FREDA BLUMES (LUFFMAN)

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FREDA BLUMES (nee LUFFMAN) May 3, 1943 - July 7, 2006 With sadden hearts we announce the passing of Mrs. Freda Blumes, 63, on Friday evening, July 7, 2006, just as the holy shabbos entered. In an atmosphere of peace, holiness and prayer, Freda passed away with her two sons, Jacob and Nathan at her side. Freda was predeceased by her dear parents, Reverend Meyer and Sarah Luffman, her in-laws, Wolfe and Edith Blumes, her sister Molly Leszcz and nephew Harry Leszcz, all of Winnipeg. She is survived by her devoted and loyal husband Earle F. Blumes, her two sons, Jacob Blumes of Calgary, AB and Rabbi Nathan Blumes of Brooklyn, NY and their respective families. Her brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Pauline Luffman, brother-in-law Hy Leszcz and nieces, Carol Leszcz-Waldman all of Winnipeg and Jackie Lyman of Ottawa and their respective families. Freda also leaves to mourn dear friends and family dispersed in many cities over Canada and the United States. Freda, born in the North End of Winnipeg, grew up in a home of tradition and strong sense of Jewish culture. She attended the Talmud Torah School, and later St. Johns High School. It was in her early years, being with her grandmother, parents, aunts, uncles and extended family, Freda flourish and grew into the fine person she was. Freda married Earle Blumes in May of 1963, and enjoyed 43 years of love, happiness and friendship with her husband constantly at her side, both in good times and difficult times. Freda was a true Winnipegger who travelled at times on vacations and family events including Grand Forks, Saskatoon and Brooklyn, but always was happy to return home to her familiar surroundings in Winnipeg. Her large circle of friends and family knew Freda for her vibrant attitude and joyful outlook, despite many struggles that Freda overcame. She served as an inspiration to those that knew her to keep a positive outlook, even when things may look bleak. Freda took great pride in her family, and constantly kept in touch at various times with those she knew. Freda truly enjoyed the visits she spent with her granddaughters, Chana and Shterna Sara Blumes of Brooklyn. Although somewhat limited in time, yet in quality it was a bright and shining period for Freda. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, July 9 at the Chesed Shel Emes Chapel with interment at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery. Freda was laid to rest just a short distance from her parents, in-laws, grandparents and other family members. Rabbi Avrahom Altein, representative of the Chabad-Lubavitch Movement in Winnipeg and the Spiritual Leader of the Ashkenazi Synagogue officiated at the service. Ben Luffman led the service with Psalms and a eulogy was delivered on behalf of the family by her son Nathan. Pallbearers were Hy Leszcz, Robbi Waldman and other members of the Jewish community. Shiva was observed at her residence and then continued at her son's home in Brooklyn. The family wishes to thank Dr. Sheldon Koven and the wonderful and devoted nurses, staff and administration of the Sharon Nursing Home for making Freda's last years as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. For those wishing to perpetuate Freda's memory donations can be made to the Sharon Home, or to the Chabad Lubavitch Centre of Winnipeg, where the Freda Blumes Camp Scholarship Fund is being inaugurated allowing children to enjoy a happy and productive summer season in Winnipeg. Please call 204-339-8737 or 718-363-7666 for more information.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2006