Item 20.12-14 - Sonia Sara Bellas

Oral History interview with Sonia Sara Bellas, who immigrated to Canada in November, 1925, from a small town near Kiev, in Russia. Her family, unable to move to the United States, settled in Winnipeg. The purpose of immigration was to live closer to family that had settled in Philadelphia. Sonia attended school until grade 11, after which she went on to work in laundry and dry cleaning. She met her husband in 1940, and they were married on December 26, 1942, at his parents' home in Vancouver. They had several children together. Whilst living in Vancouver, Sonia worked in clothing retail. After her retirement, she spent much of her time with her husband and children and fondly remembers entertaining guests at her home. At the time of the interview, she enjoys attending services with her family for high holidays, having lunch with her children and grandchildren weekly, and was a member of Seniors Club. Her son is also present at the interview and offers additional insight to his mother's life as well as his experience growing up with his mother and father.