NATALIE PLOTKIN (GOLDBERG)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NATALIE PLOTKIN (nee GOLDBERG) It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Natalie Plotkin on July 13, 2004 at the age of 77. Predeceased by her parents, Bill and Anne Goldberg and her husband and soulmate Louie Plotkin (2001), she is survived by her four children; Stephen Plotkin, Lisa Diamant, (Adi), Barbara Hotz (Gershon), and Judy Plotkin (Ruth Laveman) brother Manley Goldberg, grandchildren and endless sources of joy, Tomer, Nira and Rotem Diamant and Leeat and Eliana Hotz; nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her family, she will also be greatly missed by her many lifelong friends who loved her dearly. Natalie was born in Winnipeg in 1927, and graduated from St. Johns Tech. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 1947. Natalie was the quintessential "super mom", keeping in balance her family life, a successful career as a Social Worker at St. Josephs Day Nursery, and immersing herself in community volunteer work of which a large part was dedicated to being a founding member of the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (MACLD now LDAM). Natalie was also a member of many Jewish community organizations including: Life member Hadassah - Wizo, ORT, and PNAI (Parents of North American Israelis). A pioneer, Natalie was amongst the earliest graduates of the then newly established School of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. She took pride in helping others to help themselves. She was humanistic and eclectic in her approach impacting on many. Her specialities in child development and learning disabilities inspired her to advocate for higher early assessment and intervention standards and improved child development programs in Day Care and the school system. As an educational advocate and persuasive communicator, she was a woman of letters, briefs, phone calls and "face to faces". She was fearless and enjoyed sparring with government ministers, school board officials, university deans, and anybody who presented barriers to a childs right to a quality education. As part of the original MACLD collective, Natalie was instrumental in organizing the first province-wide educational conferences on Learning Disabilities, and fostered the introduction of Resource Teachers into the Manitoba school system. In retirement she volunteered with children in the school system, and had a small private practice helping LD kids and their families. Again reinventing herself (age 60+) "Cyber Savta" took to modern technology like a duck to water. The pride and joy of her life - her grandchildren, were all computer savvy thanks to her many tutorials and encouragements. Natalie will be missed by her many "on line" friends. As an active member of PNAI, Natalie advocated for changes in government policies (both Israeli and Canadian) to help parents stay better connected with their children living in Israel. Natalie was loved for her creative, funny and sometimes controversial editorial pieces in the PNAI newsletter "The Kesher" which she prepared and published for PNAI. Into her 70s, Natalie reconnected with the Faculty of Social Work as a Mentor for students in the Educational Equity Program. She especially enjoyed Mentoring students with the added challenges of ESL, providing help with their academics and offering social and emotional support. Natalie was gratified by their appreciation and successes. Natalies interests in life were vast, varied and cultured. She was an amazing seamstress (doll clothes), enjoyed needlework and knitting, was a gourmet cook, exceptional "bake" (always in demand), fan of opera and all things classical and musical, had a diverse insatiable appetite for books, appreciated art and had an eye for the esthetic. She took great pleasure in designing the interior of her homes, antiquing, entertaining and was den mother to many of her childrens friends, maintaining many of these relationships throughout her life. She stayed on top of world events and as a student of social political history, she remained attuned to ongoing concerns of social justice at all levels. Her traditional Jewish values shaped her actions in life. She was "real", morally just and honourable. Natalie was perhaps most at peace reading and doing jigsaw puzzles at the family cabin at Falcon Lake, which for over 40 years served as her retreat and spiritual oasis. Natalie always said "if you can get through life with two close friends, you will have done well." Indeed she vastly exceeded her modest expectations. She has left a legacy both in deeds and relationships. She was an intelligent, complex and interesting person. She wanted us to embrace each precious moment and celebrate this adventure called "life". Along with her soulmate, our beloved Pappa Louie, Mom will forever remain present in our minds and in our hearts. Funeral Services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on July 15 with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tomer Diamant, Gershon Hotz, Marc Raymond, Gordon Steindel, Adi Diamant, and Murray Goldenberg. Honorary pallbearers were Dave Goldberg and Mel Goldenberg. Donations may be made to Jewish Child and Family Services C200 - 123 Doncaster, Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2 (204) 477-7430.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 07, 2004