THORA ORNSTEIN

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THORA ORNSTEIN It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thora Ornstein in Toronto on February 19, 2000. Beloved wife of the late Fred; loving mother of Marsha and the late Leon Tannenbaum, Sheila and Don Katz; and the late Sheldon Kohn; dear sister of the late Anne Epstein; devoted and adoring grandmother of Andrea Kohn, Steven Kohn and Michelle Pollock, Barbara Tannenbaum, and Shawn Tannenbaum. Thoras strength was her blessing and that blessing was renewed every day of her life, almost 89 years. Thora was blessed with strength of will, strength of character, and strength of conviction. From her roots in Medzirich, Poland, where she endured and hardships of the First World War, where as a Jewish child she was not allowed to attend school, she arrived in Winnipeg in 1921 at the age of ten years. Thrust into school, with no fluency in English, she still managed to succeed, and in 1926, graduated from St. Johns High School with her classmates. This strength of will sustained her throughout her life. Thoras strength of character was measured by the fact that others looked to her for guidance. She was blessed with infinite wisdom and the ability to offer sound advice. Her wisdom did not come from the world of academics but from her experience with people. She was a moral anchor in a sea of change. Her own personal righteousness validated all the advice she would offer. She was ageless, and could relate to her grandchildren and great nephews and nieces, as well as to her dear old friends. She provided unerstanding, encouragement and unconditional love to so many. She was a good listener, was non-judgemental, and valued everyone equally. Thora was further blessed with strength of conviction. She maintained a kosher and Sabbath observant home in the small community of Thunder Bay for 30 years. She made her home a place where Judaism could be practiced with pride and dignity, a pride and dignity that characterized her entire life. Holiday entertaining and special meals were events to which all members of the family and friends looked forward to celebrating. Her hospitality was unmatched; visitors and travellers to the community always had a place to stay in Thoras home. She was a wonderful woman, a woman ahead of her time, a woman of valour, a spiritual woman to be greatly admired. Thora was a beautiful human being, whose selflessness, compassion, generosity and deep devotion to her family and friends will be treasured forever. She has left a precious legacy. Upon completion of high school and business college, Thora worked at Financial Collection Agencies and Western Glove in Winnipeg. In 1940, she married Fred, her partner of 50 years in love and life. Together they "celebrated" life. In 1949, they moved to Thunder Bay, which would be home for the next 30 years. Thora always referred to this time as her best years. Together, they established Delmars Ladies Wear, and operated this excellent womens fashion business until retirement, when they moved to Toronto. The trust and loyalty gained by faithful Delmars patrons was a great source of pride to Thora and Fred. Together they enjoyed building their business, making everlasting friendships, creating a loving home for their family, celebrating every family occasion, and were actively involved in the community. Thora was an active member of the Rebecca Lodge, member of Hadassah Wizo, a congregant of Shaarey Shomayim Congregation in Thunder Bay. She was also a member of Beth Tikvah Congregation in Toronto. Thoras amazing strength carried her through the past 12 years of dialysis without complaint. She was so thankful for her loyal companion of the past six years, Virginia Tolano, her third daughter, who helped her maintain her quality of life. Her strength of body was not to be diminished by the kidney disease that afflicted her. Rather, her strength of body must be measured by her endurance and positive attitude. For, Thora believed one must wake each day and count their blessings. Thoras life represents a race well run, a job well done, a crown well won. God bless you Mom and Baba. We will miss you dearly. You will live forever in our hearts. In the words of Helen Keller, "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Thora was predeceased by her dear parents, Bella and George Lubotta; much loved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ezack and Gertie Ornstein, Mally and Rae Ornstein, Joe and Dolly Ornstein, Ida and Jack Cooper, Sam Epstein. She is survived by her dear sister and brother-in-law, Yetta and Mandy Helper; many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, good friends and neighbours. Funeral services were held February 21 in Toronto with interment at Beth Tzedec Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Steven Kohn, Don Katz, Jack Ornstein, Andrea Cooper-Reich, Noah Okell, and Brian Lefton. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Fred and Thora Medical Research Fund care of Baycrest Centre Foundation 1-800-223-2087 (toll free) or the Kidney Foundation, or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2000