Obituaries
ANNETTE ROSENBERG
With profound sadness we announce the peaceful but tragic death of Annette Rosenberg on December 9th, 2020 at the Simkin Center at the age of 98 as a result of the incidious Covid–19 virus.
Annette was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of four children. Annette lost her father when she was 11 years of age. She and her siblings learned their work ethic from their mother who operated a Delicatessen. At an early age she met and married Fred Simkin and they had a child Mickey. Fred enlisted in the U.S. army and was killed in action during World War II.
Annette travelled with her then four year old son to Winnipeg to visit extended family, at which time she met her future husband Max Rosenberg. They married in 1946. She became part of the Rosenberg family of six brothers and sisters that were as close knit a family as one could imagine. Max and Annette subsequently enlarged their own family with the addition of Sherry and Diane.
A loving and devoted wife and mother, she cherished her children and treasured every moment with them. Annette and Max raised their three children who married and gave them six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was a warm and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. She was fortunate to live to an age that enabled her to attend many of the weddings, births, bar and bat mitzvahs and other special family occasions.
At the age of 42, while still ensuring that her home remained a traditional one for her husband and children, she bravely embarked on a career with Investors Syndicate where she held a demanding position in the payroll department and was highly respected during her 25 years with the company. She was a modern woman – well ahead of her time.
Annette was also very social and active in various organizations over the years including Parent Teacher Associations, and the Lehava Chapter of Pioneer Women. As a result she and Max enjoyed a wide circle of life long friends.
For many years after their retirement, they wintered in Florida. It was a very happy time in their life as they continued their friendships with many of their friends from Winnipeg who also wintered in the same community.
Unfortunately her long life also meant she suffered the loss of her loving and devoted husband, Max, in February of 1997. She also suffered the loss of all of her siblings and most of her brothers and sisters in law.
Annette remained independent in her apartment until a fall in September 2016 resulted in a broken hip and several months of recovery in hospital. She then moved to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center at the beginning of 2017. Her last years were increasingly difficult with the loss of her mobility, however, her mind remained 110% active. She loved the activities, particularly the music concerts and exercise programs and was the proud table bowling champion eight times.
Annette is survived and mourned by:
Son Mickey (Roslyn) Rosenberg, granddaughter, Cheryl (Sean) Smith, great grandchildren Alexa and Ryan; Grandson Brian (Sari) Rosenberg, great grandson Jordan; Granddaughter Melanie (David) Riker, great grandchildren Aiden and Elle.
Daughter Sherry (Richard) Verdec, granddaughter Lauren (Brandon) Schulz, great granddaughter Meika
Daughter Diane (David) LeBlanc, grandson Jason (Lynette) Newman, great grandchildren Malia and Liam; Grandson Cory Newman (Jessica Legacy)
Brother-in-law Mickey (Pearl) Rosenberg and many nieces and nephews from both the Rosenberg and Protus families.
There are so many to be thanked for the care and love that Annette received over the years. Her family wants to pay special tribute and thanks to her amazing and loving companions at the Simkin Center, Mariane, Maria and Fabi and the staff of the Simkin Center Weinberg 1 and, in particular, Alissa and Cathy of the Recreation Department.
Finally, we are forever grateful to the staff of the Simkin Center Covid Unit who, by graciously acting as our surrogate, made bearable the unbearable pain of our not being able to be beside our Mother in order to hold and stroke her hand and comfort her as she passed. Thank you Sara R, Roma, Agatha and Sara D.
Annette was interred beside her husband Max in the Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetary on Friday, December 11th, 2020.
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.
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.
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.