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MIRIAM LEA NELKEN
Miriam passed away May 7 in Victoria, BC at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, after a month-long battle with cancer. She exhibited great dignity and courage throughout her ordeal.
Miriam was predeceased by her mother, Rachael Nelken, and father, Kalman Nelken. She is survived by older brothers, Mayer (Heather), and Harry (Cynthia), nephews, Aaron, Shane, Daniel (Sara), and Adam; and nieces, Rachel, Rhea, Rebecca (Eric); grandnephews, Jacob and Isaac, great-nephew Finn, and great-niece Poppy.
Born at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Miriam attended Robertson, Andrew Mynarski, and Sisler High School, before getting her B.A. and BSc in. pharmacy at the U. of M. A practicing pharmacist of 40 years, she spent the past 32 years dispensing in Victoria. She retired in 2014.
Miriam's strong passion was painting; her dozens of acrylic works are awesome to behold. She also loved photography, and music, Ella Fitzgerald and Kathleen Battle are among her favourites. Guitar and piano were her instruments of joy. She loved nature, anything living; flowers, trees, birds, animals, the sky, the ocean; and, of course, people. Miriam was a wonderful cook and hostess. Among her loved Victoria places, are Beacon Hill Park, Willows Beach, The Parsonage, and The Demitasse Cafe. We would like to thank Rabbi Lyn, Michelle, and the staff of the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2025
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Miriam was a true regular in our shop—a quiet, friendly presence who brought warmth each time she came in. I regret not having gotten to know her better over the years, but even in our brief interactions, her kindness always shone through. As large as the Jewish community is in Winnipeg, it’s deeply connected, and I have no doubt we would have both enjoyed discovering people we knew in common. Her gentle spirit will be missed in our space. - Posted by: Ben Cram (Owner of the parsonage) on: Jun 11, 2025
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Condolences to Dr. Nelken. I’m sure she was as amazing as her brother although I never met her. - Posted by: Shoaib (None) on: Jun 09, 2025
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Miriam meant so very much to me. We met in Victoria working at Thrifty Foods in the pharmacy and somehow became fast friends even with 35 years between us. She called herself “crazy Aunt Miriam,” to me and my girls, but she was more a motherly figure to me honestly. She was caring, kind, so thoughtful and always incredibly quick witted. Our last phone call was filled with more laughter than tears which I will try to hold on to. She always spoke so fondly of her family (and friends) to me and her stories of you all were filled with so much love. I’m so very sorry for everyone’s loss. That’s what her passing is, such a huge, incredible loss. I hope you find comfort in each other during this difficult time. Again my deepest condolences. - Posted by: Lindsay Hart (Friend) on: May 24, 2025
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We can't believe she is gone. We always enjoyed our times together. I will especially miss our 6 hour phone calls ! Condolences to Mayer, Harry and families. May she rest in peace. - Posted by: Lynn , Wayne and family (Brother-in-law) on: May 19, 2025
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Harry, our condolences go out to you and your brother for your loss. I remember meeting Miriam years ago with Uncle Sid of blessed memory. I remember her as a warm and friendly person who was very special to Sid. Her painting of Uncle Sid continues to be a treasured by our family. Mayer Pawlow and Lorri Robertson - Posted by: Mayer Pawlow (Friend) on: May 18, 2025
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My most heartfelt condolences to Rhea and Harry on the loss of your aunt and sister. Miriam liked Ella Fitzgerald, and piano and guitar music - that's good! She was also a visual artist - definitely an aesthete. As an unrepentant, piano playing, responsible and ethical anarchist, that is something I can appreciate! This is what makes golden memories of your loved one, that you can call upon to make you smile. Many hugs to you. Yvette, the Ovarian Barbarian of West Broadway. Ars longa; vita brevis* Art is long; life is short. - Posted by: yvette berger (Friend) on: May 18, 2025
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Dear Harry. We are so very sorry for your loss and are thinking of you. May your sister’s memory be a blessing. Sincerely, Richard & Karen Howell, Robin Shreiber & Sara Wilner - Posted by: Richard & Karen Howell (Friends) on: May 15, 2025
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Miriam was a terrific gal...smart and talented. Our deepest condolences to brothers Mayer and Harry and their families. They've all been friends since early grade school...and that is a long time ago. When ever Daria and I talk of people we really like....invariably the Nelken name is always in the mix. Once again...our deepest condolences on the loss of sister Miriam. Rusty and Daria Surowy - Posted by: Russell and Daria Surowy (friends) on: May 15, 2025