Obituaries
GLORIA REMIS BROWN March 2, 1922 – July 6, 2020
With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Gloria Brown on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 98 years of age.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Rhonda Bland, Susan and Bruce Rosner; her grandchildren, Laura Bland, Jeffrey and Karen Bland, Kimi Rosner and Mark Unruh, Adam and Andrea Rosner, Jamie Rosner and Frances Rosner and her great grandchildren, Rory, Sawyer, Georgia and Colette Bland, Sampson Rosner-Unruh, Jill and Max Rosner, and Jude Rosner.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Roy Phillip Brown, her parents, Boris and Betty Remis, her brothers, Leonard Remis and Bernard Remis, her sister-in-law, Elaine Remis, and her son-in-law, Dr. Charles Sheldon Bland.
Special appreciation to her devoted caregivers, Esther, Ivy, Daisy, Amor, Jeanette, Odessa, Liza 1, Liza 2, Nelia, and her nurse, Jan.
Gloria was born in Winnipeg and grew up at 260 Manitoba Avenue. She attended the Peretz School and graduated from St. John’s Tech High School in 1939, and from the University of Manitoba, School of Interior Design, Faculty of Architecture, in 1942. Interior Design was a new program at the University and Gloria was in the second graduating class. She was awarded two scholarships while a student there.
She met and started dating her future husband, Roy, in the spring of 1943. He was a physician, practicing in Gladstone, Manitoba at the time. They were introduced by Roy’s sister, Sadie Stein. They were able to see each other when he came into the city on weekends and in between, they wrote letters. It was wartime, and courtships were short. They were married on October 5, 1943. They honeymooned in New York City, and when they returned they created their first home together in Gladstone. Roy was the only physician for miles around and Gloria learned to become a homemaker par excellence. She was already an accomplished seamstress, but now she honed her culinary and baking skills for her husband and his bachelor farmer friends.
They welcomed their two daughters in 1944 and 1947. And in late autumn, 1947, they moved back to Winnipeg, where they purchased a home on Brock Street in River Heights and Roy commenced his practice at Sargent and Spence.
They joined Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Gloria became involved in the Sisterhood, National Council of Jewish Women and Hadassah, where she was President of her chapter.
In 1953, Gloria and Roy built a new home on Waterloo Street, and in 1959, they built their cottage on Falcon Lake. Summers at the lake were wonderful and created memories that have been elevated in the family lore.
Together they moved to Rochester, NY in 1966, where Roy became a Resident in Radiology. Wherever life took her, Gloria was supportive of her husband’s endeavours. During those years, she called Roy her student prince.
Upon completion, they moved to Toronto where they lived in Willowdale and again, Gloria adapted, reached out, became involved and made new friends.
They sailed the Glory B from the Island Yacht Club on Lake Ontario. She was a volunteer at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. She became an avid bridge player. Gloria and Roy were enthusiastic supporters of the symphony and ballet. Gloria loved to travel and during those years she and Roy had many wonderful trips.
Her interest in ceramics led her to study pottery for many years.
Gloria was accepted at the Ontario College of Art and in 1986, she graduated with a Diploma in Design. When she started the program, she was a ceramicist, but, by the time she completed the course, she was designing and constructing beautiful furniture. She was an older returning student in her class, but that didn’t deter her from making very good friendships with classmates younger than her own children.
Gloria and Roy returned to Winnipeg in 1994, necessitated by Roy’s illness. She was by his side until he passed in 2000. The foundation of her devotion was their long shared history of love, admiration and respect for each other.
Gloria will be remembered by her family as a woman who blended tradition with the changing world. She had a clear and insightful intellect. Her loving and loyal dedication to her family was reciprocated abundantly.
Through her life, she sewed beautiful pieces, first for herself and then later for her daughters, grandchildren. and great grandchildren. But the most wonderful thing she stitched was the tapestry of our family – weaving each and every generation and each and everyone of us into the whole.
She will be forever missed.
Funeral services were held at Shaarey Zedek Memorial Park on July 8, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roy Phillip Brown and Gloria Brown Medical Entrance Scholarship, Award #25532, University of Manitoba, give.umanitoba.ca, 204-474-9195, or a charity of donor’s choice.
Obituaries
CARY RUBENFELD
Cary Rubenfeld, beloved husband, father, zaida, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 72. Cary lived a life defined by kindness, curiousity, humility, and a deep commitment to the people and communities he loved.
Above all, Cary was a family man. He was raised in a family shaped by Jewish resilience and history. He was born to George and Sally Rubenfeld in 1953. His father George and two aunts, Rachel and Regine, survived the Holocaust in France, and the legacy of that survival grounded Cary’s values throughout his life. He carried forward a strong Jewish identity through his early Judaic studies, and this continued to evolve in adulthood as he built a home alive with tradition and Jewish values.
For more than 40 years, Cary shared his life with his wife, Marion. Together they built a home, a business, and a relationship filled with warmth, humour, and unwavering devotion. They worked side by side in their wholesale garden supply and later an import business, travelled the world together, and supported one another with tenderness and resilience. Marion was Cary’s partner in every sense, and their devotion to each other was a foundation for the entire family.
As a father to Michael (Magda) and Sara (Rob), Cary was a steady and loving presence—gentle, attentive, and always remaining connected to their worlds. His kindness shaped them in ways that they will carry forward and aspire to in their lives. Later in life, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, Emry, Kian and Lev.
Cary was the cherished brother of Perry Rubenfeld, with whom he shared a lifelong bond of family, memory, and affection. Cary and Perry tragically lost their mother at a young age. Their close-knit family continued to support and raise them.
Professionally, Cary was known for his integrity. He believed that success in business meant acting fairly, ethically and with compassion. He built strong relationships across North America and Asia, earning respect not only for his expertise, but for his genuine interest in others. He was thoughtful, patient, and guided by a sense of moral clarity.
Outside of business, Cary cultivated passions that brought him community and purpose. His involvement in amateur radio—an interest that reawakened later in life—connected him to people around the world. A lifelong learner, he attended international conventions, helped newcomers enter the hobby, and even earned recognition as Canadian Amateur Radio Operator of the Year. Friends from across continents described him as humble, generous, and quietly inspiring—a man who motivated others not through ego, but through sincerity.
Cary was also a dedicated member of the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah congregation, where he served as treasurer and was instrumental in resurrecting regular Shabbat services in the synagogue after COVID. His love of Judaism deepened through study, particularly with a small Torah group he helped create—an intimate circle of friends who learned together each week, even across cities and time zones. His thirst for knowledge, especially when shared with others, was one of his defining traits.
Cary faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage. Diabetes, kidney disease, and heart complications never dimmed his optimism. He continued to travel, make plans, and pursue learning. He arranged dialysis across Canada, the United States, and even Poland so he could keep living life fully and on his own terms.
For those who wish to make a charitable donation in Cary’s memory, please consider providing a cheque to the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah Synagogue (459 Hartford Ave., Wpg, MB) or an e-transfer to chavuratt@gmail.com or donating to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
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/.