Sondra Gotlieb had a passion for literature and fond memories of her childhood in North Winnipeg that shaped her writing career. Her work ranged from cookbooks and novels to regular newspaper s in Canada and Washington, D. C., always infused with a uniquely Canadian perspective and humor.
When her husband Allan became Ambassador to the United States, her “Wife Of” in the Washington Post during the 1980s gave readers a glimpse into the not-so-glamorous life of a diplomatic spouse in the nation’s capital.
Gotlieb passed away on Jan. 21 in Toronto at the age of 89.
Born Sondra Kaufman in Winnipeg in December 1936, her father David was an agricultural chemist who developed a barley strain suitable for Manitoba winters. Her mother Fanny took care of Sondra and her older brother Barry, known for her cooking skills and hospitality.
“My grandmother’s nickname was ‘Fanny the Feeder’,” Sondra’s daughter Rachel Gotlieb shared with The CJN. “She had a fridge and freezer in the basement. She made homemade pickles, borscht, chicken soup, gefilte fish, cheese knishes, meat knishes and all kinds of cookies – melting moments, nothings, honey cookies. My grandmother was an amazing cook following Jewish traditions.”
This emphasis on Jewish cuisine hinted at Gotlieb’s future career path. “My mother definitely got into writing through food and reviewing it.”
In the 1950s, Winnipeg thrived as a center of Jewish culture. Sondra wasn’t particularly inclined toward academics; she left university behind after struggling to succeed as a secretary. She met Allan at a Jewish mixer in Winnipeg-he was an accomplished scholar and Rhodes Scholar-and they married in December 1955.
“My father was already a don at Oxford,” Rachel explained. “He was quite older than my mother. He would come back to Winnipeg occasionally to visit family; both sets wanted them to marry-his parents preferred he wed a local Jewish girl rather than someone from England while my mother longed to leave Winnipeg. He was 27 when they married; she was just turning 19. It must have been quite an adjustment going from Winnipeg to Oxford.”
Gotlieb later wrote about their courtship in her semi-autobiographical novel True Confections or How My Family Arranged My Marriage.
While raising three children, Gotlieb pursued her writing career alongside supporting Allan’s academic pursuits and diplomatic roles across Oxford, Geneva, Ottawa, and later Washington D. C. In 1972 she released her first book titled The Gourmet’s Canada.
“My mom always loved books; she took some literature courses at university too,” said Rachel. “She started by writing about food which led to reviewing restaurants for Chatelaine and other publications before publishing cookbooks like The Gourmet’s Canada and Cross Canada Cooking-Favorite Recipes of Canadians from Many Lands-which eventually opened doors for fiction writing.”
“Growing up was filled with fun moments like when she had to review fast-food hamburgers-we’d go to places like Red Barn or Mc Donald’s while she weighed each one on scales.”
Her debut novel True Confections explored the experiences of a teenage Jewish girl growing up in Winnipeg and won the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour in 1979. “That meant so much to her; it felt like such an achievement,” Rachel recalled proudly. “She had such great wit modeled after writers like Art Buchwald, Russell Baker, and Calvin Trillin.”
In 1981 Allan became Canadian Ambassador to the U. S., appointed by then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau. As North American politics unfolded during Reagan’s presidency-with free trade talks underway-the Gotliebs became well-known figures within Washington society.
Sondra found herself somewhat unprepared but embraced this unfamiliar territory which added charm to her character.
“It’s not paid work,” Rachel noted about that era’s expectations regarding spouses’ roles in diplomacy today compared with then realities where many ambassadors’ wives wouldn’t even attend functions anymore due mainly economic reasons-but my mom saw value despite being unpaid; still took it seriously-promoting Canadian culture through events featuring fashion shows with Alfred Sung among others along serving Canadian dishes at embassy gatherings-and once she began writing s (for Washington Post), gained prominence herself.”
The Canadian embassy transformed into an attractive spot within high society circles around D. C.
