would vacate to Palm Springs for six months of the year. There, they would enjoy swap meets, sitting by the pool, exercising, and of course, dining with good friends.
After Les' death in 2004, Betty was able to maintain her home with the help of her eldest son Sheldon, becoming her primary caregiver. Together, they would often have family dinners, celebrating religious holidays and special family events. Betty was for sure an amazing host and cook.
Betty was always a broad of the current news, following all the latest scandals of Hollywood, completing daily crosswords and following her granddaughters on Instagram. Soap operas were a daily fix for Betty as she loved some good TV drama. She was also an avid Bomber fan!
At this time, flowers will be gratefully denied, but donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A private service was held at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery on March 26, 2020. Due to unfortunate crowd limitations and restrictions at this time, the unveiling and Celebration of Life is to follow at a later date for all the loved ones who cherished Betty.
Betty Riskin is a soul that will forever be missed. Your spirit was so uplifting and you have touched so many lives in a way that will always be remembered. Thank you for cherishing the simplicity of life. Now raise a Diet Coke for the mother, baba, and friend that lived a beautiful life.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2020
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Dear Sheldon, Irv and family, I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of your mother/grandmother. I was fortunate to be able to speak to your mom, on her latest birthday via Instagram video chat. She seemed like such a nice and caring lady! Too bad this didn't occur more often, but the memory sure will remain. Sending you and your family, my deepest sympathy in these painful times. Take good care of each other. Much love, Gertie and Dirk. ❤ - Posted by: Gertie (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2020
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Irv, Dianne, Hannah and Abby. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Betty was a very memorable special lady. Our sincere condolences. Terry and Sharon and Family ❤❤ - Posted by: Terry and Sharon Ford (Family friend) on: Mar 29, 2020
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To Sheldon, Irv and family, We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I have fond memories of the friendship between your parents and my mother. Barbara Sotolov, your mother and I loved the Young and Restless and used to talk about that soap all the time. I'm still watching it, after all these years. Your tribute to your mother and grandmother is just beautiful. Fondly, Judy John Chas Eschuk - Posted by: Judy Eschuk (family friend) on: Mar 28, 2020
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Irv and family, I remember your mom very well. Your mom and my mom Ester were good friends. My sincere condolences to you and your family. From Brian Shuster and the Shuster family - Posted by: Brian Shuster (Family Friend) on: Mar 28, 2020
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I spent many hours talking to Betty. I became friends with her and Les at weight watchers. After Las passed, I would collect her Saturday mornings for our class. We would chat during the week about the things on with The Young and the Restless, with her sharing her thoughts of the goings on in Genoa City as well as calls where she would start with, did you see That...referencing something she had just seen on the news. Betty was a great friend. The last number of years I lost touch, but she was always in my thoughts. She was a firecracker, never afraid to say "it" out loud, shocking me many times. My thoughts are with her family, she loved you lots. I will remember you always my friend! - Posted by: Angella (Friend ) on: Mar 28, 2020
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We are so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Dennis and Diane (Friends) on: Mar 28, 2020
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Our sincere condolences. Dennis and Diane Dreikluft - Posted by: Dennis and Diane (Friends) on: Mar 28, 2020
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Irv and family .We are full of sympathy for the loss of your mother/baba. During this time of sorrow , take the time to remember your good times and special moments......these you will have forever. Take care, stay well. Donna and family xoxo❤️ - Posted by: Donna and Gary Prost (Friends ) on: Mar 28, 2020