Obituaries
BERNICE ETHEL MARMEL O.M. June 13, 1927- April 28, 2021
Bernice Marmel was born in Arran, Saskatchewan as Ethel Bernice Macklin. After moving to Winnipeg, she resided at the Winnipeg Jewish Orphanage and then went on as a teenager to live with her aunt and uncle Fred and Sarah (Hechter) Sures in River Heights.
She attended Robert H. Smith Elementary School before graduating from Kelvin High School. After marrying Max Marmel she moved to West Kildonan where she lived most of her life. Bernice obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Manitoba and much later in life her Masters Degree in Health Education.
Bernice had a lifetime of extraordinary service to others, especially to those whose poverty makes them more vulnerable. As a senior citizen, she was concerned naturally for other older Manitobans, but also worked for adolescent parents and school-aged children.
Throughout her life, Bernice was sometimes employed by organizations and sometimes worked as a volunteer. In fact, Bernice’s loyalty to the people whose concerns were at the heart of her work often caused her paid work to segué into volunteer work whenever funding ran out. She cared too much about the people and issues they faced to put projects aside.
Bernice believed in the possibility of working with people to enable them both to do what was needed and to grow. This was her method of working. When setting up a fitness program at a north end church, she taught the people how to apply for government funding. In a project she initiated, while with the Nor’West Health Cooperative, she enabled children who lived in a social housing project to speak out about their own health needs. This project was recognized with the Canadian Healthy Communities Project Certificate of Distinction.
Bernice served on countless volunteer boards and committees. Some of the groups that have benefited from Bernice’s work include the Manitoba Council on Aging; the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg; Mount Carmel Clinic; The Urban Idea Centre; the North End Women’s Resource Centre; the Food Network; ALCOA; and the Winnipeg Public Library Board.
Bernice was often ahead of current thinking, for example on sexuality among older people. A paper she wrote advocated for older people to continue to be regarded as sexual beings long before such thinking was prominent. Her work also addressed the problem of social isolation among seniors, establishing a Friendly Visitors program for the Age and Opportunity Inc., and a phone link for seniors from Deer Lodge Hospital. She was instrumental in the establishment of both Macbeth House and Bleak House senior centres in Winnipeg’s North End.
Bernice was long concerned about the pressing need for affordable housing, especially, but not solely for seniors. Among other groups, Bernice was part of the housing committee on the Council on Aging and also sat as part of the coalition on housing called together by the provincial government.
Bernice won many certificates of recognition and awards for her work, including ones from the Lord Selkirk West Kildonan Community, also Winnipeg’s KLINIC’s suicide prevention program, SPEAK. In 2002, she was given the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. In 2016, she received the Murray and Muriel Smith Award, the highest award by the Manitoba Council on Aging. Finally Bernice was awarded the Order of Manitoba in 2018, the highest honour amongst all others conferred by the Manitoba Crown. This award was for excellence and achievement in any field that benefits the well being of Manitoba and its residents.
Bernice travelled extensively for pleasure, usually on stand-by, all over the world. England, Columbia, and Tunisia were some of her favorites.
In addition to her extensive community work, Bernice was a devoted mother, sister and Baba. She acted as a strong role model for her family in her dedication to her community and relentless support for vulnerable individuals. Her calm and cheerful demeanour stuck with her over the last few years of her life, even when her ability to communicate became limited. You could always count on her to be smiling.
Bernice was predeceased by her parents, Sam Machlin and Rose Hechter-Machlin, and her brothers, Gerry, Joseph and Dr. Allan Macklin.
She will be fondly remembered by her daughter Rosalind, son Lawrence (Tam), grandson Shane Marmel and granddaughter Dr. Allison Marmel (Dr. Yale Michaels).
Funeral service and burial took place at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on April 30, 2021, officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose.
Pallbearers were: Dr. Billy Kettner, Dr. Joel Kettner, Bruce Kettner, Brian Scharfstein, John Michaels, and Jamie Michaels.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Max Marmel and Bernice Macklin-Marmel Fund for the Gray Academy at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA CONSTANCE SLUTCHUK (née Stratton) MAY 9, 1941 – MARCH 3, 2026
Barbara Constance Slutchuk passed away peacefully. She was born on May 9, 1941, in Carmen, Manitoba to Lena Galbraith and Arthur Stratton.
