Obituaries
KATHERINE (KATHY) GREENBLAT
With deep sorrow and regret, the family of Katherine Mary Greenblat mourns her passing on September, 2, 2021 – one month shy of her 80th birthday.
Katherine passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence. She leaves behind her devoted husband and soulmate of 56 loving years, Cecil Greenblat; her three children, Cynthia, Harry, and Lenard Greenblat; and granddaughter Madeleine – Harry’s daughter.
Katherine loved her family dearly and devoted her life to being a nurturing and supportive wife and mother. She was also a great mentor. She taught her children to have good ethics and morals and treat all people with kindness and honesty.
Katherine was born on October 12th, 1941 in Atikokan, Ontario. She came from a large family of eight siblings. Katherine’s surviving five siblings are: Helen Watson, who also lives in Winnipeg and with whom Katherine shared a very special bond together; Shirley and husband Chris Lachance; brother Gary and wife Diane Demchuck; Doreen Banks; and Elsie Demchuck. Katherine also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Anne Gardner, and family. As well, Katherine is survived by her childhood best friend, Jeannette and her husband, Ivan Geogison. Katherine loved them like family.
Katherine was predeceased by her parents, Anne and George Demchuck, her sister Vera and husband Bob Sutch, and her youngest brother, Bobby, who died at age 16. As a young girl, Katherine took Bobby under her wing and loved him dearly. Bobby’s passing was a huge lifelong loss for Katherine and anytime she spoke of him she would cry.
Katherine was also predeceased by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Eva and Tony Obornick. Their surviving children are: Laura and husband Jerry, Jeffrey, and Howard Obornick, and Susan and Brian Sherwood. Katherine was also predeceased by her in-laws, Harry and Luba Greenblat, and by her brother-in-law, Al Greenblat.
Katherine completed Grade 13 at Atikokan High School. Katherine had many interests as a young girl that continued into her adulthood. Her hobbies included baking, sewing, and reading. Katherine also loved children and was a devout believer in G-d. As a young girl, she taught Bible classes to children in her community.
Katherine met her husband, Cecil Greenblat, when she moved to Winnipeg when she was 21 and married at age 23.
In Winnipeg, Katherine worked in various places. She worked as a secretary at Beaver Lumber and at a dental office, also at Gambles. Later on she worked as a nursery teacher at the YMHA, where she was loved by all the children and very respected by the parents.
The one word that describes Katherine is a “Tzadika”, a very righteous women with a heart of gold.
Anyone who knew Kathy was touched by her kindness, warmth and generosity. She was a very wise and understanding woman who went above and beyond to help people and animals. She gave generously to many charitable organizations, such as: the CJA, the homeless, the Siloam Mission, the Harvester, the Cancer Society , the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Arthritis Society, and the CNIB.
As a great animal lover, Katherine had many cats and dogs throughout her married life, whom she loved and adored. She also donated to animal rescue groups, such as the Wild Animal Foundation, the Winnipeg Humane Society, and PETA. Kathy was a very special person, not only giving monetary donations, but going out of her way and using her special talents cooking and baking gourmet foods for seniors, widows, the less fortunate, also monthly party sandwiches and pastries for the staff at the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Katherine was converted according to Orthodox Jewish law when she was married. She was already a devout believer in G-d and fell in love with Judaism. She was also a very spiritual woman. Katherine kept a kosher household, separating the milk and meat dishes, lighting the Shabbat candles every Friday, going to synagouge for the High Holidays with her family, and sending her children to Jewish religious schools: the Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. Katherine also celebrated all the Jewish holidays and traditions and made all the different foods for each holiday. She loved G-d with all her heart. Katherine was also asked by her Jewish friends at weddings to say the blessing before eating the meal. Katherine and her husband Cecil were also members of Yachad for years, a Jewish club which they loved.
Unfortunately and very sadly, in her later years Katherine developed dementia, which was heartbreaking for her and her family. Katherine was always a strong and positive person and stayed strong right up until the very end.
The Winnipeg Home Care staff who worked with Katherine were always so friendly and provided the absolute best care for her. The family is greatly appreciative to everyone who supported her.
There are not enough words to express how much Katherine is dearly missed by her family. Katherine’s passing has left a huge void and emptiness in our hearts and lives. We pray one day we all will meet again in heaven, Gan Eden.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
CHERYL SAPER
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cheryl Zina Saper, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Winnipeg community. Cheryl passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on June 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Cheryl was born on February 18, 1954, in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Jack and Betty Saper.
Cheryl is survived by her three devoted sons, Daniel (Nena), Steven (Maryam), and Abram (Maddie), and her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Maya, Lyla, and Adam, who were the light of her life. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be deeply missed.
