ELLIE CRISTALL

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ELLIE CRISTALL On September 3, 2002 in Brandon, MB, at age 72. Predeceased by her husband Boom (Arthur Irving) Cristall. Remembered with the deepest of love by her daughter Ferne (Robert) of Peterborough, ON; and sons, Jeff (Pat) and Neil (Brenda) of Brandon; her grandchildren, Gabrielle, Jonah, Katrina, Jordan and Michael, her love-not-blood granddaughter Ali Everitt, her companion Richard Garten; her sisters-in-law, Beth Simkin, Beulah Brick, Diane Cristall and Faith Cristall; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends and other relations. Predeceased by her mother Gitel, father Feivel and six brothers and sisters. Ellie was born in Winnipeg on December 26, 1929, and grew up in the vibrant Jewish immigrant community of North Winnipeg. A sense of social justice became an integral part of the fabric of her entire life. Boom and Ellie were married August 17, 1952. To everyone who knew them over the 48 years of their marriage, Boom and Ellie seemed the perfect balance: "slow, shy Boom" and "quick, warm Ellie." Ellie took the unusual course (for a woman of that time) of pursuing higher education. She received a Masters of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Manitoba in 1954. Later, she took up a job as a mathematics professor at Brandon University, a position she held until her retirement in 1994. At the university Ellie was known as an innovative teacher and a role model. In October 1988 she received the inaugural Award for Excellence in Teaching. Not surprisingly for a talented math teacher, she had a quick, sharp mind and was a brilliant bridge player. But her mathematicians mind was combined with a love of people and a wide-reaching empathy. Ellie was involved with the Brandon Child and Family Services, the Marquis Project, and was passionate about womens rights. She was an active member of Women for Equality. Ellie was known for her sparkling eyes, smile and above all, her social grace. She had an extensive and continually growing network of family and friends. Her son Neil said, "We had to share our mother. In return we were blessed with the greatest extended family anyone could hope for." She seemed to be comfortable wherever she went and loved to travel. In the last year of her life, as well as dealing with fatigue and cancer, Ellie went on 15 trips - a testimony to her indomitable spirit as well as her zest for life. Ellies passing leaves a tremendous gap; yet we are strengthened by knowing her, by the example she set, and by the love she gave. The family wants to thank the staffand especially the nursesat the Assiniboine Centre for their incredibly strong care and support during the short but intense time Ellie spent there. A service in celebration of Ellies life was held at the Brockie Donovan Funeral Home on September 5, with Rabbi Michael Levenson from Temple Shalom, Winnipeg, officiating. Interment followed at the Bnai Israel Cemetery in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brandon University Foundation, 270 - 18th St., Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, for the Boom and Ellie Cristall Memorial Bursary Fund. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 14, 2002