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Obituaries

ANNA FRANCES SALTZBERG March 26, 1962- May 23, 2019

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Anna Frances Saltzberg on May 23, 2019 at the age of 57. Anna was born and spent her entire life in Winnipeg. Anna was lovingly named after her father’s mother who perished in the holocaust.

 

Anna attended Garden City Collegiate and graduated high school at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate.

Anna suffered from Schizophrenia for most of her life. She was in and out of hospital for many years until she was stabilized such that she could live on her own. Anna was able to live independently with the help of an incredible organization called PACT, that supported those with mental illness to live on their own in the community.

Anna was a sweet kind and generous soul. She had a childlike demeanor that was so endearing to all those she met. She brought a smile to everyone as she shopped in her neighbourhood daily. She gave away mostly everything she bought as her greatest passion was to give to others. Anna would send weekly envelopes to her brothers, cousins and friends filled with items that included paper, pencils, elastics, garbage bags, Kleenex and stickers. Wherever she went she filled her shopping bags with these items and gave them away to people she met on her way. It was difficult to refuse her gifts as she would not take no for an answer. The only hope was that a compromise would be reached and that the recipient would accept one rather than 6 items.

Anna cared deeply for animals and especially dogs and cats. She constantly bought cat and dog food and would place it under garbage bins so stray animals would have something to eat. She was well known and loved by the team at the Winnipeg Humane Society. She loved visiting and spending time with the animals waiting to be found or adopted. Anna loved music and would spend her days calling radio stations making song requests and attempting to win prizes.

Despite her illness Anna was the essence of what is good in this world. Her heart was full of pure love for other people and animals.

The family are extremely and eternally grateful to her amazing care team from PACT. They helped Anna to live on her own with dignity. They cared for her with love and compassion as if she was their family.

Anna was predeceased by her beloved and devoted parents Joan Carole Gordon and Walter Saltzberg, her grandparents and her fur brother Corky.

She is survived by her brothers George and Jack, her brother-in law Timothy Swift, her fur nephew Benny, her aunt Jean Shnier and her cousins, Myrna Shnier, Patrisha McLean and Penny Stern and their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by many other extended family members and friends.

Funeral service was officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl and held on Monday May 27th at the Chesed Shel Emes followed by burial at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery. Pallbearers were Karen Vickar, Jonathan Fine, Zev Rumstein, Dan East, David Rubenfeld and Albert Yanofsky.

Donations in Anna’s name can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society.

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Obituaries

SIDNEY RITTER

August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025

Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.

He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.

Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.

Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025

A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.

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Obituaries

MINNIE BELL

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.

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