KLARA KLEIT

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KLARA KLEIT December 21, 1918 - June 16, 2005 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Klara Kleit on June 16, 2005, at the St. Boniface Hospital. She is survived by her loving daughters, Sarah Gayer, Sonia Pinx; son, Barry Kleit; son-in-law, Sheldon Pinx; daughter-in-law Patti Kleit; grandchildren, David Gayer, Dara Gayer, Jeremy Pinx, Jonathon Pinx, Jared Kleit, Brent Kleit; great-grandchild, Denver Issac Gayer. Klara was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Issac. Klara was born and raised in Zamosc, Poland where she lived until the early part of the Second World War when she fled to Russia where she met her husband, Issac, who was also seeking sanctuary from the onslaught of the Holocaust. Following the war, both Klara and Issac searched for surviving members of their families and fortunately were able to locate some in Poland and in Russia. In 1947, they were granted safe haven in Amsterdam, Holland, where their daughters, Sarah and Sonia, were born. In 1951, the family was given an opportunity to either immigrate to Winnipeg or to Australia. Klara, who was known for her sense of humour, later shared with her family that they chose Winnipeg because they heard it had a better climate. Following their arrival in Winnipeg, Klara gained employment as a seamstress at a local garment factory. Her work was interrupted with the birth of her son, Barry, but shortly thereafter returned to work full-time, while also maintaining the responsibility of caring for and raising her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who always placed her family's interests above her own. Klara and Issac were deeply committed to providing their children the opportunities they never had so that they could begin their adult lives with University educations and a better chance of success in their futures. Klara left her job at the garment factory and eventually worked side by side with her husband when they opened their first corner grocery store on Cathedral Avenue and later at their second store on the corner of Jefferson and Sinclair. She would often spend 12 hour days working in the store, but was still able to make time to look after the personal needs of her family. Her children still marvel as to how she also found the time and energy to prepare elaborate meals which included her internationally famous strudel, chopped liver, and perogies which she also shared in later years with her many friends In 1999, they moved into an apartment in the Co-op adjacent to the Etz Chayim Synagogue so that Issac, who was devoted to his faith, could attend services at the synagogue on a daily basis. Unfortunately, one year later he passed away, however, in his memory Klara assumed the honour of attending both the morning and evening services on a daily basis and did so for the past five years until her recent passing. She found a new home and family at the synagogue and became a mother and grandmother to many of the congregants who grew to love and respect her as much as her own family did. Klara was truly a precious jewel, whose life enriched those who knew her and whose sparkle will remain in our memories forever. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the medical staff at the St. Boniface Hospital and to her personal physician, Dr. Kevin Saunders, who helped Klara in her time of need. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 20, at the Etz Chayim Synagogue and donations may be made in Klara's memory to congregation Etz Chayim.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2005