Obituaries
CARMELA FINKEL (nee SHRAGGE)
We lost our Mom, Bubby, Great-Bubby, Sister, Auntie and friend on October 9, 2020.
Born in Radziechow, Poland on March 22, 1933, our mom Carmela, and her older sister Betty, had a very happy early childhood, helping their mom in the kitchen and playing with friends, but things began to change around her when she was 6, with the rumblings of war and targeting of Jews. In 1941, the Nazis invaded their town. Fearing for their lives as a Jewish family, they went into hiding, ultimately ending up in a tiny mud hollow dug below the home of neighbours. These courageous Polish neighbours and another family risked their own lives, enabling Mom and her family to survive, despite numerous close calls. After 20 months in hiding, they were liberated by Russian soldiers in July 1944. Emerging weak and undernourished, they soon learned of the deaths of countless family members and the devastation of their Jewish community. Mom and her family made sure these two exceptional families were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem, a Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem.
After several years in a Displaced Persons camp in Deggendorf, Germany, Mom and her family emigrated to Winnipeg in October 1948. Mom quickly mastered the English language and graduated with high marks from St John’s Tech.
In December 1952, Mom met the love of her life, Nathan, and after a whirlwind romance, they married on her 20th birthday. A year later, they had their first child, Allan, followed soon after by Marla, Mona and Gina and 5 1/2 years later, Sheldon completed their family.
Mom was the consummate homemaker and took pride in everything she did. She ensured our home was always tidy and filled with the aromas of freshly-baked goodies and delicious homemade meals. The freezers and cold room were always well stocked with preserves, pies, pickles and so much more. Mom really enjoyed sewing and knitting, creating beautiful clothing for herself and for her 3 daughters and even their dolls. Her intricate needlework graced the walls of our home. In later years, Mom spent many hours knitting for Cancer Care Manitoba and was so pleased to hear that her pieces were usually the first items sold.
It was important to Mom that her children have a strong Jewish upbringing and education, and she created a home that reflected that, including lighting Sabbath candles every Friday and observing Jewish holidays with delicious homemade traditional foods and rituals. She was known for her gefilte fish and kreplach and many other specialties. A legacy we all cherish is the Passover seder matzo bags she made for each of her children and grandchildren.
Mom loved music, especially opera, classical and liturgical pieces. She opened this world to us too, a gift we all continue to appreciate and share with our own families.
Mom was a life member of Masada Chapter of Pioneer Women Na’amat and also enjoyed bowling, mahjongg and power walking in Kildonan Park. She loved to travel, especially to see her family, and was so happy to meet many family members at the international ‘Schrage’ family gathering in 2003. Mom joined the workforce in her 40s and spent many years in retail, most notably as nation-wide top salesperson at La Vie en Rose.
Mom’s early years were lived in fear, terror and uncertainty, experiences that shaped her life in many ways. She was overly protective, needing to have her children close at all times and to make sure they were well-fed. In her later years, as difficult and painful as it was, Mom found the strength and courage to share her Holocaust experiences with countless students and others, determined to ensure the world never forgets.
Mom cherished her relationship with her sister Betty, her best friend and confidante. Their daily phone calls and frequent visits were very important to her, knowing they could talk about anything and that they would always be there for one another. Their loving and supportive relationship served as a wonderful model for us.
Family meant everything to Mom. She was so proud of her 5 children and that they all grew to be kind, caring and responsible adults who continued to maintain close relationships with each other. Mom loved spending time with her 12 grandchildren and delighted in the births of her 9 great-grandchildren. We can all still feel Mom’s signature bear hug.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Caroline and Leon, and her beloved husband, Nathan. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her sister Betty, her children Allan (Barb), Marla (Howie), Mona (Patrick), Gina (Bernie) and Sheldon (Arlie), grandchildren Lauren, Evan, Jordan, Adam, Laura, Yale, Jessica, Megan, Julian, Aaron, Cindy and Danny, great-grandchildren Noah, Ruby, Jude, Liam, Abigail, Isla, Jack, Emmy and Lyla, and many nieces, nephews and relatives in Israel and around the world.
Mom’s funeral service was held on October 12, 2020 at the Bnay Abraham Cemetery. Our family would like to thank Mom’s homecare workers and the staff and residents at the Portsmouth for their care and kindness. A special thank you to Tracy Kasner-Greaves for leading the funeral service and for her eulogy, which honoured Mom’s life so beautifully.
Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Carmela Shragge Finkel Holocaust Awareness Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204-477-7525 or https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card) or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
CHERYL SAPER
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cheryl Zina Saper, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Winnipeg community. Cheryl passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on June 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Cheryl was born on February 18, 1954, in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Jack and Betty Saper.
