CECILIA ASPER

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CECILIA ASPER Peacefully, at the Sharon Home, Cecilia Asper passed away Monday, April 8, 2002, after a brief illness. Born August 22, 1903, in Golta (Pervo-Maisk) in the Ukraine, Cecilia immigrated to Canada with her family in 1921, settling in Winnipeg. In 1924, she was joined by her fiance Leon Asper and they were married August 15 of that year. Together they continued their careers as musicians, he being a promising conductor and violinist and she being an accomplished pianist. Their careers took them to Calgary where Leon conducted and Cecilia was the pianist in the pit orchestra of the Capitol Theatre. With the advent of sound in movies, they opted to change careers and returned to Manitoba where they purchased the Lyric Theatre in Minnedosa. Though they then operated several rural and Winnipeg neighbourhood movie houses (she is still remembered as the manager of the Deluxe Theatre on north Main Street), music continued to be a major hobby and family interest. Cecilia had a full life and her activity included a full partnership in the family business, membership in many organizations as well as involvement in numerous charitable endeavours. The family remembers her less well known efforts such as leading a Second World War salvage drive in Neepawa and collecting clothes for Russian refugees. She was active in Jewish organizations and charities and was a past Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star. Despite all of her interests outside the home, for Cecilia, her family was central in her life and thoughts. She led by example and the values and love she imparted earned her the love and respect of all who knew her. Cecilia was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Ben-Zion and Golda Zwet, her husband Leon (March 17, 1961), a grandchild Leanne Asper, and two sisters Chana (Anne) Freedman and Etta Charloff. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Aubrey (wife Linda and son Lee), Hettie Lofchy (husband Norm and children Jodi, Neal and Beth) and Israel (wife Babs and children David, Gail and Leonard). Also surviving are brothers Aaron Zevit and David (Zola) Zevit as well as nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Drs. Jack Rusin and Wayne Manishen as well as Helen Willison and the fourth floor staff of the Sharon Home who provided so well for Cecilias care. A special thank you is extended to Vilma Arriola, Cecilias dedicated companion and caregiver in the past seven years as well as Procela Acero who assisted. A private family funeral service will be held. A Shiva reception will take place at the Sharon Home (second floor), 146 Magnus Ave., on Thursday, April 11, 2002, at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cecilia Asper Endowment Fund, Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, C499 - 123 Doncaster, Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B3, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Endowment Fund or a charity of ones choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2002