EDITH OSZTERMANN

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EDITH OSZTERMANN

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Edith Osztermann on May 7, 2020, at the age of 93.
She is survived by her son-in-law Gerald Rosner (Bunty Anderson), and grandchildren, Lainie Rosner (Ian Horner) and Evan Rosner. She was predeceased by her only daughter Susan, and husband Andor.
Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary on October 20, 1926, raised in a loving family - the Glenczers. Her trope always began "we were three sisters, and our father always treated us equally", although Edith always referred to Magda as "the pretty one," and Eva "the smart one" and then herself. Edith's family survived the Holocaust through luck, gritty determination, and significant help from her non-Jewish brother-in-law, an army officer who managed to secure the family identification papers from the Swiss Embassy in Budapest.
Edith was 17 years old in 1944 when the Nazis went on a determined thrust to kill all Hungarian Jews. Over 500,000 were killed, but Edith, who credits having light-coloured hair and blue eyes, which helped her pass as non-Jewish, allowed her to sneak out of the ghetto to find food for her family. This is a proud and vivid memory, although she was forever affected.
In 1947 Edith married the love of her life, Andor, and in 1949 they joyfully welcomed their only child, Susan. Having endured the war, the young Osztermann family faced the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. A decisive point in their lives occurred when a Soviet tank shell destroyed their seven year old daughter's bedroom. This steeled their resolve to escape from Hungary. On Christmas Eve in 1957, after two failed escape attempts, they pretended to visit family in the countryside, carrying along a Christmas tree. They were then smuggled in a truck near the Austrian border. They walked all night through snowy fields, finally ending up in Austria. Housed in a Displaced Persons camp for almost a year doing odd jobs, Edith honed her skills as a dressmaker, which would become her vocation in Canada.
Immigration required sponsorship, and they were fortunate to have a cousin in Winnipeg, although it was a far cry from cosmopolitan Budapest. The day after they arrived, they went looking for work - Andor as a furrier, and Edith as a dressmaker. She eventually brought her business home, and was known by her clientele to be able to make anything fit perfectly.
Edith's happiest times in Canada were when she was looking after her two grandchildren. One of her favourite photos displays herself walking with Lainie in one hand, pushing Evan in a stroller, and somehow holding the leash of her dog (Kichi). She is beaming as she takes them to a nearby park.
Edith was a legendary cook. She prepared weekly Shabbat dinners for her family into her 90s. Her matzo ball soup, chicken paprikash, and szilvás gomboc (plum dumplings), were without equal. Music and dancing were an important part of Edith's life. She loved Broadway musicals and compositions by Gershwin. During moments of joy, Edith would spontaneously break into a particular dance - the Czardas, like when greeting her grandchildren at the Simkin Centre.
Travel was an important part of her life. In Winter Edith and Andor loved the warmth of Hawaii and other tropical destinations. She loved to share stories of travelling in Europe and visiting family in Hungary.
When Edith's only daughter died of breast cancer in 1998, the trauma overwhelmed her capacity to endure, and life lost much joy. Her husband died in 2009 and she developed lasting feelings of loneliness, even though she continued to be loved and supported by her family. She lived less in the present, and more in the past, often referencing her time during the war. As her health declined, she often said when the time came, she would be ready to go, but her will to live and determined survivor spirit kept her fighting.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to the wonderful and supportive staff at Simkin Centre. A special thank you to Gabi Vamos, a family friend of more than 50 years, who has always been a constant in our lives.
Pallbearers were Gerald Rosner, Lainie Rosner, Evan Rosner, Gabi Vamos, Fil Zimerman, Mark Etkin.
In light of Covid-19, there will be no Meal of Consolation or Shiva.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: May 16, 2020

EDITH OSZTERMANN

Sadly, we announce the passing of Edith Osztermann on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
Graveside services will be Monday, May 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Service will also be live streamed on the Shaarey Zedek website.
Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: May 9, 2020

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020, May 16, 2020