“I couldn’t believe how effortlessly Allan & Sondra Gotlieb managed turning their official residence on Rock Creek Drive into prime gathering space for A-listers where attendees were treated alongside Christopher Plummer or Donald Sutherland,” Jeremy Kinsman former ambassador stated fondly honoring them via tribute earlier this year within Canadian International Council Newsletter adding that: “They were originals whose event themes often included unique offerings people didn’t get anywhere else.” “Sondra-a talented author with insights about culinary experiences turned towards witty observations upon societal matters through s providing perspectives countering traditional ambassadorial profiles creating thus made everyone excited learning about them both!”
Sandra also expressed jovially during interviews discussing mixing guests around regardless their statuses admitting mistakes might happen yet enjoyment mattered more: “I’m sure we placed people wrong in our house but no one ever complained.. In Washington job titles overshadow individuals hence protocol rules exist enabling odd fun pairings instead!”In addition offering assistance running official duties alongside numerous articles regularly throughout Globe & Mail including “Wife Of” featured prominently over years!
In midst late ’80s pre-cell phones era during memorable dinner party hosted honoring then Prime Minister Brian Mulroney along Vice President George H. W Bush came infamous incident where overwhelmed & fatigued Sandra accidentally slapped social secretary amidst frustration over last-minute changes before guests arrived causing uproar when observed by reporter present afterwards commenting: “It felt hectic-I should’ve handled things better-it wasn’t intentional apology given right away still so minor nothing public occurred!”
After Allan completed his tenure ending back home relocating again returning continuing journalism contributing timely pieces covering topics ranging purchasing medicinal marijuana online struggles facing seniors insights criticizing trends surrounding cheap wines served instead quality beverages entertaining tales discussing romantic entanglements between couples outside norms enriching cottage lifestyles likewise whether applauding appropriate classical concert etiquette whilst addressing common quirks witnessed daily. A passionate gardener pursuing hobbies expressed immense pride having gardens showcased touring Rosedale friends enjoyed reminiscing visiting plants chatting laughing sharing thoughts daily interactions revealing true essence detailing quirky behaviours around neighborhood as cited: “Our gardens received recognition-we agreed ours stood out best!” Susan Dyer reflects lovingly recalling shared laughter stemming humorous observations made centered around commutes taken mentioning how routines persisted among locals ignoring familiar faces after two decades.” “It amazed me how keenly observant she’d become capturing life’s oddities using humor coupled honesty leaving us endlessly entertained,” continued Susan also highlighting aspects rooted deeply within identity itself inspiring moments cherished forever.)“
The legacy left behind follows those surviving daughters Rebecca Marc grandchildren continuing keeping alive vibrant spirit birthed generations prior paving way unto future ahead bearing sweet reminiscences woven together forming strong bonds everlasting connection amidst changing world.
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After Allan completed his tenure ending back home relocating again returning continuing journalism contributing timely pieces covering topics ranging purchasing medicinal marijuana online struggles facing seniors insights criticizing trends surrounding cheap wines served instead quality beverages entertaining tales discussing romantic entanglements between couples outside norms enriching cottage lifestyles likewise whether applauding appropriate classical concert etiquette whilst addressing common quirks witnessed daily. A passionate gardener pursuing hobbies expressed immense pride having gardens showcased touring Rosedale friends enjoyed reminiscing visiting plants chatting laughing sharing thoughts daily interactions revealing true essence detailing quirky behaviours around neighborhood as cited: “Our gardens received recognition-we agreed ours stood out best!” Susan Dyer reflects lovingly recalling shared laughter stemming humorous observations made centered around commutes taken mentioning how routines persisted among locals ignoring familiar faces after two decades.” “It amazed me how keenly observant she’d become capturing life’s oddities using humor coupled honesty leaving us endlessly entertained,” continued Susan also highlighting aspects rooted deeply within identity itself inspiring moments cherished forever.)“
The legacy left behind follows those surviving daughters Rebecca Marc grandchildren continuing keeping alive vibrant spirit birthed generations prior paving way unto future ahead bearing sweet reminiscences woven together forming strong bonds everlasting connection amidst changing world.
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