Obituaries
MOLLY LACHTER (nee) MINUK
With heavy hearts we announce that Molly Lachter, our dear sweet mom, grandmother and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully December 12, 2019, with family by her side.
Molly will be sadly missed by her daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori, son-in-law Marty, and grandchildren, Mark (Julianna), Michael, and Ryan (Rena). She also leaves to mourn her sisters, Yetta, Clara; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Annette; brother-in-law Jack, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Tybel and Beryl; husband Norman; son-in-laws, Murray and Darryl; sister Evie, and brother Norman.
Mom was born May 21, 1923, the eldest of six children, to Tybel and Beryl Minuk and was raised in a loving close-knit family. After graduating from St. John’s High School, Mom attended a bookkeeping program and then implemented her skills at Western Glove.
Mom and Dad met at a wedding and it was love at first sight. They married in 1948 and thereafter, welcomed three daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori. While we were young, Mom stayed home with us. We all remember Mom helping with homework, cooking great meals, sewing costumes for our various activities and always there to support us. Mom was a best friend to each of us, whether it was to comfort or celebrate, and it remained that way throughout our lives.
As youngsters, we saw Mom’s compassion for animals blossom. From the beginning, she babied and helped care for Marilyn’s pup and later enjoyed Carol’s dogs too. While out walking, Mom stopped to pat every dog along the way.
Later, when Dad had his own electric sign business (Allied Signs), Mom joined him in the office. Even the accountants marvelled at how meticulously she kept the books. In spite of their busy schedules, we experienced wonderful family trips, such as to Detroit Lakes, the Seattle World Fair, B.C. and California. Mom also loved travelling with Dad to Florida, Hawaii and New York. After Dad’s passing, Mom had a memorable trip to Alaska with some of her siblings. She also had a blast with Lori on a 10 day road trip in a sportscar to Minneapolis.
Mom was very social and enjoyed participating in the B’nai B’rith, Gwen Secter, and later the Luther Home day programs. She also stayed a member of the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. Yiddishkeit was important to Mom and she imparted her love of it to her family.
Mom and Dad had a wonderful, loving relationship. After Dad’s stroke, Mom literally stayed by his side. At the bowling alley, she would hand him the ball so he could continue his love of the game. While watching the Miss America Pageant, Dad proclaimed Mom was the most beautiful of all.
Following Dad’s passing, Mom enjoyed countless times at the Golub household, which for many years became the hub for family holiday dinners and special celebrations. While she was able, Mom loved bringing over special dishes she had carefully prepared. She was always the centre of attention.
For the next 20 years Mom continued going on trips to Clear Lake with Marilyn’s family. She enjoyed a special loving connection with Murray and they would spend countless hours schmoozing and laughing together. Mom and Marilyn also cherished their times together. Mom was very fit for her age and would trek over the hilly golf courses, scorecard in hand, keeping everyone honest. She delighted in every experience, from volunteering at the annual triathalons and cheering Michael and Mark on, to stargazing through Mark’s telescope and viewing the Auroras.
Lori took pleasure in regularly taking Mom out for dinner. They treasured their times spent together. Marty would also often join them. It was a tradition for Lori to include Mom on New Year’s Eve. They celebrated many years at the Velvet Glove, (with private viewing of fireworks) and later for many years at Hy’s Steakhouse, arriving back at Mom’s at 1:30 a.m.!
Mom and Marty enjoyed a close loving relationship. He fondly recalls the motorcycle ride on the back of his Harley was quite the thrill for her.
For approximately 18 years, Mom loved spending time with Lori and Marty’s many horses, patting them and giving them treats. She enthusiastically travelled with Lori and Marty to many horse shows and took pride in seeing the horses successfully compete. It was also a thrill for Mom to see their newborn foals, at one day old. Up until the very end talking about the horses would put a smile on her face.
After Dad’s passing, Mom’s strength was an inspiration to Carol. She affectionately remembers Mom beaming so proudly, walking down the aisle at Ryan and Rena’s wedding. Carol also holds dear the wonderful visits and so many lengthy phone chats she enjoyed with Mom.
