GERTRUDE FRANKELSON (SILVERT) (BUCKWOLD) -

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GERTRUDE FRANKELSON (SILVERT) (BUCKWOLD) 1914 - 2014 Having attained 100 years of gracious living, Gertie quietly passed away on November 8, 2014 at the Simkin Centre, in Winnipeg, with her family by her side. Named Goldie, but preferring Gertie, she was born in Winnipeg to Rissi (nee Averbach) and Meyer Solodky on August 31, 1914. Predeceased by her parents, stepfather Abe Silvert, brother Eddie Silvert, all of Winnipeg and younger sister Doreen Nathanson, of Calgary; husbands Percy Buckwold, of Dauphin, and Charlie Frankelson, of Winnipeg, Charlie's son Dr. Elliot Frankelson and son-in-law Murray Zaslov, both of Vancouver and nephew Paul Besbris of Los Angeles. She is survived by son Jack Buckwold, wife June and their son Jarad, all of Winnipeg; daughter Marly Zaslov of Vancouver, granddaughters Shannon Aceman and her son Ryan, of Vancouver, Anrea Zaslov and husband Qam Haider and son Alix, of Winnipeg, sister Esther Besbris and her family of Los Angeles, and Silvert and Nathanson nieces and nephews. The eldest of four children, Gertie was schooled in Winnipeg's North End, having attended St. John's Tech, then working at Woolworth's, in the jewelry department. Her Auntie Anne and Uncle Max Goffman, then living in Dauphin, Manitoba, saw a future for Gertie in that small Manitoba town - that being the eligible bachelor, Percy, scion of the well-established Buckwold family. Goldie moved to Dauphin to be with her aunt and uncle, and married Percy in October, 1936. In 1937, they welcomed their first child, Marly, and the much anticipated son, Jack, nine years later. Goldie took to living in a small town, becoming involved in the local chapter of the Lionelles, and during the war years entertained and welcomed the enlisted airmen at No. 7 and No. 10 airbases located in the Dauphin area and working in the family business, J. Buckwold and Sons. Summers were spent initially at Clear Lake and then at the family cottage at Dauphin Lake. Percy took ill and passed away in October, 1952, at the early age of 46. After his untimely passing, Gertie and family returned to Winnipeg, her home town, where she went to work at Aronovich and Leipsic. In 1960, after her daughter Marly was married, Gertie, who had met Charlie Frankelson some years before, wed in December of that year. It was just after that that Charlie's son, Elliot, joined their household, sharing the basement rec room with Jack. Gertie became involved in the B'nai Brith organization, and soon became President of the Winnipeg Chapter. She and Charlie also volunteered for many years at the YMHA Folklorama Pavilion and enjoyed every minute of it. When Charlie bought a corner grocery store, Gertie was there by his side several afternoons a week, having to take two buses to get there. Gertie, a sun worshiper, and Charlie, an avid golfer, looked forward to annual trips to California to spend time with their cherished family and friends with whom they maintained close relationships; and to Vancouver where both Elliot and subsequently Marly and family relocated. Gertie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (and babysitter), great-grandmother, sister and auntie to her extended family of nieces and nephews in Canada and south of the border. She was known for her welcoming nature and open invitations to her dining room table. When the deep fryer rested on her countertop, dinner guests were in for a treat; Goldie's french fries were legendary. It didn't end with the main course; she was the consummate baker of tasty shortbread cookies, flaky pie crusts and kruples. She was also a trusted confidant. Her passion for the written word led her to discover new books and she always looked forward to her trips to the library. Gertie's adventurous spirit opened her to exploring new places and foods. Developing an interest in football later in life, Gertie was an enthusiastic Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan, and loyal CJOB listener.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2014