RHONA LAZAR

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RHONA LAZAR With her family around her, Rhona Mildred Ruth Teich Lazar (Ronye Mindel Rochel) passed away on January 31, 2001, the 8th day of Shevat, 5761. Rhona was predeceased by her parents, Ena (Cheena Glassman) Teich and Joel Teich, her grandmother Michle Bobel Glassman and her aunts and uncles Golde and Bentzi Lantzman, Eda and Jack Rosenthal and Chana and Chaim Telchen. Rhona will be remembered with love by her husband Ron, her children and grandchildren Michael and Cheryl (Lavitt) Lazar, Elliot and Gabriel; Gary and Rhea (Tregobov) Lazar, Casey and Solly; Matthew and Nola (Shnier) Lazar, Ezra, Yona, Galya and Gilon; Susan Lazar and Cindy Lazar, her brothers and sister Hershel and Annette Teich, Penny and Eric Bowman and Ira and Janet Teich, her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rhona was born on July 23, 1932 in Winnipeg and attended Machray School, Talmud Torah, Peretz School, St. Johns Tech., United College and the University of Manitoba where she earned degrees in both Arts and Social Work. She was active in various community organizations and held executive positions in her chapters of ORT and Hadassah-Wizo. Rhona and Ron were married on August 21, 1955 after a whirlwind six-year courtship. Together they raised five children with strong and individual personalities, of whom they were very proud. Rhona and Ron cultivated a rich and loving family life which nurtured a strong bond among their children. This bond grows stronger as they sustain and comfort each other at this difficult time. Rhona had a great appreciation for intelligence and wit. She loved to hear her family debate and discuss issues together. Rhona enjoyed the theatre, her book clubs, mahjongg games and conversation groups. She loved music and attended the symphony for many years. Rhona detested meanness of any kind. She always looked for ways to view people and situations in the best possible light, and never wanted to believe ill of others. Rhonas capacity to love had no limit. She was a mother-figure to many in addition to her children. She loved Rons family as her own. She cherished her daughters-in-law, and welcomed their families into hers. Her grandchildren were a constant source of pride. Rhona was a good friend, and was rewarded with many rich and loving friendships, both new and old. Her home was always open to her childrens friends, many of whom celebrated holidays and special occasions there when they were away from their own homes. Rhonas example will remain an influence for good for all who loved her. Rhonas family extends its sincere thanks to those who helped care for her during her illness: Doctors Blank, Johnston, Penner and Bernstein; the staff of ward D4 and the Medical ICU at the General Hospital; CancerCare Manitoba and Natalia Babenko. Rhona was cheered and comforted by her friends and family who visited, wrote, called and sent their best wishes to her. We are deeply appreciative of the friends and family who supported Rhona and who continue to support us now. Rhonas funeral was held on February 2, 2001 at the Rosh Pina Synagogue. Rabbi Neal Rose officiated. Pallbearers were brother-in-law Eric Bowman, cousin Barry Roy, nephews Marvin Stern, David Lazar and Terry Gutkin and honorary nephew Abba Tregobov. "A woman of valour who can find? Her worth is far above rubies. She is robed in strength and dignity. She opens her mouth with wisdom, Her tongue is guided by kindness. Her children come forward and call her blessed, Wherever people gather, her deeds speak her praise." In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronald and Rhona Lazar Endowment for the Research of Parkinsons Disease. Donations can be made through the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, (204) 942-3085.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 10, 2001