Obituaries
JOCELYN KATZ (nee STERN)
(1961-2017)
Jocelyn Arlene Katz daughter of Allan and Donni Stern, mother to Amanda and Jordana Katz, sister to Marlene Stern (Peter Rae) and Susan Stern who predeceased her in 1997, tragically passed away Feb 09, 2017 at her home in Toronto.
Jocelyn grew up in Winnipeg, spent summers at the family cottage, Lake of the Woods, ON, one of her happiest places, moved to Toronto in 1979, obtained her BA at York University, worked in sales, and married Benjy Katz in 1991. They were together nearly 18 years, first living in Toronto, then Hamilton (where their daughters were born), later Winnipeg and finally Hamilton. In 2015, she moved to Toronto.
She was intelligent, curious, gregarious, playful, warm, inclusive, an active volunteer, delivered countless acts of loving kindness to family, friends and strangers, made a party better and everyone around her feel happy and a role model for saying Yes more than No.
Most importantly, Jocelyn devoted her life to being an amazing mother, always thought of her daughter’s first-from what to make them for breakfast, put in their scavenger hunt, and to where their next adventure might take them. She had a lust for fun and a craving for discovering the undiscovered. Each day was different as she dragged them, sometimes excitedly but just as often, reluctantly, to a new neighborhood, gallery, event, restaurant, park, or city. Her disregard for the schedule could be annoying as she endeavored to expose them to the biggest and the best of what was available. Yet, it instilled in them the desire to stop and look around, to appreciate the small things and embrace what the world has to offer. She shaped them into the people they are, and the people they have yet to become.
Her sense of adventure extended to her palate. Renowned among family and friends as a master home cook, every day revolved around food, where to eat it or what to cook. Her interest in cooking wasn’t the pinnacle; it was the sense of family it created in the kitchen together. If there were extras after a restaurant meal or event, she always went out of her way to give the food to someone that needed it more.
Despite all her gifts, Jocelyn struggled to find internal peace, to believe in herself-that she was the great mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, we all knew her to be. Bipolar Disorder can be a life threatening disease, like heart disease or stroke. It is an assault on the brain, not a reflection of a weak character. Jocelyn so wanted to be OK and often felt there was something wrong with her character. At times she experienced paranoid chatter, which medication didn’t fix. Tragically, the chatter overtook her. She did not want to leave us; she was taken by an unfair illness.
There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, and people we can’t live without and have to let go. We know we must carry on and live life to the fullest for Jocelyn, she would expect nothing less.
A service was held at the Adas Israel Synagogue, Hamilton on February 12 and funeral at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, Winnipeg, followed by internment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on February 14/17. Pallbearers were Martin Pollock, Peter Rae, Steve Segal, Brian Sorokin, David Stern and Lewis Stern. Donations can be made to the Jocelyn Stern Katz memorial fund supporting Bipolar Disorder Research, Directions and Care by contacting: http://memorial.supporting.ubc.ca/jocelyn-stern-katz/, 1.877.717.4483, 500-5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JOEL SHEFRIN
After a courageous battle with cancer, Joel passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on April 4, 2025 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Penny; sons, Mark (Laurie), Allan (Stephanie); step-sons, James (Jess), Jason (Christina); grandchildren, Abby, Seth, Livia, Frankie, Taylor, Maddox, Mya and Memphis, and great-grandchildren, Alessia and Leo, as well as siblings, Shelley (Bill), Shaun (Vicky), Bruce (Rene) and Morley. He was predeceased by his parents, Connie and Mickey, and sister Claretta. Joel wanted to be remembered as a fighter. He struggled with Crohn’s disease most of his life, but fought to remain active. He loved his family and took pride in all their accomplishments. Joel worked in the family steel business after University, and later in the promotional product industry. He was a dedicated volunteer, becoming the 1st national President of the Canadian Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis (now Crohn’s and Colitis Canada), President of Garden City Community Centre, President of Hockey Winnipeg, and Board member of Hockey Manitoba. Funeral services were held at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on April 6, 2025. The family would like to thank the staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre, as well as all the homecare staff who allowed Joel to stay at home as long as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in Joel’s memory.
Obituaries
IAN DUDECK November 20, 1950 – March 17, 2025
A golden heart has stopped beating. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ian – beloved husband of Marilyn, father of Michael (Patrizio), siblings, Lynne Spigelman, Fraydel Yamron, Joel Dudeck (Sharron), sister-in-law Barbara Kravetsky, uncle to many special nieces and nephews and friend to all he met. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Sarah Dudeck, his brother-in-law Ian Yamron and his father and mother in-law Bob and Connie Lenoff. Ian faced many health obstacles this past year and faced them all with great strength and courage, never once complaining and never once giving up. As an accountant, Ian had a tremendous work ethic and was well liked and admired by all he encountered. Special thanks to Dr. Krista Ryz, the staff of St. Boniface Hospital Renal Health Clinic, the doctors and staff of St. Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit, St. Boniface Emergency physician Dr. Al Bucel and Ji Yung, Spiritual Care, the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Rabbi Kliel Rose and our neighbour Marilyn B for her assistance and kindness. Thank you to all our family and friends for your continuing support. Donations may be made to The Manitoba Kidney Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BILL WORB
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Zaida, brother, and uncle, Bill Worb.
Bill passed surrounded by family on September 14, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Sonia, his in-laws Abe and Sarah Helman, his wife, Paula, his siblings Esther, Joe, and Benni, and by his son-in-law, Bryan.
He leaves behind his children Marla and Ron (Gail); his grandchildren, Sari, Alexi, Andrew, and Samantha; his brother-in-law Ruben (Rita), as well as his nieces and nephews.
Bill was one of the most hardworking men anyone could have known, with a brilliant business mind that seemed to have no limits.
As a teenager, he began working as a fur auctioneer and grader for Dominion/Soudack Fur Auction, before founding and operating Winnipeg Fur Exchange from 1970 to 1994. He then established Bill Worb Furs, which he ran into his eighties, retiring only due to health issues.
Beyond Bill’s success, it was his warmth, generosity, and character that truly defined him.
He had a way of connecting with people—he was personable, distinguished, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Whether supporting his family or giving back to the community, his generosity knew no bounds. Family dinners were some of the best memories shared, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together. He made those gatherings special, and they will always hold a treasured place in our hearts.
Bill was known for sharing captivating stories, from his childhood in rural Manitoba with his giant German Shepherd, Jiggs, to his travels around the world in the fur trade. He was an accomplished and remarkable man, and on top of that, he did a spot-on Johnny Cash impression.
Bill cherished his grandchildren and created unforgettable memories with them. Whether sharing a meal or passing on life lessons, he always made those moments special and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
As a husband, Bill was deeply devoted to his wife, Paula, always caring for her and demonstrating what true love looked like to everyone around them.
Bill was, in every sense, a “prince of a man”—someone everyone looked up to, learned from, and loved dearly. His warmth, generosity, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his impact and the love he shared will always remain with us.
Bill’s family wishes to thank his dedicated team of caregivers, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate and wonderful care to him at Grace Hospital.
Funeral services and interment were at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 16, 2024, with Rabbi Mass officiating. Pallbearers were Sari Daien, Alexi Daien, Dr. Andrew Worb, Dr. Eric Vicker, Ivan Master, and Lyle Silverstein.
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