Barbara was the beloved wife of George Slutchuk, whom she married on March 28, 1971. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rishona Hyman (Hartley Hyman) and Dama Slutchuk (Tom Aldridge), and by her cherished grandchildren, Gregory and Izzie Hyman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents; her second mother, Lyla “Winnie” Stratton; her sisters Mary Beighton (Ted) and Patricia Morton (Robert); and her brothers Keith Stratton, Grant Stratton, John Stratton, Bryan Smith (Eleanor), Lyle Smith, and David (Gail).
Barbara was a trailblazer in nursing. Over her long and dedicated career she managed an emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital, later oversaw the operating room at Seven Oaks Hospital. Eventually moved into Human Resources at Misericordia Hospital.
She had a deep passion for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and attended many games, events, and Grey Cups over the years. Barbara was an avid reader and bridge player. A proud Canadian, she loved football, hockey, curling, figure skating, the theatre, Rainbow Stage, rural Manitoba, and tending to her flower garden. She loved seeing the first robin and geese of the season.
Barbara had a special love for animals, both her own and those belonging to others. She rescued animals and people alike, always making room in both her home and her heart.
Barbara was a natural leader, a volunteer, and an organizer. Above all, her most important role was as a devoted mother and grandmother.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by
Veronica and Lenora, as well as all of Barbara’s caregivers over the years.
A funeral service was held on March 5, 2026, at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, Jewish Child and Family Service, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Obituaries
WILLIAM (BILL) MARANTZ SEPTEMBER 14, 1935 – NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Sadly, just after his 90th birthday, celebrated with four generations, Zaida Velvel passed away at Deer Lodge Centre following a brief illness.
He grew up in the storied North End mostly on Scotia Street, and it was there at Luxton School and St. John’s Tech that he made many of his lifelong friends.
But the shining star of his life was his beautiful Brenda, his loving wife and soulmate of over 65 years, who passed away in 2023. He was also pre-deceased by his parents Sophie and Frank, his brothers and sisters-in-law Cyril and Irene, Gary and Shirley-Anne, and his daughters-inlaw Andrea and Ruth.
He is survived by his children Josh, Ari (daughter-in-law Ilana), Allan (Jackie) and David; grandchildren Sarah (Chris), Noah (Nahla), Jesse (Lauren), Evan (Maddy), Dan (Tracy), Lauren (Kyle), Tamara (Robin), Ali (Wyatt), Neil; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Isaac, Sadie, Jack, Brandon and London; and nieces, nephews and cousins..
Bill graduated with his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1960 and after articling, went into private practice.
Bill was a supportive and loving father who always came to watch the boys’ games and helped coach when needed. He and Brenda never tired of watching their sons play sports.
Bill’s eclectic career included time as a lawyer, part-time provincial court judge, movie critic, screenwriter, autobiographer, actor, Jewish Post columnist and novelist.
His most successful writing efforts were radio or screenplays, several of which were produced by CBC, and his self-published novel Christmas Eve Can Kill You.
After early retirement, he continued to write from home, the cottage and Palm Springs where he and Brenda drove to each winter for about 40 years.
Out of all his writing efforts, Bill was most proud of writing the memoir of a local Holocaust survivor.
He had another accomplishment for which he was also extremely proud. Just over three decades ago, Ari and Bill bought an old cottage at Winnipeg Beach and completely rebuilt it. This would become the new family summer home. He and Brenda lovedspending summers out at the beach with family.
For their 50th anniversary, it meant the world to them that all their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren came in to celebrate at the cottage.
Winnipeg Beach was enjoyed for many, many summers until Brenda could no longer climb the front steps, shortly before becoming housebound. Bill took outstanding care of her as her health declined.
Bill was able to live independently and was driving until just a couple months before his passing. He loved spending time with family at dinners and Jewish holiday celebrations and adored his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,especially.
He was buried next to his beloved Brenda at Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, the Temple Shalom cemetery, with son Allan officiating and grandchildren Noah, Jesse, Evan, Dan, Tamara and Neil serving as pallbearers.
If so desired, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Camp Massad of Manitoba.