Mom’s grandsons brought her so much joy. Her love and involvement in their lives was priceless, from simply playing with them to beaming with pride at all their birthday celebrations, concerts, Bar Mitzvahs and graduations. Mom also enjoyed hearing about their many diverse experiences. Mark, Michael and Ryan have so many loving memories of their Baba. Oh, how she will be missed!
Funeral services were held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on December 16, 2019, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek and shivas at Marilyn’s home. A special thank you to Rabbai Kliel Rose for officiating, to Irv Vinsky for leading the shiva services and to the pallbearers, grandsons, Mark, Michael, and Ryan and nephews, Doug, Keith and Jeff.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mom’s caregivers, Violeta, Noemi, Paz, Thelma, Jamie, Linda H., Sanu and Linda E. for their loving care. With their dedicated support, Mom was able to remain in her own home. To our family and friends, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Your generous donations, cards, flowers, meals and food items were greatly appreciated.
Donations in Molly’s memory may be made to the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website
| Joan Hargrave | Chana Henya bat Binyamin Mayer haLevi v’ Miriam Dina | 14/07/1953 | 01/06/2026 | 16 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Irwin Barry Stronger | Yitzchak Dov ben Matityahu v’Baila | 16/09/1941 | 31/05/2026 | 15 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| David Ivan Cohen | David Yitzchak ben Yaakov Moshe v’Sara Liba | 06/06/1956 | 30/05/2026 | 14 Sivan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Phyllis Maxine Hochman | Tziporah bat Shmuel v’Esther | 31/12/1940 | 30/05/2026 | 14 Sivan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Alvin Murray Zivot | Avraham Moshe ben Yaakov v’Leah Miriam | 03/08/1931 | 27/05/2026 | 11 Sivan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Tova Vickar | Tova bat Nachum v’Yenta | 24/08/1949 | 22/05/2026 | 6 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Karen Leipsic | Chaya Tova bat Kalman v’Raizel | 03/04/1944 | 21/05/2026 | 5 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Phyllis Lee Dana | Fayge-Leah bat Moshe BenZion v’Chaya | 05/10/1936 | 17/05/2026 | 1 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Betty Brina Simon | Bayla bat Yitzchak v’Miriam | 27/07/1935 | 15/05/2026 | 28 Iyar 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Basia Bayla Fliegel | Bayla bat Leib | 31/05/1930 | 13/05/2026 | 26 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Harold Diamond | Tzvi ben Yaacov v’Chana | 04/12/1935 | 12/05/2026 | 25 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gary Rayburn | Gershon Aaron ben Hersh Ber v’Masha | 21/09/1965 | 09/05/2026 | 22 Iyar 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Ray Schnoor | Raizel bat Ephraim v’Rachel | 13/06/1927 | 05/05/2026 | 19 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gila Ruth Fainstein | Rachel bat Kiva v’Leah | 25/06/1935 | 04/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Toby Schwartz | Chaya Tovah bat Moshe v’Chana | 16/07/1932 | 01/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rachel Wolman | Rachel Bayla bat Moshe v’Malka | 03/02/1962 | 24/04/2026 | 7 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Leah Gitlin | Laya bat Yosef v’Frayda | 04/09/1926 | 08/04/2026 | 21 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Lin Joseph Rosenbaum | Yosef Levi ben Hershel Zvi v’Dvorah | 17/10/1952 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Norman Stein | Nachum ben Avraham v’Chaya | 10/06/1932 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Marvin Saul Silver | Menachem Shaul ben Avraham v’Chana Gitel | 20/11/1941 | 05/04/2026 | 18 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Kimberley Dawn Kirshenbaum | Isabella bat Avraham v’Sarah | 09/12/1969 | 03/04/2026 | 17 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Walter Ganetsky | Zev ben Yosef haLevi v’Tziporah | 23/09/1940 | 02/04/2026 | 15 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Lorelei Camille Lavitt | Rachel bat Yaakov v’Raisa | 11/04/1936 | 26/03/2026 | 8 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Melvin Myers | Moshe ben Chaim v’Rachel | 24/04/1936 | 24/03/2026 | 7 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/
Obituaries
ALVIN M. ZIVOT August 3, 1941 – May 28, 2026
Alvin Murray Zivot, aged 94, died at home on May 28, 2026. He was a blessing in life for all of us who loved and admired him, and his memory will always be a blessing. Born in Winnipeg in 1931, he was too young to join the fight against fascism in Europe. He was a Jewish man willing to be counted and counted on.
