Obituaries
ELEANOR M. BURKE
With aching hearts and great reluctance, we share the sudden passing of our beloved mother and best friend, Eleanor M. Burke (Shatsky) on December 12, 2021 at her home in Vancouver BC.
Born in Winnipeg MB on April 14, 1929 to Bert and Miriam Shatsky, mom was the middle of three sisters: Bernice Birnbach and Sherry Thompson, both of whom predeceased her. She spoke of them often, keeping their memories alive with colourful anecdotes and memories of their shared lives.
Our dad Morris, or Maishe as mom called him, passed away February 17, 2018 and mom missed him greatly every day, as do we. Married almost 68 years, they shared an amazing life together, as mom recorded in her final years with vivid clarity and detail. We were all blessed to have the whole family together in Vancouver for the last years of mom’s and dad’s lives and they are survived by us, her kids, David, Joel and Baillie, along with daughter-in-law Sharlynne, son-in-law Jeff, and her cherished grandchildren, Connor, Sarah, Ava, Kiera, and her paternal brother Morley (Shatsky).
Mom got her early education and love for music at Winnipeg’s first Jewish Orphanage where the three sisters lived during the week after their mother Miriam died at a young age. On weekends the sisters went home to their father after he remarried and their loving, devoted Auntie Annie (Zelickson) took a hand in raising them alongside their cousins as they all grew up together as siblings. This closeness would last all their lives.
Mom and dad met when she was 15 and he 16, at the home of a relative. She was entering Grade 11 at St. John’s Tech and he was beginning Grade 12 at Fort Garry University on Memorial Blvd. It would be eight years before they would marry – on July 1, 1951, after dad graduated medical school from the University of Manitoba at the young age of 23. Mom worked as a secretary and assistant and had her own apartment, but a job opening for a physician in a small town led them to beginning their lifelong adventure together. With two weeks to marry before dad had to begin his new job, they went to Erickson MB, then on to Norway House, followed by Wapella Sask. and back to Winnipeg – after being away for 10 years.
Mom told stories of their lives, the people they met, the challenges they overcame, and the memories that filled their early years together. Throughout it all, mom maintained a Jewish, kosher home whose door was always open to the many dear friends they made in those years. We siblings were all born in Winnipeg surrounded by our large extended family and we were blessed to have an idyllic upbringing, thanks to our folks’ unconditional love, guidance and commitment to family.
Mom discovered her passion for singing as a child. She was gifted with a rich contralto voice that was known for its special quality and deep resonance. It always brought tears to our father’s eyes when he saw her perform. She sang in choirs all her life, starting with the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir, the Philharmonic Choir, and the Manitoba Opera. She was in demand for weddings and events in the Jewish community and any group that needed an entertainer. She had a wonderful repertoire of Yiddish, Hebrew and English melodies and dearly loved singing and speaking in Yiddish as it reminded her of her youth. She remarked in later years that she adored singing for seniors because she was always looking for her mother who passed away too young at the age of 47 when she was eight years old.
Mom was always interested in working with seniors, regularly visiting not only her beloved Aunt Annie in the Sharon Home (later the Simkin Centre), but making the rounds to others who didn’t have regular visitors. She entertained the ‘inmates’ as she often joked, singing for them as she had done for her own family elders, often with a group of talented women and men she organized to sing, play piano and serve baking. She brought in school children in various grades to partake and interact with the residents.
Mom led a group of volunteers from her synagogue sisterhood for over 35 years, and gave of her time and energy selflessly. She enjoyed and absorbed the stories of people’s lives, often lending an ear to their woes. Mom was committed to keeping a traditional Jewish home and threw herself into every holiday and life-cycle event that had her hosting dinners and get-togethers where the whole family was always welcome. Never having a mean word for anyone, she chose to see only good qualities in a person and, if necessary, she’d make them up if there were few. Just as she saw the positive in every situation, always encouraging us to ‘pull (ourselves) up by our bootstraps’ as she used to say, she was an eternal optimist, singing and humming from sun-up to sun-down, always intent on accomplishing what she set out to do each day lest she not have a productive day to report.
