LILLIAN BETH TRACHTENBERG

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LILLIAN BETH TRACHTENBERG The family of Lillian (Lily, Lil, nee Vanular) Trachtenberg, wife, mother, baba and great-baba, sadly announces her passing in the company of loving family members at the age of 91 on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre of the Sharon Home. Lil was predeceased by her husband, Sam, in 2013, her parents, Eta and Albert, her siblings Gerrie, Esther, Mark, Henry, Harry and Neil, grandson David Trachtenberg, in-laws Reeva and Max, and sister-in-law Sophie. She is survived by three children: Henry (Lynne), Murray (Adeena), and Rietta Floom (Jerry): nine grandchildren: Robbie (Buffie), Jennifer, Michael (Moran), Matthew (Eva), Stephen, Aaron, Ariel, Rachael, and Talia; and five great-grandchildren: Taye, Noah, Ava, River, and Keanu; sister-in-law Sonia Vanular, and many nieces and nephews. Lil, the youngest of the Vanular children, was born into a large and close-knit North End family. In later years, the loss of her siblings and mother profoundly affected her. She attended the Freiheit (Liberty) Temple where she learned Yiddish and was a Young Pioneer, as well as public schools, graduating from St. John's High School. The material deprivation and problematic food supply that the family faced during the Great Depression impacted her severely. Public and private relief assistance allowed the family to survive. Throughout her life, she never forgot those less fortunate than her and made regular charitable donations. A striking and vivacious redhead and beauty contest winner, after graduation she worked at a variety of commercial venues in Winnipeg and at a family glove factory in Montreal. She met Sam, who knew her brothers, when he delivered groceries from a corner store by bicycle to her house. Under the guise of visiting Neil, Sam courted Lily. She waited for him while he recovered from a serious illness, living at the home of her sister-in-law and in-laws. Lil and Sam were married in a civil ceremony in Winnipeg in 1944 and a religious ceremony in Montreal in 1945. They lived in Ottawa where Sam taught at Carleton College (now University) and worked for the federal government. Together they raised three children. Lil was active in Pioneer Women and with Sam served as Secretary of the Ottawa Modern Jewish School. In 1959, Lil and Sam and family relocated to Winnipeg where Sam worked for the provincial government and then taught at the University of Manitoba. Lil continued to raise the children and supported them and Sam in their endeavours. In an age before computers and word processing, she devoted countless hours to typing various school and work papers. Their house and cars always contained all sorts of delicacies and sweets for the children, and especially their grandchildren. Lil always gave her children and grandchildren a patient ear and showed great interest in their lives. Conversations usually ended with Lil offering personal recollections and advice about life lessons. Lil enjoyed meeting people and seeing the world. She and Sam travelled to Florida, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, Fiji, Brazil, France, Mexico and Israel. They continued to live in their own home until 2010, when following a serious illness, Lil, and then Sam, relocated to the Sharon Home. They continued to visit each other daily until Sam passed away in 2013. Lil and Sam were married for 68 years, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta. A graveside service at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery, with Rabbi Larry Lander and Cantor Tracy Kasner Greaves officiating, was held on Sunday, October 12, 2014. Pallbearers were some of Lil's grandchildren: Robbie, Matthew, Stephen, Michael, Aaron, Ariel, and Jennifer. The family wishes to thank all present and former staff of Simkin 1 for their kindness and dedication in caring for Lil, and companions Lolita and Warlita who treated Lil as their mother, for their devoted and loving care and friendship. If family and friends so wish, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or the charity of your choice. Rest in Peace Mom, Baba, and Great-Baba. May her memory be for a blessing.
Publish Date: Oct 25, 2014

LILLIAN BETH TRACHTENBERG It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, baba and great baba, Lillian on October 7, 2014 at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre. Surrounded by family and with our love, Lillian went to join her husband Sam who predeceased her in February 2013. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 12 at 12:30 p.m. at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery, 4639 Main Street. A meal of consolation will follow at the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, 1588 Main St. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Oct 11, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 25, 2014