Obituaries
DR. SIDNEY L. NELKO April 19, 1931 – August 5, 2022
Devoted husband, loving father, distinguished family practitioner/surgeon, and one of the founding doctors of Seven Oaks General Hospital, passed away in Winnipeg at the age of 91 on August 5, 2022.
He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Gwen in 2020. He is survived by his children, Marni (Nelko) Altman of Vancouver, B.C, and Trevor (Rachelle) Nelko of Plymouth, Minnesota. His grandchildren, Ashton Altman, Tristan and Dylan Nelko. He is also survived by his sister, Claire Granovsky (Breslaw) & Paul Granovsky. He was predeceased by his brothers, Max and Ernie Nelko, and sister, Sonia Yaffe.
Sid was born in Winnipeg on April 19, 1931, after his parents immigrated from Poland in 1927. He attended St. Johns HS and graduated from the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1957. His medical residency in Family Practice was completed in Norristown, Pennsylvania and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He returned to Winnipeg and opened his Family Practice in 1960, that served generations of families until 2005. He also served as a Major in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Militia Medical field. His medical journey also involved the City of Winnipeg’s Health Department, where he attended to police officers and firefighters. He also worked for the Government of Canada as an immigration and medical officer, the Workers Compensation Board, and Provincial Medical Examiner. He finished his medical career working two days a week at a walk-in clinic at age 82.
Sid established himself as a leading family practitioner who was as devoted to his patients as they were to him. Early in his practice, he added a Mickey Mouse pin to his lab coat, which was comforting to his young patients. He was an attentive listener and thoughtful in his responses. He was always impeccably attired as a physician in his suit and tie. He was a lifetime member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and always attended the annual convention with Gwen to further his medical education. He was known as having “surgeon’s hands” in giving vaccinations, as he would distract his patients with conversation, and often they did not know he completed his task. He was blessed to find his calling as a MD and was always available to patients and friends.
While much of his life was defined by his professional excellence and dedication to his patients, it was the final chapter that revealed the full measure of his compassion. Sid devoted the last years of Gwen’s life caring for her as a loyal husband, until her death in 2020. He and Gwen travelled extensively in their marriage and valued their experiences together. Their relationship was strong and enduring in their 59 years of marriage.
Sid had a wonderful sense of humour that was evident in his many funny voices and his spontaneous singing. He had a brilliant mind that prompted him to read many medical journals and books and was exceptional at Trivial Pursuit. He loved to walk and ride his bike in his neighborhood, attend the symphony and theater centre, and work in his yard.
A private service was held, and memorial donations may be made in Sid’s memory to: Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, 2300 McPhillips St, Winnipeg, MB, R2V 3M3 (204) 632-3552 or a 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.