With her charm and grace, she made a wonderful partner for Maishe, supporting and encouraging him with her calm and gentle nature. She uplifted all those who spent time with her and even reframed her painful memories into life lessons that formed the basis of her adaptability and resilience. She often spoke of the gratitude she had to have the life she lived with her sweetheart Maishe.
Of her many accomplishments, she was most proud of her children. To us, she embodied the perfect mother: elegant and glamorous – she was always ‘put together’ in such fashionable attire that belied how hard she worked to be an active member of the Jewish community, devoted wife and partner, mother, friend, sister and daughter. Fresh baking always awaited us when we got home from school and never did a simple peanut butter sandwich make its way into our school lunches… always a five course bursting bag lunch still warm from the morning.
A voracious reader all her life, mom insisted on watching the news incessantly and reading two newspapers every morning. At the age of 92, she could hold her own on current and past events and speak intelligently on a variety of topics. Her friends adored her wit and humour and we siblings recall our childhood filled with laughter, music, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and often strangers welcomed into the home, always with the aroma of her wonderful cooking. The love she had for Maishe, her family and Judaism, her loyalty and compassion – all served to set an example for how she wanted us to live our lives – by example. She had a strict moral compass and believed in her ability to persevere. She was indeed our best friend, our soft place to land in any situation. Her legacy as a ‘gutteneh neshama’ – a ‘good soul,’ will be cherished by all of us who will miss her and dad everyday.
Your warmth and light will live on in us, mom, and we know you will be singing with dad at your side until we all meet again.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.
Obituaries
MICKEY HOCH
April 3, 1930 – March 23, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mickey Hoch announces his passing.
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by his children from his first marriage: Irv (Michele Rose), Jeff (Janet), and Michele (Gerry Faintuch); grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Moshe, Emelia, and Yehoshua. He is also survived by his stepson Marc (Debbie) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Rita; his parents, Simcha and Fanny; and his four siblings, David, Miriam, Yosi, and Avrum.
Born in Gurahontz, Romania, Mickey’s childhood was marked by adventure and exploration. He spent his early years fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, with Shabbat being a cherished time in his home. Despite the challenges of growing up during difficult times, Mickey’s resilience and determination shone through. He was entrepreneurial from a young age, learning the ropes of business from his parents and starting work in their store. When the Second World War forced his family to relocate to Arad, Mickey started his first business at the age of nine, selling snacks near a concert hall. He also delivered newspapers and worked in a candy factory. During the war, his family was moved to a ghetto, and Mickey bravely aided Polish refugees and supported people in labour camps by delivering food, money, and mail.
In 1948, Mickey immigrated to Winnipeg, while his family moved to Israel. He began his new life working at Crown Cap and soon launched his own hat factory in the basement of the Mazo home, his adopted family. From these humble beginnings, he expanded the business into a large garment company that produced hats, parkas, and pants, eventually employing over 400 people at Century 21 Apparels. Mickey was known as a respected and fair employer, regarded as one of Winnipeg’s leading apparel manufacturers.
A pioneer in workforce development, Mickey traveled to the Philippines in the 1960s through the Manitoba Fashion Institute, where he recruited garment workers. He helped bring the first group of Filipino workers to Winnipeg, providing them opportunities and a new life. Decades later, those same workers held a banquet in his honour to thank him for his profound impact on their lives.
In the late 1970s, Mickey joined sons, Jeff and Irv to start Century 21 Promotions in Seattle. After returning to Winnipeg in 1987, he co-founded Marathon Threads Canada with his daughter Michele, working there well into his 90s. Mickey remained an active and respected figure in both the garment and promotional product industries.
Outside of work, Mickey was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He spent countless weekends enjoying outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, and racquet sports. In his later years, he took joy in cycling, poker, and bridge with friends.
Mickey travelled extensively, exploring destinations in Asia, South America, the U.S., Israel, and more. He especially cherished travelling with his granddaughters, with memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Israel, and beyond.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lisa for the love and care she gave Mickey, calling her his best friend.
Though his journey has come to an end, Mickey’s love, legacy, and remarkable story will live on in all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Mickey and Rita Hoch Fund” supporting the Holocaust Education Centre at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.