Obituaries
REBECCA ROSNER (nee Rosenheck)
Rebecca passed away peacefully, at St. Boniface Hospital, on April 26, 2015, after a short illness, at the age of 96 years.
She was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, on September 27, 1918, to Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck. She was the third oldest of her eight siblings.
The family lived in Oxbow, Saskatchewan approximately 15 years and then moved to Hirsch, Saskatchewan. They were part of the “Hirsch Colony Jewish Settlement”. She was the second last surviving family member in her generation, on both sides of the family.
She was predeceased by her parents Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck, her husband Ephraim, her eight siblings: Ben Rosenheck, Max Rosenhek, Hanna Zack, Shirley Levine, Sylvia Frankel, Elkin Rosenhek, Ruby Sideman, and a “little girl” Rosenheck.
After her father passed away in 1945, the family moved to Winnipeg and they lived in the “North End”. Becky helped look after her younger siblings. She worked at Cari’s in the “undergarment business.”
She met Ephraim, the love of her life, in the mid-1950s. They married on November 9,1957, and had two children, Martin and Jackie.
In our early years Mother was at Home and Dad was a “travelling salesman” for a garment company.
Dad took ill in the early 1960s and was unable to travel. They decided to start a business and opened up Peacock Corsetry in the new Polo Park Shopping Mall. Becky was a “specialist” in her field and the store was known for its “customer service”. Becky and her staff did all their own alterations on the undergarments, free of charge. Becky also fitted many women after surgery. This provided them with comfort and brought back their dignity.
After nearly 30 years Becky retired. She was in her early 70s. Long-time customers would phone her at home and ask her to help them with their fittings and she would always oblige.
Family was always important to her. Becky always enjoyed attending family occasions – outings in the park, dinners, weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs.
A “Jewish home” was always important to her, along with the celebration of the Jewish holidays. Becky always baked honey cake and prepared other holiday foods three-four weeks in advance. Everything she prepared was delicious and she enjoyed being together with family.
In June, 2000, the first of her two grandchildren were born. Becky was excited to become a “Baba”. Natalie and Sarah brought great joy to her life and her eyes would light up every time she saw them.
She is survived by her son Martin, daughter-in-law Lori, grandchildren Natalie and Sarah, of Coquitlam, BC, and her daughter Jackie, of Winnipeg.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Doreen Rosenhek, of Richmond B.C.
A graveside funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on April 28, 2015. A meal of consolation followed at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were her nephews: Sidney Rosenhek, Larry Zack, Gerald Rosner, Evan Rosner, Jonathan Fine and Zev Rumstein.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Thorvaldson Care Center for all their kindness and compassion over the last two years. We also thank the staff of 5E Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital for all their care and concern. And a big thank you to Becky’s companion, Loretta. We are very grateful to everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
Rest in peace Mother and Baba.
Obituaries
DONALD (DON) BASS
1938-2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donald (Don) Bass on May 14, 2025.
Don is survived by his partner of 25 years Darlene, children, Eileen Fortin (Tim) and Hartley Bass, stepchildren Pyper (Jesse) and Palmer and sister Lynda. He was also a beloved grandfather to Kelsey and Taylor and Zaidie to Rooney and Lux.
Don was predeceased by his parents Abe and Gloria Bass and by his son Jonathon.
Don was born in Fort William, Ontario in 1938. He came to Winnipeg to attend university but ultimately made his mark operating Dutchmaid Ice Cream, including manufacturing ice cream for dairies across Western Canada gaining him the title of “Emperor of Ice Cream”.
During and after operating Dutchmaid, Don also managed rental properties in and around the Osborne Village.
Don was more than an entrepreneur and an astute businessman; he was a man of decency, generosity, integrity and compassion. He treated everyone he met with respect, offering help in any way he could.
Don was also known for his sarcasm and sense of humour earning him the added title of “Real Character”.
Don loved family, he loved people, and he loved his annual trips to South Florida.
Funeral and burial were held on May 20 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with the Meal of Condolence at Temple Shalom.
Donations can be made to the General Fund at Temple Shalom or to the Gloria and Abe Bass Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
May Don’s memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
Clarice Yentel Shell (Marantz) May 7, 1927 – May 13, 2025
Surrounded by family, our beloved Mom and Baba said goodbye at age 98. She is survived by her son Barry, and daughters Miriam and Ruth, her daughter-in-law Dorinda Neave, grandchildren Davina and Sam (Elisha) and great grandchildren, Benjamin and Rose.
Clarice, known as “Cal” was the last of her generation to leave us. She was predeceased by her parents Joe and Razel Marantz, brothers Chip (Shirley) and Basie (Shirley) and her brothers and sisters-in-law in the Shell family, Hymie (Kay), Pauline (Sam Zinman ) and Bill (Ruth). She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Ben Shell and her son in law, Harry Sumner.
Born in Winnipeg, Cal was a trail blazer her entire life. She had numerous volunteer and professional achievements. One of her legacies was her ground breaking research to earn her Masters degree in Social Work in 1966. This led to Cal joining the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba where she made enduring changes to the core curriculum during her 15-year career.
Alongside her enormous contributions to the community, Cal was devoted to her large extended family. This was evidenced by her attendance at the weekly zooms and every major family event including her last visit to Winnipeg at age 97 for a very special Bat Mitzvah. She was a role model, a mentor, and a confidant to many. A skilled listener, Cal had an uncanny way of engaging others. She spoke her truth, helping to make changes and get things done. Cal knew the names and relations of the entire Shell and Marantz extended families and instead of counting sheep, she would often lie there recalling every single name, in every generation, all around the world, until she fell asleep. Her commitment to staying connected will always be remembered as one of her finest gifts.
In 2015, at age 88 Cal moved to Vancouver to be closer to her immediate family members. We thank the amazing staff and her friends at Legacy Senior Living who helped make the last 10 years of mom‘s life rich and full. We would also like to thank Dr. Alex Lecky for his years of excellent care, Colleen Riley and the gifted medical team at Vancouver General Hospital, who made her comfortable in her last days.
Cal was a remarkable person who lived a remarkable life. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, of which she was a founding member, or the Cal Shell‘s Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. More details about Cal’s life can be found on her Book of Life page
https://bookoflife.jewishfoundation.org/ebol-donors/clarice-cal-shell
Obituaries
LOUIS COLISH FEBRUARY 15, 1945 – APRIL 23, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Louis Colish at the Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Bessie, whom he deeply cherished. Loui considered his father to be his best friend and he was a devoted caregiver to his mother in her later years.
Born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1945, Louis grew up in Garden City. He had a long and fulfilling career as a Reference Librarian at the West Kildonan Library, where he assisted countless patrons with their questions. Even in retirement, people he would meet often recognized him as “the librarian”.
Louis cherished his relationships with his family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing him described him as incredibly friendly, one of their favourite people, and simply the nicest guy.
A lifelong learner, Louis treasured his extensive book collection, with a particular love for astronomy and the works of Carl Sagan. He delighted in sharing stories of his travels to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Disney World, and his most cherished destination, Israel. He also enjoyed attending his bowling league, the Rady JCC’s senior program, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He loved music from the 1940s and 50s and delighted in performing his favourite tunes in talent shows at the Rady JCC and Gwen Secter programs.
Louis was a devoted member of the Rosh Pina and Etz Chayim synagogues. Fellow congregants fondly remember his passionate and dramatic chanting of the Prayer for Peace from the bimah—a heartfelt expression of his deep hope for a peaceful world.
A graveside service was held on April 25, 2025, at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Louis was a kind and generous soul who will be missed but never forgotten.
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