Obituaries
ANNIE NOZICK (nee ROSSEN)
October 13, 1918 – October 13, 2018
Our family is so sad to announce that Anne passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home, in the early morning hours of her 100th birthday.
She is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Joseph Rossen, her brothers, Robert Rossen and Allyn Rossen (Doris), her sisters, Fanny Kaufman (Dave) and Dolly Silverman (Izzie), and grandchild Lori Nozick. She is also predeceased by her husband and life-partner of 62 years, Manuel Nozick. Anne is lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by her children: Michael Nozick (Cheryl Ashley), Robert Nozick and Marcia Nozick (Doug Aason); her grandchildren, Jennifer Ritter (Alan), Kimberly Nozick, Josh Nozick (Emily), Holly Steele and Jacob Steele (Laura Montgomery); and her great-grandchildren, Brianna Ritter, Madeline Ritter, Alia Steele, Mirabai Steele, Scarlett Nozick and Cody Nozick. Anne was born and grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. She attended I.L. Peretz, Machray, and Faraday schools. She was a brilliant student and finished high school at 15 years of age. She was also a talented dancer and acrobat. Anne’s early childhood had its hardships. She lost her brother Robert and then her father within one year of each other, when she was 11 and 12 years old, and her family consequently struggled with abject poverty during the years of the Great Depression. Consequently, Anne was not able to follow her dreams of becoming a doctor, and instead got a job working as a clerk at the Nozick Commission clothing company, on Albert Street. Even though her life had hardships, Anne never lost her spunk and enthusiasm for life. She was social and vivacious. She attended community dances, and proudly told us that her dance card was always full. Through her workplace, she met her future husband Manuel, and they were married in 1939. After his retirement until he passed in 2001, they spent 20 years wintering as snowbirds in Florida. Anne and Manuel built a beautiful life together. Known to those who loved them as Annie and Mannie, or Annual and Manual, they raised their three children in a loving home. Anne was active in various Jewish organizations, including Hadassah Wizo, ORT, and the National Council of Jewish Women. She became a self-taught (and truly excellent) piano player. She enjoyed golf, bridge, canasta, and Mah-Jong. She was a master chef and baker, and so many of her delicious recipes live on through her children and grandchildren. She could do anything she set her mind to. She was always laughing and smiling, and she always had a sparkle in her eye. Anne, together with Manuel, took so much joy in being grandparents. To her grandchildren, she was Grandma Bunny, or Grandma, and she simply doted on all of them. She always made time for visits, sleepovers, special meals and treats, and visits to Florida in the wintertime. She had a compassionate ear and sage advice. She made everyone feel special. Anne was always fiercely independent and strong-willed. She coped with and grieved the loss of her husband in 2001, and then rebuilt her active life surrounded by family, friends, and the hobbies she always loved. She became a great-grandmother and built meaningful relationships with her great-grandchildren. Anne lived independently well into her 90s. She continued to drive and buy her own groceries. She embraced change and technology and became a user of Facebook and Netflix. She always had a passion for life and a love of experiencing new things, and she lived her life to the fullest. The last few years brought their share of physical challenges for Anne, and she handled them with courage, mettle, and grace. At age 96, she had a terrible fall and required a four-month hospital stay to mend her shattered pelvis. Her care team was astounded when she almost completely recovered, save for usually using a walker to reduce the risk of falling again. Following her discharge, Anne moved into Shaftesbury Park Assisted Living. She made new friends and embraced crosswords, Sudoku, Chair Zumba, and Brain Games. She took impeccable care of her appearance, and she always wore a flower in her perfectly coiffed hair. Although she became increasingly frail over the last few years, she never lost her mental acuity and wit, and she took great pride in her memory and attention to detail. She didn’t ever forget a birthday or an anniversary, and she didn’t let us forget them either. There was always a phone call and a card, and sometimes even another phone call reminder. Anne embraced her age and the passage of time. She was reflective of her experiences, and she fondly remembered and talked about the family and friends that predeceased her. She treasured the relationships she had, and she told us that she loved us, often. She claimed that she hated people knowing her age, but loved telling people. She was so looking forward to the celebration of her 100th birthday party. Our family is heartbroken that we didn’t get to celebrate her birthday with her, yet, our family is blessed and we were all enriched, to have had a person like her in our lives, and we are truly grateful that we had her for so long. She was vital, happy, young at heart and so full of life and laughter, through to her very last day. Annie was interred on October 15 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. We are grateful to pallbearers, Alan Ritter, Michael Ritter, Ted Lyons, Bobby Goldberg, Josh Nozick and Jacob Steele. Our family are also so grateful to Neva who attended to so many of Anne’s needs, and to her caregivers and companions, especially Odessa and Victoria, and others from Esther’s Group, for their love and care for Anne over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Manuel and Anne Nozick Fund at The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Diabetes Canada – Manitoba Division or Parkinsons Society Manitoba.
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/.