Fonds - Leona Bilinkoff fonds

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Leona Bilinkoff fonds

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  • Textual record

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233 photographs
2 cm of textual records

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(1920-2014)

Biographical history

Leona Bilinkoff (née Wagner) was born in Winnipeg on March 10, 1920 to immigrant parents. As a child, Leona attended the Talmud Torah and graduated from St. John’s high school in 1935 with an Isbister scholarship to the University of Manitoba. She took courses in a variety of different subjects including chemistry, psychology, and German, before pursuing her honours in economics. Leona received her B.A. in 1939, the same year in which she met Alex Billinkoff. The two were married in 1940.

After her marriage to Alex, Leona joined a number of volunteer organizations. In the 1940’s, the couple welcomed three children; two daughters and one son. As the children became old enough to attend school, Leona once again became involved in a number of volunteer positions. In the late 1940’s, Leona served as the President of the National Council of Jewish Women, and became involved in Biela Lipkin’s Hebrew theatre, serving as the costume lady for productions. Leona was an integral part of the establishment of the Talmud Torah day school as the president of the P.T.A., a post which she held for three years (1951-1954). Under this role, Leona was involved in fundraising and the construction of the school. In addition to the above position, Leona also became a member of the Welfare Fund. Around this time, Leona and Alex began taking frequent trips to Israel.

In 1953, Eddie Yuditsky, Talmud Torah principle and director of Camp Massad, invited Leona to the camp for a few weeks. For the first 5 years of her involvement in Camp Massad, Leona was still involved in the National Council of Jewish Women, and served as the President of the Women’s Branch of the Welfare Fund (1956-1959). Eventually, Leona had to choose between all of these positions, deciding to continue working with the kids at Camp Massad. Leona officially held the position of Camp Mother, but was still involved in all aspects of programming and administration. Because of Leona’s passion for the camp, Alex became the main financial supporter, picking up its deficit each year, building structures at a cost, and supplying free furniture and costumes. Leona became involved in fundraising, sat on several committees, became her own secretary, and learned how to keep books.

In 1961, Leona returned to the University of Manitoba to earn her teaching degree which she used to teach French and English at Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. After many years of involvement, Leona left Camp Massad in 1978, at which time she began to pursue her interest in art.

Leona quickly became one of the best needle workers in the province, later becoming interested in knotting. With the help of Grant Marshall, interior design professor at the University of Manitoba, Leona made the decision to go back to school as a special student in the faculty of Fine Arts. She went on to produce pieces for Xerox, the Manitoba Government, the Manitoba Conservatory of Music, and the Mount Carmel Clinic. As well, Leona held successful showings at numerous galleries.

Leona passed away on January 30, 2014 at the age of 93.

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Fonds consists of photographs of artwork by Leona Billinkoff and newspaper articles about her exhibits and related records.

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