Obituaries
ANNE JACOBSON January 25, 1917 – March 4, 2024
On March 4, 2024, our mama, grandma, and great-grandma left this world at the age of 107.
Anne was born in Boston, Mass. to Harry and Rose Urdang. In 1923, the family moved to Winnipeg and resided at 420 Manitoba Ave. and then 358 Pritchard Ave. She attended the University of Manitoba and was planning to become a dietician. Those plans were derailed when her father died of leukemia at the age of 42.
Anne started a small hairdressing business in her home to help support her mother and sisters. Later she worked as a buyer for Green Brothers, a dress wholesaler.
Anne met Nate when he was with the RAF, stationed in Winnipeg. They were married at the Marlborough Hotel New Years Eve, 1945. In 1950, they moved to Rupertsland Ave. where they raised Arlene and Gary. They were an integral part of the neighbourhood and made many lifelong friends. She and Nate were charter members of the Rupertsland bridge group and Anne eventually attained the designation of Life Master.
Anne was involved with ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training) and served as president of the north end B’Nai Brith Chapter. She enjoyed working with people, and had fond memories of her job in the jewellery department at Clark’s and later as a hostess at Genser’s furniture.
Although Anne was unable to pursue her goal of becoming a dietician, she continued to pursue her interest in food and nutrition and was an excellent cook and baker. Her apple and blueberry pies are fondly remembered by all her family.
Nate passed away in 1996. Anne, being the independent woman that she was, continued to live on Rupertsland until 2006 when, after a brief stay at The Bolton, she moved to the Simkin Centre in 2007. While at the Simkin, she took up Scrabble and over the years she and Gary enjoyed many games, most of which – even into her late ‘90s – she won.
Anne was predeceased by her two sisters, Evelyn Schmitt (2014) and Beattie (Kraven) (2021). She leaves behind daughter Arlene McMahon of Burlington, son Gary Jacobson (Ricki) of Winnipeg, granddaughter Tamsin McMahon (Scott Whitley) of California, grandson Jamie McMahon (Anna Nelson) of Thunder Bay, grandsons Dan Jacobson of Vancouver and Noah Jacobon (Vienna Luong) of Winnipeg and great-granddaughters Maren and Karine McMahon.
Funeral services were held at the Chesed Shel Emes funeral home on March 8, 2024. Thank you to pallbearers Noah Jacobson, Daniel Jacobson, Adam Spigelman, Murray Greenfield, Robbie Waldman,and Avrom Charach. The family would also like to thank Cantor Tracy Kasner for a beautiful eulogy and service. If desired, donations in Anne’s memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Obituaries
ESTHER MINUK Dec. 27, 1932 – April 3, 2026
Esther Bat Hershel Ve Devorah
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Minuk, beloved matriarch of our family. She was predeceased by her bashert, her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Doris and Harry Golub; and her sister, Evelyn (Herbie).
Esther was a loving and proud mother, Baba, and Great-Baba to her children Yale, Rhonda (Tom), Perry (Abby), Jody, and Marla (Franklin); her grandchildren Jordan (Amy), Daniel (Allie), Allie (Jordan), Hannah, and Lily; and her great-grandchildren Julian, Aidan, and Eddie.
Known to many as `Queen Esther’, she led with kindness and integrity, always seeing the good in others. Her home was open and welcoming, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was sharp, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. We are heartbroken and forever grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. She will be eternally missed by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation, 416-633-6224, https://bit.ly/4bRsabI or Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).