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Obituaries

BARBARA LEVY 1955-2020

Barbara LevyOn November 1st, Barbara Levy passed away peacefully, but far too soon, with her family by her side.

There will never be another Barbara Levy. Anyone who had the good fortune to have spent time in her company could tell you the unmistakeable presence she had. Her every decision was dictated by her strong sense of self, governed by her passion, and guided by the boundless love she had for her family. Barbara was the very embodiment of unconditional love, her generosity of words and actions matched only by her sharp wit and sense of humour.
As a teenager, Barbara was an avid reader. Inspired by the great literary works, she became an English teacher and educated and inspired young minds during her long career. She was devoted to her students and imparted on them her fondness for Canadian literature by taking them on field trips to Margaret Laurence’s home in Neepawa.
Barbara met her husband Moses (Moe) at the age of 19. She was his confidant, best friend, and love for almost 46 years. She was the bedrock for her Moses throughout his career; a steadfast supporter of all his pursuits, she was exceptionally proud of all he had done to reshape his adopted city.
With Moses, Barbara had three children who were the light of her life: Adam, Sam, and Sarah. From an early age to adulthood Barbara instilled in her children the joy of imagination, the value of integrity, the virtue of duty, and the power of resilience. Nothing brought her greater joy than nurturing them into the caring, giving, and accomplished people they have become.
As the Levy family continued to expand, Barbara spread her wings to welcome beloved pets, Allie and MacDuff, the partners of her children, Tanya, Sandra, and Robin, and in recent years, her beautiful grandchildren, Benjamin and Maya. She could simply not help herself but to be a dedicated mother to them all, for her heart and soul has no limitations.
The dedication that Barbara showed to her husband and family was likewise present in her relationship with Judaism, embodying Jewish values and maintaining a Jewish family. Of the countless things she did to make simchas and observances celebratory and meaningful, Barbara’s embrace and assurance of the Shabbat will remain in the hearts of those around her. Each week, she created an island in time on Friday nights, filled with unforgettable food, songs, heated debate, and laughter.
Barbara demonstrated her characteristic tenacity and poise during her two-year battle with cancer, fiercely determined no matter how difficult the road was. Throughout her entire life, Barbara was the epitome of elegance and strength at once. That did not change when she became sick.
Barbara had an unmistakeable grace and class that elevated those around her, that made any moment spent with Barbara one worth living. She will be profoundly missed by her entire family: her husband Moses, her children Adam and his wife Tanya, her grandchildren Benjamin and Maya, Sam and his wife Sandra, Sarah and her partner Robin, her mother Inge and her sister Ursula, and all of her extended family. Barbara was predeceased by her father, Arthur.
The funeral was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on November 4, 2020, and shiva was observed privately by the family. We wish to thank Rabbi Yosef Benarroch for officiating Barbara’s funeral, and honourary pallbearers Rabbi Shmuly Altein, Matthew Adelman, Michael Goldberg, David Lipnowsk and Jeff Morry. Minyan participants were Abe Anhang, Jack Craven, Hart Kaplan, Jeff Kliman and Shawn Wolk.
We also wish to thank Dr. Paul Daeninck, Shawna Castillo, and the entire team at the Victoria Hospital CancerCare for their support, attention, and care over the last year and a half.
Donations in Barbara’s honour can be directed to the Barbara Levy Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

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Obituaries

EARL (ARIE) PERLMUTTER

We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and cousin Arie Perlmutter at the age of 77. Arie died peacefully after a brief but difficult struggle with cancer on April 12, 2025.

He was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Thelma and by his beloved sister Sheila.

Arie developed and maintained many close friends throughout his life. He attended St. John’s High in the 60s and kept in touch with many of his classmates. He began his working life as a delivery driver for City Bread. This was followed by a career of over 20 years at Advance Electronics, where he was a well-respected and expert sales associate. He hung out at North End Sals, for virtually his entire life, discussing (arguing? kibitzing?) with many people too numerous to name, the issues of the day but especially about sports, and most especially about baseball.

