FLORENCE VICKAR The family of Florence Vickar, aged 98 years, sadly announce her passing on June 12, 2017. She leaves behind her children, Larry and Tova Vickar, Reva and Allan Micflikier, Faye Vickar Lazer and Joel Lazer; her grandchildren, Sam, Stephen and Marie, Daniel and Heather, Sara and Dorian, Jacob and Alysha, Jilda and Cameron, Sara and Christopher, and Lawrence and Szandra; her great-grandchildren, Mason and Vaughn, Max and Zev, Emi and Greyson, Rin, Noa and Eli, Elliot, and Lila and Simone; her sisters-in-law, Eve Vickar, Ann Vickar and Gnessie Vickar, as well as a large extended family.

After 68 years of marriage, her beloved husband Norman died in 2015 at the age of 98 years. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Aaron and Reva Zeitlin, sisters, Rose Freedman (Saul) and Minnie Pressman (Morris), and stepmom Rose Zeitlin. Mom was born in 1919 in Russia and arrived in Canada with her parents and two younger sisters, first to Lipton Colony in Saskatchewan before settling in Winnipeg. In 1947 Mom was introduced to Dad on a blind date and though the first impression was neutral, the second date sealed the deal. They were engaged within three weeks and married a few months later. Mom and Dad lived in Gronlid, Saskatchewan and by the fall of 1950 they had three children under the age of two.

In 1955 we moved to the bigger town of Melfort with the need for school and a Jewish community. Mom was supportive of Dad's heavy commitment to business and the community. She was a member of several organizations, most notably studying to become the Worthy Matron of the local Eastern Star. They moved to Regina when Dad was elected MLA for Melfort and stayed for two terms of office. Mom was by his side, fulfilling the role that allowed Dad to succeed. In 1984 they moved to Winnipeg to be near family. They continued their community involvement, primarily Jewish organizations. They were active attendees at many community events well into their 90s. Mom was a good cook and baker. Her Marble Chiffon Cake was featured at many of the Winnipeg neighbourhood children's birthdays, in addition to those of her grandchildren. Her cakes came with high expectations; if not perfect they were started again from scratch. Her other major talent was her green thumb! She knew so much about plants both indoors and out. It was tough for her to relinquish responsibility for her gardens in the last years.

When Dad died in the fall of 2015, Mom missed him dreadfully. She missed her initiator and social planner. They were both people persons, she more quietly than he! Its ironic that heart failure was her final health issue! Our family is so thankful for the team of caregivers who have been with us every day since the fall of 2012, when Mom was discharged from hospital and Dad insisted on his discharge the same day! Our honorary pallbearers were Josie Ramos, Alicia Ibalio. Clemen Alambra, Emma Manalad, Fatima Dalisay and Lovely Morante. Dad was immediately grateful for their help and Mom grew to appreciate them... Mom taught a couple of them some of her best recipes; blintzes, borscht and Mom's Marble Cake are now in their repertoire.

We are thankful for the years of care provided by Dr. Lori Ebbeling-Treon. In recent months we were fortunate to have Mom registered with the palliative care program. Coordinator Mary Ashcroft and the team of visiting nurses headed by Davinder were invaluable in their support and guidance to the family and our caregivers, and ensured respectful end of life care for Mom in her own home. Mom surely hastened to join Dad after her passing! We have a vision of Mom sharing her displeasure with him for his early departure, leaving her behind... then they'll settle in to that comfortable spot you must get to after 68 years together!

Donations are gratefully accepted to the 'Norman and Florence Vickar Memorial Fund' at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster St., Suite C400, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3N 2B2 or a charity of your choice.