MARGOT SHUSTER (PINKUS)

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MARGOT SHUSTER (nee PINKUS) Margot Shuster was born on January 24, 1912 in Stolp, Germany. She died peacefully in Palm Springs on January 21 while on vacation with her friend Linda Garrett. Margot was raised in Stolp, Germany by her parents Vili and Pekla Pinkus. She had two sisters and one brother all who have predeceased her. She married Dr. Salo Mannheim. They had a baby girl who died during Hitlers rein. Salo and Margot along with her mother Pekla eventually escaped to Shanghai with the aid of a German soldier. In Shanghai they lived in poverty until June of 1942 when they moved to Palestine. Several years later Margot lost her husband and her mother. This was a difficult time for her but Margot persevered and she eventually met her second husband Barney Shuster. They were married on November 2, 1966 in Winnipeg. Margot again was faced with tragedy when Barney died six months into their marriage. Once again Margot had to find inner strength and continue. She worked as a caregiver until she suffered a stroke. She battled her way out of a wheel chair to walk again. She travelled for many years to Israel on the Jewish National Program. Margot went each year to help build up her country and help seniors in Israel. She stayed even when Israel was being bombed in 1991. She was quoted in the Toronto Star, Look Ive survived the Holocaust. Im not going to be scared of this. She was 79 then. That statement said much about her life. She always had a smile and a great sense of humour. She enjoyed her Martinis and playing the slot machines. She was sharp witted and always gave advice, whether you wanted it or not. She had to discontinue her annual trips to Israel four years ago but she did manage to go back in January of 1999. She had a last visit with her niece Rachel and her family. Margot spent most of her life as a nurse and caregiver. She was a Life Member of WIZO HADASSAH. She established Galil Canada 2000 Chai Project in memory of her family in Israel. She was a sponsor of a chemotherapy room in Israel. She donated continually to the Jewish National Fund. She was also a life member of Pioneer Women. Funeral services were held on January 28 at the Chesed Shel Emes with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Alan Green. Pallbearers were Gordon Smith, Alan Daien, Peter Medelson, Sam Chochoniv, Perry Chochoniv and Alan Chochoniv. Left to mourn her passing are nieces and nephews; her step children, great nieces, great nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Donations can be made in Margots memory to The Jewish National Fund.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2000