I was born in Winnipeg in 1966, the youngest of four children of Guy and Hester Kroft (née Israels). My siblings, Jonathan, Debbie, and David, were my earliest teachers and companions. I grew up in a home where Jewish tradition, learning, and service to community were woven into daily life.

My father built a distinguished career in law, serving as both a lawyer and a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench and the Manitoba Court of Appeal. He balanced these accomplishments with active involvement in the Jewish community and a deep devotion to family. I remember him coming home for dinner, no matter how busy he was, often returning to his office later in the evening and sometimes bringing us along. My mother was born in Regina and began her career teaching at River Heights School. She instilled in us a love of learning and tradition, and later became the first woman to serve as president of the Rady JCC. She has always been a source of strength and guidance, and to this day, my sister and I share Saturday lunches with her, a cherished ritual that has carried forward from my childhood.

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My grandparents were also powerful influences. On my father’s side, Charles and Heloise Kroft (née Cohn) modelled hard work, family devotion, and service. Charles, who immigrated from Russia, rose through the grain exchange to become President of McCabe Grain Company and gave generously of his time to organizations such as The Winnipeg Foundation and United Way. Heloise, born in Winnipeg, was family-oriented and strong, qualities that anchored her household.

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On my mother’s side, Monte and Sally Israels (née Kalef) created a warm and welcoming home. Monte was a lawyer, and Sally was active in Hadassah. Their apartment was filled with tradition and laughter. I have fond memories of sleepovers and scavenger hunts with my cousins. These experiences left me with an enduring sense that Jewish life is lived as much in daily acts of love as in public service.  I’m particularly proud that both Charles and Monte were founding members of the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

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I grew up in River Heights and attended Robert H. Smith School, River Heights School and Kelvin High School. I participated in Brownies and Girl Guides, school musicals, Junior Congregation at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, United Synagogue Youth and B’nai Brith Youth Organization. I was one of the only Jewish students in my early school years. This experience set me apart but also strengthened my identity. By junior high, when more Jewish classmates joined, I found the joy of belonging to a broader Jewish peer group. These years taught me resilience and the value of community, lessons I have carried forward.

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In 1995, I married Jeff Morry at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, a place of deep meaning for both of our families. We met on a blind date, and though I was under the weather that night, Jeff won me over with kindness and a peanut butter and Oreo cheesecake. That gesture marked the beginning of a marriage that has been my greatest partnership and has been filled with love. Together, we raised three sons, Benjamin, Matthew, and Joel, who continue to bring us pride and joy and give us hope for the future.

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I studied Human Ecology at the University of Manitoba, majoring in Food and Nutrition, and became a Registered Dietitian. My career has included roles at Misericordia Health Centre, the Sharon Home (now The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre) and the Reh-Fit Centre, as well as building my own private practice. Across these roles, I have had the privilege of supporting people at many stages of life, from seniors in long-term care to individuals working toward healthier lifestyles. Beyond clinical work, I have spoken publicly about nutrition and healthy cooking in schools, workplaces, and community organizations. My profession has given me the opportunity to combine science and care, education and compassion. Whether through one-on-one counselling or teaching a group, I see my role as helping people achieve health, dignity and a better quality of life.

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Community service has always been an extension of these same values. I have held many roles with the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, including work with the Combined Jewish Appeal, Women’s Philanthropy and the Community Planning Committee, chaired the Israel Pavilion - Shalom Square at Folklorama, and volunteered at my children’s schools. I enjoyed attending the National Council of Jewish Women’s programs. For many years, my family has volunteered with Shaarey Zedek Synagogue as part of its long-standing tradition of partnering with the West Broadway Community Ministry to provide a Christmas Day lunch for people in need.

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The experiences that stay with me most are those in which I worked directly with people, served meals through outreach programs, connected with individuals in need, or raised awareness of poverty within our Jewish community. Jeff and I feel strongly about this issue, as the struggles of families living below the poverty line are often overlooked. We have made it a priority to ensure those voices are not forgotten.

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Outside of work and volunteerism, I enjoy the small joys that bring balance to life. I am an avid reader and find long walks restorative. I love to cook and bake, including hamantaschen at Purim and am known for my chocolate chip cookies. These simple acts of hospitality connect me to tradition and allow me to care for others in ways both large and small.

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The values I carry forward are those of my parents, grandparents and siblings. They have shown me that leadership comes through example, that tradition roots us, and that service is at the core of Jewish life. I strive to live these lessons so that my sons, in turn, will carry them forward.

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For me, signing the Book of Life is both an act of remembrance and an act of hope. It honours the generations who came before and affirms a commitment to those who will follow. I hope to be remembered as someone who supported others, gave back, and lived with kindness. My wish is that our Jewish community continues to grow in strength and diversity, standing together with resilience, supporting those in need, and creating a future where tradition and compassion endure for generations to come.