Cheryl is survived by her three devoted sons, Daniel (Nena), Steven (Maryam), and Abram (Maddie), and her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Maya, Lyla, and Adam, who were the light of her life. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be deeply missed.
A woman of great intellect and warmth, Cheryl had a passion for reading and cherished her time spent chatting with friends. Her ability to learn your life story in a phone call was one of her greatest talents. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to build a successful business from the ground up, providing a comfortable life for herself and her sons. She was not only a successful businesswoman but also a constant presence in her children’s lives, particularly in their sporting activities. Cheryl loved to travel, and when on vacation could often be found poolside with a book in hand or making connections with the locals.
Cheryl had a deep love for dogs, and there was always one in the house, bringing joy and companionship to her and her family. She would often include the dog in the list of names when calling for her children, Daniel, Steven, Abram, Dawson!
Cheryl was an active member of the Jewish community in Winnipeg, contributing her time and energy to various community activities and events. Her dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Cheryl was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
ARIEL GLINTER
Ariel Glinter, beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend, died in Winnipeg on June 11, 2024. He was 36 years old. Ariel was born in Winnipeg, MB, where he attended the Talmud Torah I. L. Peretz Folk School, the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba with a Juris Doctor degree. In law school he received numerous awards for academic excellence, including Dean’s Honour List in 2010 – 2011 and 2011 – 2012. After practicing law for three years at Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP, Ariel joined Maqabim Distributors as director of business development and regulatory compliance. In his role at Maqabim he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout the industry for his knowledge, passion, acumen, and good humour. Ariel was a generous, kind, passionate, and insightful person who had a profound impact on those who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Nancy and Harry; his siblings, Ruthie (Daniel), Ezra, Hannah (Koby), and Leah; and by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be mourned and missed by his family and by the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Obituaries
SHEILA ESTELLE LINDER May 27, 1934 – June 14, 2024
The family of Sheila Linder announces her passing after a long life well lived. Sheila was the beloved wife of Elvin (Al), cherished mother to Faith (Hart) Kaplan, Nadine Linder and Marshall Linder, adored Baba to Adam (Michaela) Kaplan, Yael Kaplan, Hadera Short, and Jeremy (CC) Short. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Rita Shapera Jacob and Gerald (Pauline) Silverman, 38 nieces and nephews, six cousins and many dear friends.
Sheila grew up in Winnipeg’s north end as the middle child of Dolly Rossen and Isadore Silverman, surrounded by three generations of the extended Silverman, Levitan and Rossen families, whose stories of mischief and daring, poverty and prosperity, sorrow and joy were shared with her children to reinforce the importance of family.
Al met Sheila at a dance when she was 17, confided to a friend that she was the girl he would marry, and began courting her. They were married on December 26, 1953. Sheila enjoyed her career as a Kelly Girl office temp and Al joined his father-in-law at Western Scrap Metals.
Sheila and Al created a wonderful life during their 72 years together. As a young married woman, she played Mahjong, bowled in a 10-pin league, and volunteered with women’s service groups including Hadassah WIZO and Pioneer Women. When she and Al were ready to start a family, they adopted three children into a home filled with love and Jewish values.
She learned to speak Yiddish growing up and took Hebrew lessons as an adult to help her children with their homework. Her volunteerism expanded to included school PTAs and the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. When a newly formed couples’ group was created in the ’70s, Sheila became involved in its programming and was co-chair for a period of time. Sheila and Al recently attended a Yachad program, still going strong after 50 years, where they were proudly among the oldest members.
Sheila and Al travelled to Israel, Europe, Mexico, Jamaica and enjoyed family trips to Detroit Lakes, Miami Beach, Disney Land, and Disney World. In their later years they wintered in Palm Springs and Florida.
Sheila loved people and their life stories. She was an avid reader, and encouraged her children’s reading by filling the family home with books, comics, and magazine subscriptions, including the complete World Book encyclopedia. Her standard response to any question: “Look it up”. She was always well informed and ready to discuss current affairs.
She enjoyed shopping, and every life-cycle event was celebrated with a card, a gift, and often, a new outfit. The Linder home was filled with beautiful furniture, paintings, fabrics, and collectibles. A consummate hostess, her parties were always tailored to the occasion with special foods and serving pieces reserved for that particular event. Her daily essentials included flowers and plants, classic films, autobiographies and novels, the newspaper and TV news, crossword puzzles, bread, sweets, and her iPad.
Sheila Linder was a generous soul whose love for family and friends was boundless. She and Al lived independently in their condo with devoted assistance provided by her dear friend Maria. The family is indebted to the medical professionals who provided care over the years.
Sheila attended summer camp when she was 15 and it changed her life. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sunshine Fund for Campers or a charity of your choice.