MARY ROBINSON

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MARY ROBINSON With deep sadness, we announce that Mary Robinson passed away April 15, 2005 at The Sharon Home, Simkin Centre at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her husband Percy in 1984 and her six siblings, Billy, Phil and Malick Spivak, Reb Weidman, Fanny Dorfman and Bessie Peikoff. She is survived by her only son Bob (Trudy) and grandchildren Bruce (Vancouver) and Linda (Toronto). Mary was born in Birds Hill, MB in 1908. She grew up in Winnipeg's north end and in her youth was athletic and a skilled figure skater. She married Percy in 1930 and lived in Winnipeg until 1946 when they moved to Portage la Prairie where together, side by side, they operated Ollie's Cafe and Bus Depot until 1961. During these Portage years, the restaurant became a well known gathering place where she entertained all of her Winnipeg friends. She also assisted in the construction and operation of the local A W. She was active in many charity organizations, a member of Hadassah and Ort and was President of the YWHA. The foundation of her life was her love of family and friends. Her family commitment was so strong and so unique that starting in 1961, six of the siblings moved into the same apartment block so that all of the family could be together on a daily basis and this continued throughout the siblings' remaining years. She always took a keen interest in her friends and extended family and the activities about her. She was always interested and concerned about their personal lives. She adored her two grandchildren Bruce and Linda and showered them with unbridled love and attention and she was revered by her nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. After 41 years, she moved to The Sharon Home. We wish to thank The Sharon Home staff who cared for Mom, but particularly the second floor staff at The Simkin Centre who lovingly cared for Mom for the last three years. Thank you to nurses Jane Jaculak, Trifona Bermisa and Fred Snerch and a very special thank you to her wonderful caregivers Rosa Fehr and Doris Dickson for their loving care and devotion during these difficult years. Finally, the family gives personal thanks to Dr. Jack Rusen for his frequent assistance and prompt response to Mom's every need. Pallbearers were Jim Weidman, Lorne Weidman, Terry Robinson, Evan Robinson, Sasha Kirshner and Bruce Robinson. Honorary pallbearers were Earl Robinson, Allan Goldstine and Frank Spivak. Private shiva. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2005