Obituary of Maureen Averback

Maureen (Fast) Averback It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maureen (Miriam) Averback, aged 85, on April 27, 2017. She is survived by her beloved partner of 47 years, Gerald Averback, her children, Doug Fast (Kate), Bev Fast and Val Fast, and her grandchildren John, Hope and Tom Fast. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1931, she was the only daughter of Winifred (Winnie) Ingram, who had emigrated from Ireland in the 1920s. From her earliest childhood, Mom loved movies, books and animals (in that order). As a shy teenager, she moved to Saskatoon to attend school. She later met and married Calvin Fast (1933-1968). The family moved to Ontario, but returned to Saskatoon after Cal’s death. Maureen earned a diploma at business college and worked for 20 years as a secretary to support her young family, no easy task for a single mother in 1960s and 1970s. It was around this time that Mom met “the love of her life” in Gerald. They both worked hard, but also took time together to share many wonderful adventures. Mom’s favourite memories were the trips she and Gerry took to Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, as well as many trips to Montreal, New York City and Houston, Texas to visit family. Mom loved her grandchildren, and was especially proud to witness her grandson John’s convocation from U of S Law School in 2016. She would have been equally proud of her granddaughter Hope as she graduates this year from Pharmacology & Physiology and Tom next year from Commerce. On any given day, Mom could be found downtown browsing at Eaton’s and later the Bay, picking up the latest mystery at the library or enjoying a chocolate and coffee at her favourite coffee shops. Simple pleasures. We’ll remember Mom for her kindness and natural empathy, her absolutely gorgeous singing voice, her amazing fashion sense (well into her senior years), her intelligence and interest in history. We’ll always remember the deep bond she and Gerry shared. We loved her dearly, and we know she loved us dearly in return. We extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Martin and the caring staff at the Temperance-Munroe neighbourhood at Luther Care Home, to her caregiver and friend Jenn Munroe, to LeeAnn Wright and to the wonderful staff at Luther Seniors day program, who brought so much joy into Mom’s last two years.