Obituaries
LILY ROSE GUBERMAN JANUARY 30, 1922 – FEBRUARY 25
Peacefully, and with grace, Lily Rose Guberman passed away at the age of 103 on Tuesday, February 25th with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Wally, sister Beatrice, and daughter Sandra. Her son, Brian, remains missing, and his whereabouts are unknown. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, kindness and the sweetest of memories cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her daughter Marla and son-in-law Henry Berchard of Victoria, BC, granddaughters Fairen, Sefirah and Hannah, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria. At 91, she and Marla took a whirlwind trip to New York City, checking off one of their bucket-list items. There, Lily danced through the streets with youthful energy and enthusiasm. She studied Hebrew and Sociology at university and had a passion for dancing, photography, art, and learned to use a computer in her 90s. A generous philanthropist, Lily maintained an A-Z file of charities she supported and organized major fundraisers, such as walkathons in Hawaii and Winnipeg to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. She was also actively involved with the Lehava Chapter of Pioneer Women for many years.
Her life was also defined by her ability to turn tragedy into legacy. After Sandra’s passing, Lily and Wally established the Sandra Faye Guberman Memorial Library at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, and a perpetual Emerging Artist Scholarship at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Sandra’s honour. After Brian’s disappearance, Lily continued to write him a birthday card every year, in case he ever returned—such was the depth of her motherly love.
After Wally’s passing, Lily continued to live independently in their condo until the age of 102. With the loving care of devoted companions— Aida Sy, Eya Topacio, Elna Galzote, April Patoc, Jaen Marquez, Rose Lino, Girlie and Jun Santos—she spent her later years surrounded by love.
In her final year, Lily lived at the Simkin Center, where she was treated with care, respect, and dignity. There, she earned the title of “Simkin Star” for her numerous media appearances and was also celebrated as the oldest living original member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. A graceful dancer since her teens, she was invited by the founders of the Winnipeg Ballet Club to join their troupes in 1939 at age 17. Just prior to her 103rd birthday, in December 2024, she was invited back to the stage, for the ballet’s 85th anniversary, performing a walk-on role in The Nutcracker in full dress costume, surrounded by her fans and fellow dancers. It was a perfect full- circle moment in her extraordinary life. For more on her return to the stage go to: lilyrosedance. weebly.com
Lily’s passing was serene and peaceful. It was an honour to be with her in her final moments, as she transitioned from this world surrounded by love and gentle care.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center, especially those on Weinberg 1, who lovingly cared for Lily during her last year. Our heartfelt thanks also to her devoted companions – Eya, Aida and Elna, who remained steadfast in their care of Lily until her final day. In loving memory of Lily, donations can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.
Obituaries
FAYE VICKAR LAZER November 18, 1950 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce Faye Vickar Lazer passed away on December 3, 2025 at the age of 75. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and quiet strength.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Joel Lazer; son Lawrence Cohen and daughter-in-law Szandra Temesvari; daughter Jilda Lazer, son-in-law Cameron Quinn and grandchildren, Noa and Eli; daughter Sara Lazer, son-in-law Christopher Maissan and grandchildren, Elliot, Simone and Lila; twin sister Reva Micflicker and brother-in-law Allan; brother Larry Vickar and sister-in-law Tova; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Florence Vickar.
Faye grew up in Melfort, SK and lived there until she moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. First studying nursing, she quickly changed her focus to education. She taught for 34 years in the Winnipeg School Division, teaching nursery and kindergarten at Victoria-Albert, River Elm, King Edward, and Glenelm. She was her students’ first, and often favourite, teacher and over the years, fostered a love of learning and reading in hundreds of kids.
Faye and Joel were married in 1987 at Birch Island Resort in Minaki, Ontario, where family and friends were invited to celebrate their love and share in their love of fishing. Since then, they have spent their summers in the area fishing for pickerel, enjoying shore lunches of fish and fries, and in more recent years, spending time on the lake with their grandchildren.
Faye spent the last part of her life living at the Simkin Centre. When asked about it she would tell people happily “if you have to be in a place like this, this is the best place to be!” The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Simkin Centre and especially the team in Simkin 2 for their attentive care. The family is also grateful to the team of caregivers – Lovely, Luisa and Maria – who helped keep Faye happy and healthy for so long.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 5, 2025. Pallbearers were Elliot Lazer-Maissan, Noa Lazer Quinn, Sam Vickar, Stephen Vickar, Heather Micflikier and Liam Gutkin. Donations can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Faye’s memory at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/.
Obituaries
KEVIN PAUL STEINBERG June 1, 1967 – October 29, 2025
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kevin Steinberg (O’Neil) on October 29, 2025 at the age of 58 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He will be forever remembered by his mom Donna, sister Debbie (Marc), brother Jeff (Jocelyn), nieces and nephews, Josh (Dena), Zach, Samantha (Sean), Jaidyn, Jordyn, Jilliyn, Jayson and great-nephew Benny, his aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends across Winnipeg, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs and beyond. Kevin was predeceased by his dad Eddie and stepdad Ernest.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kevin moved to Toronto at 19 years of age. He attended Ryerson Theatre School and quickly earned his Equity and ACTRA cards. After winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery he moved to Los Angeles. Within a couple of years he appeared on Seinfeld, Frasier, Married with Children and more. He later worked behind the scenes in TV and film. Kevin also had a great job in catering and told fun stories of the famous people he worked for in L.A.
In 2006 Kevin returned home to Winnipeg, where he continued acting and design. He later moved back to Toronto to join a design firm. It was there he was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare head and neck cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Kevin lived fully – auditioning, writing and travelling. During COVID he launched a podcast – Everyday Heroes. He also shared cooking videos, learned to sketch and kept creating. Kevin thrived, inspiring everyone around him with his resilience, humour and zest for life. Kevin always lived “in the moment”, he embraced life as it came. He will be remembered for his creativity, humour, courage and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Hochman, CancerCare Manitoba, Lisa and the whole team at Palliative Care, Rabbi Matthew Leibl, Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and MAID.
Kevin requested that donations be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation www.accrf.org