EVELYN GURVEY

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EVELYN GURVEY

Peacefully, on May 18th, 2023, Evelyn Gurvey passed away at North York General Hospital in Toronto. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, and her beloved parents Hymie and Marion Mozart. Evelyn will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Martin Gurvey (Brenda), Gayla Schwartz (Ken) and Alan Gurvey (Nancy); grandchildren, Faren Asaria (Roy), Marli Lichtman (Kyle), Harlan Gurvey (Amanda), Rayna Schwartz (Bas), Lisa, Carly, Ali and Lindsey Schwartz, Hudson and Harper Gurvey; great-grandchildren Asher and Maya Asaria, Max Lichtman, Madison Gurvey and Benson and Oliver de Beer; sister Mindy Cantor, and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Evelyn was born in Winnipeg on June 4, 1931. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1952 and enjoyed a fulfilling career in library sciences, first working at the McGill University Library in Montreal. After several years raising her children, she returned to the University of Manitoba Elizabeth Dafoe Library in 1975, and then concluded her career at the University of Manitoba Medical School Library in 1986. She was respected and loved by students and professors alike, dedicated and committed to her supervisory role in the library until her retirement.

After retiring from the University of Manitoba, Evelyn volunteered for many worthy causes, including the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Leisure Group, the Gwen Sector Creative Living Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Women's Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, for which she was profoundly proud.

Evelyn was thoughtful and caring. She was the soul of wit, the cornerstone of reason, and the picture of love, exhibiting unwavering support and a keen sense of humour. This was superimposed on an adventurous, youthful spirit and infectious personality that was a guiding matriarchal light on her ever-growing family. She had never-ending optimism, always ready with a witty and insightful quip.

She was well-known and well-loved for her cooking and baking, often traveling near and far with an Oreo, strawberry or cherry cheesecake, Tia Maria tort, shortbread cookies or her famous marble cake to share with neighbours, family, and friends. She was renowned for her meatballs, which were particularly savoured by her grandchildren.

Evelyn's interests were widespread, with a profound love of music and musical theatre. She took every opportunity to sing in a choir, whether it was on a cruise ship, at synagogue or in the community. She danced with passion, always with a big smile on her face.

She also loved to travel. Evelyn spent many years traveling with her husband of 49 years, Harry, enjoying many vacations, particularly cruises and road trips with her family. After Harry passed away, she traveled extensively, often by herself, making new friends and relishing new experiences.

Evelyn was a frequent guest on her son Alan's Los Angeles based radio show, Gurvey's Law. She often shared the microphone with legal luminaries, actors, athletes, and news personalities, holding her own with intelligence and good humour. She was a natural on the radio, adding insightful and meaningful commentary to almost any subject.

Evelyn had a way with words, ushering her way through life with sentiments of encouragement, jokes, and philosophical sayings. Her love of art, opera, symphony, philosophy, literature, and sports inspired many of these interests in her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Minnesota Vikings. Evelyn loved summer days at the family cottage at West Hawk Lake, where she enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family.

Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes in Winnipeg on May 22, 2023. Pallbearers were grandchildren Faren Asaria, Marli Lichtman, Harlan Gurvey, Rayna Schwartz, Lisa Schwartz, and Carly Schwartz.

If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (204-949-3999), or a charity of your choice.

Publish Date: Jun 10, 2023

EVELYN GURVEY

Evelyn Gurvey, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023.
Funeral service will be held Monday, May 22 at 11:30 a.m. at Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main Street. Live streaming available at www.szwinnipeg.ca.

Publish Date: May 20, 2023

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2023, Jun 10, 2023