JO ANN GREISMAN

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JO ANN GREISMAN

Yocheved Yael

March 19, 1947 - August 27, 2024

I died today, August 27, 2024.

Viewed as a whole my life was quite ordinary, and yet I was blessed. I was born, educated, did a variety of things - some successful, some not so, some crazy, some tedious; travelled some, worked lots; married; embraced Reform Judaism; had children; divorced; faced my own mortality, continued to learn and to strive to make my life a blessing.

Born Jo Ann Van Buren to Bluebell Charlesworth and Joseph Van Buren, I was the last of six children (Hugh, Carl, George, Beryl and Brian). Memories of my childhood, first in Norwood and in Fort Garry remain vivid. Van Buren’s Snack Bar/Restaurant was the backdrop of my early life, and there, under my mother’s tutelage, I learned: to work; to value every human being; to develop an open mind; to vote, as it is a responsibility and a privilege; to take enjoyment from simple things; to love; to revel in the miracle of life.

The business and joy of life and love is now left to my children, Amanda (Blair), Jennie (Shabi), and David; my granddaughters, Naomi, Ofri, Ma’ayan, Amelia, and Kenna; as well my long time chaver in life and business, Len Greisman; and friends who inspired and lifted me up along the way …. David T, David V, Kenny, Linda, Lisa, Michele, Sandy and so many others.

I don’t believe in a traditional god, yet I write….

May El Shaddai, the god who is enough, grant you peace. Amen

Service at Temple Shalom October 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

By the time you read this, I will have walked through the gateway of the grave, perhaps to a chance at another life, or wandering the Kotel at 2:00 in the morning, or exploring the astounding Korea. All unlikely scenarios, but for certain I will have returned to The One.

Thank you all!

Toda raba (Hebrew)

Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (Korean)

Life goes on! Grab it wholeheartedly.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2024, Sep 14, 2024