Obituary of Norman Kraus

NORMAN KRAUS Peacefully with his family at his side, Norman Kraus passed away on Tuesday, August 27th , 2013 at the age of 82 years. Norman was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, his beloved Ruth Mitchell Kraus. Loving father and father-in-law of Arthur and Shelley Kraus of Toronto, Paul and Thea Kraus of St. Catharines , Gail and Brian Berger of Minneapolis and Andrea Kraus of Toronto. Proud grandfather ( PAPA ) of Samara, Ilana, Sasha, Matthew, Daniel, Sarah, Jaclyn and Alexander. Norman was predeceased by his bothers Morty Kraus of Bethesda, Maryland and Lou Kraus of San Diego, California. For Norman, his proudest accomplishment was his wife and his family of four children, their spouses and his eight grandchildren. Whether he was jogging, swimming, sailing or skiing downhill, he loved spending time with his wife , his children and his grandchildren. Winner of the JUDY AWARD for Retail Fashion in Ontario, Norman operated an exclusive high fashion ladies retail store for 20 years in St. Catharines and 30 years previously in Welland, Ontario. He was always an active member of both the city in which he lived as well as the Jewish Community within each city, having served as the president of both the Welland and St. Catharines Synagogues. Norman was not only a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Welland, a Theatrical Director of the Welland Little Theatre Group, but he was also an active civic organizer and fundraiser for many social causes within each community. Norman’s generosity , kindness, positive mental attitude, his creativity, stamina and organizational skills will always be remembered , respected and admired. The family will always be grateful for the excellent care that Norman received from the staff of Cedarvale Terrace in Toronto . The funeral service will be held at the Patrick J. Darte Funeral Chapel at 39 Court Street in St. Catharines ( 905-685-6584 ) on Thursday, August 29th at 2:00 pm. SHIVA in St. Catharines will be observed at the home of Paul and Thea Kraus, 29 Briarfield Crescent on Thursday evening, Friday, Sunday Monday and Tuesday. Arthur and Shelley Kraus will be sitting SHIVA at their home in Toronto on Sunday , Monday and Tuesday evenings at 489 Old Orchard Grove, Toronto. Norman’s compassion for his family and his joie de vivre will be his legacy to all those who knew him ! Donations can be made to Cedarvale Terrace in Toronto (416-967-6949) or to B'nai Israel Synagogue,190 Church Street St. Catharines L2R 3E9.