ROCHELLE (SHELLEY) BLUM

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ROCHELLE (SHELLEY) BLUM

Shelley Blum was born in Winnipeg on August 23, 1937, to Rose Labovitch Shapiro and Morris Shapiro and passed away in Winnipeg on April 12, 2023, surrounded by loving family.

She is survived by her brother Butch (Susan), son Jeff Kushner (Randall McGinnis), daughter Marnie Smith (Andrew) and grandchildren, Mica, Noa and Zane Smith. She was predeceased by beloved husband Ben in 2012.

Shelley began ballet lessons at an early age as part of her prescribed treatment for rickets which ultimately led to her dancing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Shelley went on to work in the family business, marry and have two children and then return to work as a single mother. Being a single mother was unusual for the times, and her children have come to realize just how extraordinary a woman their mother was in this and every regard. Ben Blum also viewed Shelley as extraordinary and asked for her hand in marriage in 1978. Shelley created a loving home for Ben and their combined family, all the while caring for her aging parents and Ben's mother as well. Shelley and Ben had a wonderful life together and she was at Ben's side to provide him with loving and exceptional care through his illness and as he reached the end of his life to ensure his comfort and dignity. Through to her final days Shelley enjoyed and cherished good times with loving family and friends who were so important to her. Shelley will be remembered as a good athlete, a great cook, never fearful of new ideas, loyal, appreciative, and as a woman of great honesty and integrity who embraced diversity and inclusivity many decades before the terms came into common usage. She was keenly interested in the world around her and retained this interest and her sharp sense of humour until the day she serenely passed away at her home, her work in this world having been done and done well. Shelley was always grateful for the wonderful medical care she received, and her children want to thank those who were so kind over the years.

Thank you to doctors Hechtenthal, Eschun and Shepertycky and to Christine and Cecilia for your kindness and dedication. Thank you to the nurses of the River Heights Palliative Care Team who helped make it possible for our mother to remain in her home, as she so strongly wished. Chris, Ed, and Hans you know that our mother was so very grateful for your kindness and friendship, as are we. Maria Barbosa, our mother regarded you as a dear friend for over 35 years.

Should friends wish, donations can be made to the Shelley Shapiro Blum Scholarship at the RWB School in her name:

https://www.mycharitytools.com/gift/

wpgfdn/donate?fund=769

or 204-944-9474

ROCHELLE (SHELLEY) BLUM

It is with great sadness that the family of Shelley Blum z"l announces her passing on April 12, 2023.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery followed by a meal of consolation at 141 Wellington Crescent.

Full obituary to follow at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2023, Apr 29, 2023