I died today, August 27, 2024.

Viewed as a whole my life was quite ordinary, and yet I was blessed. I was born, educated, did a variety of things – some successful, some not so, some crazy, some tedious; travelled some, worked lots; married; embraced Reform Judaism; had children; divorced; faced my own mortality, continued to learn and to strive to make my life a blessing.

Born Jo Ann Van Buren to Bluebell Charlesworth and Joseph Van Buren, I was the last of six children (Hugh, Carl, George, Beryl and Brian). Memories of my childhood, first in Norwood and in Fort Garry remain vivid. Van Buren’s Snack Bar/Restaurant was the backdrop of my early life, and there, under my mother’s tutelage, I learned: to work; to value every human being; to develop an open mind; to vote, as it is a responsibility and a privilege; to take enjoyment from simple things; to love; to revel in the miracle of life.

The business and joy of life and love is now left to my children, Amanda (Blair), Jennie (Shabi), and David; my granddaughters, Naomi, Ofri, Ma’ayan, Amelia, and Kenna; as well my long time chaver in life and business, Len Greisman; and friends who inspired and lifted me up along the way …. David T, David V, Kenny, Linda, Lisa, Michele, Sandy and so many others.

I don’t believe in a traditional god, yet I write….


May El Shaddai, the god who is enough, grant you peace. Amen


Service at Temple Shalom October 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

By the time you read this, I will have walked through the gateway of the grave, perhaps to a chance at another life, or wandering the Kotel at 2:00 in the morning, or exploring the astounding Korea. All unlikely scenarios, but for certain I will have returned to The One.
Thank you all!

Toda raba (Hebrew)

Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (Korean)


Life goes on! Grab it wholeheartedly.

For Sidney Bursten, 83, the adventure that was his life ended suddenly when he died, Friday, August 9, 2024. It is perhaps noteworthy that Sid died in the same city he was born in, Winnipeg, because the odds might have been against it. It is only one of many cities Sid had lived in during his several careers, beginning with Red Deer, Alberta before he married. Then there were the cities he and his wife, Brenda Barrie Bursten, who survives him, lived in together, a life they both saw as an adventure. They began in Calgary, Alberta, then Edmonton, moved briefly to Indianapolis, Indiana; then spent a decade in Madison, Wisconsin; returned to Winnipeg for a decade long stay, then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota; Orange County, California; Baltimore, Maryland; returned to Orange County once again, and finally to Winnipeg (a final trip Brenda and Sid described as being ‘kid’napped by their kids, and ‘a darn good thing’).
Sid began his career as a journalist in Winnipeg with Rupert Shrier and continued with a brief stay at The Jewish Post and News but he could see computers were the coming thing so he took The Downtowner, a newspaper he created, into computer typesetting. In Madison, Wisconsin he made himself familiar with the earliest of computing, with punch cards. Later he taught himself early computer programming languages, which eventually led him to high level work in the American healthcare industry and a job with IBM.
In addition to his wife Brenda Barrie Bursten, Sid is survived by two daughters Renata Bursten and Aviva Cohen (Joseph) and nine grandchildren: Simon Bursten, Maks and Ben Doerksen, Aliza Hornstein (Amichai), Elli, Arie, Shuli, Yaakov and Ezra Cohen and seven great grandchildren, all resident in Israel: Mia, Ori, Asher, Akiva and Laya Hornstein and Roni and Lia Bursten. He is further survived by his sister Roberta Bursten (Darren) and nephews Mark Eberstein (Margot and grand niece Miley) Scott Eberstein, and Michael and Matthew Bursten. His parents Shelagh and Morris Bursten and brother Leslie Bursten, all of California, predeceased him.
Sid ended his days as a resident in the Simkin Centre and his family in Winnipeg would like to thank the staff of the Centre for making the last year and a half of his life so pleasant and comfortable, despite the difficulties of Parkinsons. Sid enjoyed the care he received, the food, the activities, the music. In fact for him Simkin was like Cheers – “everyone knew his name.” Sid’s family would also like the Centre to know they could not have asked for better. Right from the beginning he was open to the idea. When he was told he was going to go to Simkin he said, “that sounds like a good idea.” And it was.

Peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the age of 93.

He will be forever missed by his wife of almost 66 years, Lil. Loving father and father-in-law to Shari (Jeff Shulman) and Marni (Gavin Rich). Adored Zaida Moe to his grandchildren, Dylan, Cory, Samantha (Jake), Seth, Justin (Katie), Jordan, Jamie, Jadon, Asher, and Lily. Devoted uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle and great-great-great uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, Henry and Anne, and brothers, Sidney and Aubrey.

Born in Winnipeg’s North End in 1931, Morley attended Peretz School, Machray and St. John’s Tech. After attending the University of Manitoba for his undergraduate degree, he spent four years in Toronto, graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry in 1958. He practiced for many years in Fort Garry and retired in 1992. He was able to enjoy more than 30 years of retirement, working out religiously and spending invaluable time with friends and family.

A man of many interests, he prided himself on being able to fix everything he could, cared for his yard and garden, had a keen interest in sports and was a loyal fan of the Winnipeg Jets for many years. He also followed politics and world events, was fascinated by the construction of buildings and loved music.

He was known for his quick wit and sense of humour and tried not to miss an opportunity to make a joke or pun or pull a prank.

The funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on July 10, 2024. The family wishes to thank the pallbearers, Abe Borzykowski, Justin Gertenstein, Dylan Huber, Jordan Gertenstein, Jeff Shulman and Gavin Rich as well as the honorary pallbearers, Bryan Borzykowski, David Borzykowski and Josh Chisick.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Hayward and Dr. Vidal for their dedicated care over the years.

Donations can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Morley and Lil Slonim Fund at

www.jewishfoundation.org or 204-477-7520