HELEN FREED

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HELEN FREED It is with the deepest sorrow that we mourn the loss of Helen Freed (nee Berger), who passed away peacefully at Seven Oaks Hospital, on December 4, 2001. Helen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law George and Sharon and her beloved granddaughters, Andrea and Nicole. She is also survived by her sisters, Irene Weiss and Jeanette Nagel; her nephews, Tommy and Rolly Nagel and their families of Sydney, Australia. Helens memory will be cherished by her dear companion of many years, Ben Brest, and will be remembered by her cousins, Harry and Joseph Weinwurm and their families of Toronto. Helen was predeceased by her husband Ivan in 1983. Helen was born in Czechoslovakia, and she and Ivan enjoyed a good life as land owners. They survived the horrors of the Holocaust through the actions of long time neighbours and friends, but Helen lost all of her family except for her two dear sisters. Helen and Ivan immigrated, with George, to Canada in 1948. They lived for many years on College Avenue, and after Ivans death, Helen moved to the Beit Am, as one of the original tenants. Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest treasure, her pride and joy, and her reason for living, and they will always remember with love the Shabbat and holiday dinners at her table. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a "true lady". She was kind and generous to all, supporting many charities, both in the general, and Jewish communities. She was a member of Chana Senesh Chapter of Naamat, and an ardent supporter of Israel. She enjoyed many activities at the Gwen Secter Centre for Creative Living. For many years she visited high schools throughout Manitoba speaking to students of her Holocaust experiences, and even did so at the age of 84. She loved flowers, and enjoyed travelling, visiting her family in Australia and spending the winters in Palm Springs. Special thanks to Marilyn Beloff for her loving help and support, and to Joseph Weinwurm for his beautiful words at the service. Thank you also to Dr. J. Lezack, the doctors and nurses at Seven Oaks Hospital, and to Gladys, Eileen, and all her homecare workers. Graveside services officiated by Rabbi Altein were held on Thursday, December 6, 2001. Pallbearers were Larry Brown, Larry Herstein, Jack Intrater, David Margolis, Earl Singer and Sam Victor. Helens family most sincerely thank their family and friends for their love, support and kindness during this difficult time. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of ones choice, to the Holocaust Education Fund, or the Gwen Secter Centre for Creative Living.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2001