DINA (REIZEN) SAPIRSTEIN

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DINA (REIZEN) SAPIRSTEIN November 10, 1914 - November 2, 2014 The family of Dina Sapirstein sadly announces her peaceful passing on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 99 years of age. Dina was born in Odessa, Russia. She is predeceased by parents Joseph and Sima, brothers Herschel, Lyova, and Fema, and sisters Rosa, Clara, and Esther, and also by her beloved husband Yeshayahu (Sam) in 2009. Left to cherish her memory are son Harry and daughter-in-law Sheila, grandsons Jesse, Daniel and Alan, all of whom she loved deeply. In addition, she is remembered by cousin Ada Horowitz in Montreal and other family across North America, Israel and Europe, as well as Sheila's family in Winnipeg and Thompson. Dina was the youngest of a large family, and grew up in pre-Second World War Kishinev Moldova/Romania. Just prior to the onset of the Second World War, most of the family left Kishinev to move further east to Russia. Dina spent the rest of the war in Bucharest and, remarkably, survived. Following the end of the war, Dina eventually travelled to Germany where she lived in a displaced persons camp until 1947. Subsequently she immigrated to Canada aboard the U.S. military ship USS General Sturgis which was being used to transport European refugees. Landing in Halifax and finally reaching Montreal in 1948, Dina reconnected with family and friends from Europe and met Sam. Dina and Sam married in 1950, and son Harry was born in 1951. Thereafter, Dina dedicated herself to being a loving parent as he grew up in Montreal. In 1967, Dina and Sam moved to Detroit (Oakpark), Michigan as Sam sought work opportunities as a carpenter, and Harry moved on to attend the University of Michigan. Dina made many good friends during this period and enjoyed working in a bakery and being involved in the community. As Sam retired, and Harry settled in Winnipeg, Dina and Sam moved to Winnipeg in 1986 to be closer to Harry and Sheila, and were thrilled to become grandparents with the birth of Jesse (1989), Daniel (1991) and Alan (1994). Dina together with Sam provided tremendous support to Harry and Sheila and the boys. She took great pleasure seeing them become the fine young adults they are today. The family has very fond memories of visiting Dina and Sam for erev Shabbat dinners, holidays, birthdays and most Sundays over the years. Dina was a fabulous cook and baker and took great pride in looking after her home. Dina was the anchor of support for her family and worked exceptionally hard along with Sam to provide for them in any way she could. She will be missed dearly. The family would like to thank the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre for their kind and compassionate care of Dina over the past year. Funeral service to be held Tuesday, November 4 at 2:00 p.m. Shaarey Zedek Cemetery, 230 Armstrong Avenue, Winnipeg (across from Kildonan Park). In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre in Winnipeg or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2014