A woman of great intellect and warmth, Cheryl had a passion for reading and cherished her time spent chatting with friends. Her ability to learn your life story in a phone call was one of her greatest talents. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to build a successful business from the ground up, providing a comfortable life for herself and her sons. She was not only a successful businesswoman but also a constant presence in her children’s lives, particularly in their sporting activities. Cheryl loved to travel, and when on vacation could often be found poolside with a book in hand or making connections with the locals.
Cheryl had a deep love for dogs, and there was always one in the house, bringing joy and companionship to her and her family. She would often include the dog in the list of names when calling for her children, Daniel, Steven, Abram, Dawson!
Cheryl was an active member of the Jewish community in Winnipeg, contributing her time and energy to various community activities and events. Her dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Cheryl was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
ARIEL GLINTER
Ariel Glinter, beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend, died in Winnipeg on June 11, 2024. He was 36 years old. Ariel was born in Winnipeg, MB, where he attended the Talmud Torah I. L. Peretz Folk School, the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba with a Juris Doctor degree. In law school he received numerous awards for academic excellence, including Dean’s Honour List in 2010 – 2011 and 2011 – 2012. After practicing law for three years at Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP, Ariel joined Maqabim Distributors as director of business development and regulatory compliance. In his role at Maqabim he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout the industry for his knowledge, passion, acumen, and good humour. Ariel was a generous, kind, passionate, and insightful person who had a profound impact on those who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Nancy and Harry; his siblings, Ruthie (Daniel), Ezra, Hannah (Koby), and Leah; and by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be mourned and missed by his family and by the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Obituaries
SHEILA ESTELLE LINDER May 27, 1934 – June 14, 2024
The family of Sheila Linder announces her passing after a long life well lived. Sheila was the beloved wife of Elvin (Al), cherished mother to Faith (Hart) Kaplan, Nadine Linder and Marshall Linder, adored Baba to Adam (Michaela) Kaplan, Yael Kaplan, Hadera Short, and Jeremy (CC) Short. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Rita Shapera Jacob and Gerald (Pauline) Silverman, 38 nieces and nephews, six cousins and many dear friends.
Sheila grew up in Winnipeg’s north end as the middle child of Dolly Rossen and Isadore Silverman, surrounded by three generations of the extended Silverman, Levitan and Rossen families, whose stories of mischief and daring, poverty and prosperity, sorrow and joy were shared with her children to reinforce the importance of family.
Al met Sheila at a dance when she was 17, confided to a friend that she was the girl he would marry, and began courting her. They were married on December 26, 1953. Sheila enjoyed her career as a Kelly Girl office temp and Al joined his father-in-law at Western Scrap Metals.
Sheila and Al created a wonderful life during their 72 years together. As a young married woman, she played Mahjong, bowled in a 10-pin league, and volunteered with women’s service groups including Hadassah WIZO and Pioneer Women. When she and Al were ready to start a family, they adopted three children into a home filled with love and Jewish values.
She learned to speak Yiddish growing up and took Hebrew lessons as an adult to help her children with their homework. Her volunteerism expanded to included school PTAs and the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. When a newly formed couples’ group was created in the ’70s, Sheila became involved in its programming and was co-chair for a period of time. Sheila and Al recently attended a Yachad program, still going strong after 50 years, where they were proudly among the oldest members.
Sheila and Al travelled to Israel, Europe, Mexico, Jamaica and enjoyed family trips to Detroit Lakes, Miami Beach, Disney Land, and Disney World. In their later years they wintered in Palm Springs and Florida.
Sheila loved people and their life stories. She was an avid reader, and encouraged her children’s reading by filling the family home with books, comics, and magazine subscriptions, including the complete World Book encyclopedia. Her standard response to any question: “Look it up”. She was always well informed and ready to discuss current affairs.
She enjoyed shopping, and every life-cycle event was celebrated with a card, a gift, and often, a new outfit. The Linder home was filled with beautiful furniture, paintings, fabrics, and collectibles. A consummate hostess, her parties were always tailored to the occasion with special foods and serving pieces reserved for that particular event. Her daily essentials included flowers and plants, classic films, autobiographies and novels, the newspaper and TV news, crossword puzzles, bread, sweets, and her iPad.
Sheila Linder was a generous soul whose love for family and friends was boundless. She and Al lived independently in their condo with devoted assistance provided by her dear friend Maria. The family is indebted to the medical professionals who provided care over the years.
Sheila attended summer camp when she was 15 and it changed her life. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sunshine Fund for Campers or a charity of your choice.