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BAYLA REISS
Bayla was the youngest Holocaust survivor from Skala-Podolska, in what is now western Ukraine. Orphaned in 1945, she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Sarah and Joseph Blutstein. When the Blutsteins arrived in Winnipeg in 1948, Bayla knew no English, but she soon proved to be an outstanding student, and continued so through her graduation from the University of Manitoba. She worked as a high school teacher and later as an English teacher to immigrants from around the world.
She was a proverbial "woman of valour," unfailingly kind, caring, wise, hard-working and witty. A devoted and selfless daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, she was greatly loved by her family and by all who knew her.
She is survived by husband Sam Reiss; brother Morris Blutstein; son Cary, his wife Talia and their daughters, Isabella and Aliza; son Philip, his wife Shari and their children, Uri, Davidi and Shoshana; brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the home care workers who assisted in her last years, as well as the staff at Grace Hospital who cared for her during her final illness.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2021
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My deepest sympathies on learning of Bayla's death. May her memory be a blessing. She was a valued member of our Skala community. - Posted by: Tony Hausner (friend) on: Jun 04, 2021
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To express sympathy in the loss of your loved one and to let you know that many thoughts are with you and your family. In the love that surrounds you, may you find strength. In the memories you cherish, may you find peace. With caring thoughts. Miro Cerqueti and pharmacy staff - Posted by: Miro Cerqueti (Friend) on: May 27, 2021
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I was fortunate to teach and collaborate with Bayla for many years. I agree that she was very kind, caring, wise, hardworking and witty. She also had a wonderful way with words and a great sense of humour. She never said a mean word about anyone. I remember telling Bayla that Mother Teresa said she prayed constantly, Bayla's response was, "So do I". She was a truly intergrated person; her beliefs and actions were one. - Posted by: Mary Jean Routledge (colleague) on: May 25, 2021
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Sending my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. I went to high school with Cary, I remember your mother always had a great smile. May she Rest In Peace. Sara - Posted by: Sara Duvdevani (Friend) on: May 20, 2021
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I have very fond memories of Mrs. Reiss. She was always very kind to me, and it is very clear that she was a loving and devoted mother and wife. She is gone too soon, and she will be missed. My deepest condolences to Mr. Reiss, and to my longtime friend Cary, his wife Talia and their wonderful daughters, along with the rest of the Reiss family. Thank you for allowing me to join in on “sitting shiva” on Zoom. It was an honour. - Posted by: Monique St. Germain (Friend) on: May 20, 2021