Alvin dedicated his life to his loving family, close lifelong friends, and the community. He was an unceasingly devoted son to Jack and Lil, loving brother to Gerry and Bernice, loyal and loving husband to Ruby and then Libby, supportive, proud, and affectionate father to Paula and Gary, Eric and Jill, and Joel and Jennifer, and doting Zaida to Sam, Olivia, Solomon, Tovah, Eli, and Lilly. He is survived by his sister-in-law Zoe Piper and her husband Julian Piper.
Alvin enjoyed a long career as a skilled lawyer with an attention to detail and a sterling reputation. He wore his Queens Council recognition with honor. Alvin was more naturally a mediator and consensus builder than an adversary. He was the first chief justice of the Manitoba Landlord-Tenant tribunal. After many years of distinction, he pivoted to running elections for the Manitoba Metis Foundation.
In retirement, he shifted to philanthropy, big and small. He was a serious man who loved to laugh and delighted in those around him. He was the most loyal friend and showed up to provide support in the most difficult situations. He loved his wife Libby, who preceded him in death in 2009. For all who saw the way he looked at her and adored her, it would make anyone know that true love and marriage were real.
Space does not permit the mention of so many people whom he valued and who valued him. He will be buried next to his wife, Libby, and for all of us, we were blessed for the time we had with him. We will miss him for all the days of our lives.
Obituaries
PHYLLIS LEE DANA October 5, 1936 – May 17, 2026
Phyllis Lee Dana came into the world on October 5, 1936, and left it peacefully at home in her sleep on May 17, 2026. Predeceased by her parents Maurice “Lippy” Benson Lipson and Ida “Billie” Lipson née Cohen, she is survived by her husband of over 71 years, Nathan Dana, their children Karen (Harry Havey) and Marshall (Andrea Miller), grandchildren Jessee (Nathaniel) and Josh Havey, her younger brother Edward Lipson (Carol), nephews Michael (Ceren) and Daniel (Doree), beloved cousins, many lifelong friends, and the hundreds who fondly remember her as their kindergarten teacher, “Mrs. Dana”.
An exceptionally talented singer and performer from a young age, she gave up a scholarship to study opera at New York City’s Curtis Institute of Music to marry and start a family with her true love and best friend, Nate – a decision she never regretted for a moment. As expressive and animated off the stage as she was on it, Phyllis was a pillar in Winnipeg’s Jewish community, known for her nearly 30 years of teaching in the Jewish day school system, as a vocal soloist and synagogue choir member, and as an active member of several community organizations.
Phyllis offered a receptive warmth and curiosity to all she met, possessed a keen intellect and a sharp wit, was a gifted writer, poet, and storyteller, prolific baker, voracious reader, lover of butterflies, and made a mean brisket.
Despite being 89 years old, her passing was still unexpected by the remarkable family, community, and legacy she leaves behind, and she will forever be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Because you loved to write in rhyme / Your words so thoughtful and divine / Here’s some for you, straight from the heart / Now from us you’ve had to depart / We cannot thank you near enough / For what you were to all of us / For teaching us to love and sing / And all those children all those things / For how to best articulate / And speak the things most think (not say) / Your voice forever will live on / In stories, teachings, and in song / Your work is done, the time has come / For you to rest, our precious one / Your memory a blessing be, Love you forever,
Phyllis Lee!

