Obituaries
SALLY NELKO
Sara Wolinsky Nelko was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan on March 3 1924.
The daughter of Rose Kantor and Louis Wolinsky The sister of Morris(Mazy) Wolinsky and Esther (Soski) Wolinsky Pessis… mother to two daughters Wendy (Sam) and Lynne (Henry)and 6 grandchildren Lisa (Earl), Raven ,Jonathan (Kylie ) ,Robbie(Buffie) Jennifer, Michael (Moran)and seven great grandchildren
She graduated business school in Winnipeg and married Maxwell (Max) Harold Nelko on July 5th 1944
Their union was a an equally shared partnership .In 1952 they moved to Portage la Prairie and literally with their own hands built a thriving business combining a Portrait Studio with a Camera shop
They were a team..They took school pictures thruout Manitoba…our mom would do the posing and our dad would do as they say ‘the shoot”
Then they retired to Margate Florida…but they didn’t know the definition of ‘retirement’
Our dad decided to sell real estate…in most cases the child takes after the parent..but in this case it was reversed..but my mother joined my dad and made ‘the team’..the first real estate ‘team” in South Florida..they retired when my dad got sick
That was their professional life…
As parents they had their defined roles..Our dad was the kind nurturing parent who loved unconditionally..Our mother was the disciplinarian she loved us but had her own set of rules..She was a force not to be reckoned with
Curfews were strictly enforced..She was very protective of her girls..In a condolence letter Wendy received from a former suitor of 56 years he said “Wendy although it has been many years since I saw or talked to your mother I will always have fond memories of being in her kitchen and being grilled about where I was planning to take you..and when I was planning to get you home and what I was planning to do on the way..Your mother had an impact on so many people in her life..I know she will be dearly missed”
Our mother was a member of Hadassah, a member of the Portage la Prairie Golf Club ,belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was thoroughly involved in the Portage business community
Living in Portage during our growing up years put many miles on the family car..’Shelping ‘us to Winnipeg for our BBYO events and conventions..to orthodontic appointments..and making sure we felt a part of the Jewish teenage life in Winnipeg ..This was not looked upon as a burden..it was a natural sacrifice Jewish parents made when they had children growing up in an non Jewish environment such as Portage
Retiring in Florida changed many lives…Wendy and Sam followed Mom and Dad to Margate..Pompano and finally Boynton Beach..They’ve been going there for 43 winters..2-3 weeks..now 4 months a year
Because of Mom and Dad the Chicago Pessis cousins all 26 of them come to Florida for the holidays..Mom was the focal point..and drew everyone there
For the last 3 years mom visited Wendy and sometimes Wendy and Sam in Florida..She travelled there on her own..even to this year.had the best time.. went to concerts..was wined and dined by Wendy and Sam’s friends…. they thoroughly loved her…and of course she shopped…Fashion was very big in her life..She was a charter member of Chico’s .This year her need for an extended wardrobe very important..She moved into The Portsmouth and felt she had to dress every day..She persevered in Bridge..went to all the programs and thoroughly enjoyed her last 6 months
Her last hurrah was her 93rd birthday…only a few weeks ago..She booked a private room at The Portsmouth..Lynne and Mom took a flower arranging class so there would be a table centre for the dinner Little did they know Lisa was sending a most magnificent one also..Kylie brought the cake Mom was in her glory..she was surrounded by family ..her first love
That was our mother…the teacher of roly poly..the student of bridge and computers…and fashion role model to all.
Contributions may be sent to The Woman’s Endowment Fund ..Jewish Foundation 204-477-7525..or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN LEVY
On January 6, Alan Levy, age 71, died at Grace Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan spent his childhood in the North End and later moved to River Heights, where his family settled on Brock Street.
After studying in Winnipeg and Tel Aviv, Alan moved to Toronto, where he lived for over 30 years. It was in Toronto where he raised a family with his first wife, Sylvia Bashevkin, worked in public sector human resources and fell in love with Chinese food.
In 2017, after brief stints as an academic in Regina and Brandon, Alan moved back home to the Peg, where he spent many fulfilling years with his devoted wife of 20 years, Cheryl Karlinsky, and their loving dogs. In his later career, he was appointed to the Labour Relations Board of Canada where he served as a skilled adjudicator and proud Canadian.
Alan was endlessly proud of his family, daughters Dalia Levy and Aviva Levy (Adam Walman) of Toronto, and two grandsons, Jonah and Ethan.
Predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Audrey Levy (nee Myers) of Winnipeg, Alan was a dedicated news junkie with a sharp sense of humour. He thrived most when discussing current events, cracking jokes and debating geopolitical crises. Much to his family’s frustration, he would stay up all night glued to the news, and they’d wake up to endless articles he’d shared the night before.
Alan had an exceptionally strong spirit of generosity and focus on ‘tikkun olam’ – repairing the world, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful to the staff at Simkin for providing him with a phenomenal level of care over the last few years, especially Dr. Chung and Sara Reid, Assistant Director of Care. Special thanks to Paul, Victor and Almaze, his kind and patient caregivers.
The funeral took place at Chesed Shel Emes on January 8.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre https://www.simkincentre.ca.
Obituaries
DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025
Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.