In his retired life, he was a member of Larters Golf Club, golfing with much enthusiasm and passion, if not prowess. Arie donated to and volunteered at the Winnipeg Humane Society for many years.

His family and friends would like to thank the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital whose compassionate and caring attention to Arie in his final days was truly a great comfort to him.

In keeping with Arie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral will be held.

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Obituaries

IRENE MARANTZ (nee KATZ) November 28-1930 – March 30, 2025

Our mother, Irene , passed peacefully in her own home at the age of 94. Irene was predeceased by: her parents, Abe and Sally Katz , her husband; Cyril Marantz, sister Clarice Rosenbloom, brother Max Katz, sister Bernice Grant, her sons-in-law Mike Langer and Bruce Cook
Irene is survived by her children: Jeff Marantz and Barb, Debra Marantz, Susan Marantz, Ellen Marantz, and brother Harvey Katz; her grandchildren, Sarah Marantz Lindenberg and Ira, David Marantz and Olivia; her great-grandchildren Rose, Izabella and Max; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Our mother was born in Fort Francis, Ontario. After meeting and marrying my father Cyril she moved to Winnipeg. Mom loved that she moved to Winnipeg and had this large Jewish community for which she became an integral part of and it became a major part of her life.
Once her youngest daughter Ellen was in school, she went to work at the family business : Marantz and son, as a bookkeeper, and worked there until her early 70s.
Irene love to go to synagogue and be a part of Rosh Pina congregation. She was also a member of the sisterhood and was very involved in the activities in and around the synagogue. She was so grateful to learn Hebrew and to be able to participate in the Shabbat and other holiday services.
She spent every summer since the birth of her eldest son Jeff, at Winnipeg Beach.
She loved the beach riding her bike, going for long walks, meeting with her beach friends, playing cards and sharing good meals.
Irene was a kind soul.
She never had a negative word to say about anybody and nobody ever had anything but a kind word to say about her.
Her family was the light of her life. She encouraged her children to pursue their dreams and be the best they could be.
She was a loving and caring grandmother to her grandchildren, and her home was always opened to them, her friends, her children’s friends and even to strangers.
Funeral was held on April 2
Pall bearers were : David Marantz, Ira Lindenberg, Allan Marantz, Ari Marantz, Stephen Rosenbloom, Hartley Katz. Honorary pall bearer: Josh Marantz

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Obituaries

SYLVIA BASS NOVEMBER 19, 1924 – MARCH 14, 2025

On March 14,2025, after a very long life and a brief illness Sylvia Bass (nee Breitman) passed away peacefully. She is survived by son Ken, daughter Robyn Lerner (Neal) and grandchildren Jordyn (Tina), Shea (Anna) and Blake (Jacqueline). She is predeceased by her husband Harold and her four siblings (Alvin, Joseph, Belle and Shirley).
Sylvia was born on November 19, 1924, and had her North End Winnipeg childhood shaped by the rigours of the Great Depression. When the warehouse that employed her father went out of business in 1931 her mother, a seamstress, regularly worked late into the night to keep the family from destitution.
In 1942 Sylvia graduated from Isaac Newton High School with an A average and entered the world of work as a receptionist and secretary. In the pre- Dictaphone era this was a challenging vocation, requiring mastery of the arcane language of Gregg and Pitman shorthand. Her employers included Dr. Art Lerner and a forerunner agency of Jewish Child and Family Services.
In 1948 Sylvia met her life partner Harold Bass, an auto mechanic and auto body shop proprietor. After they married, at the fashionable Marlborough Hotel, she devoted herself to providing a home for her husband and children -Ken, born in 1950 and Robyn, in 1960. Her responsibilities increased in the Fall of 1966 when Harold decided on a radical career change, from the auto trades to government employment as a welfare worker.This meant attending an eleven month college course, available only in Brandon.
Sylvia was always sociable, enjoying the company of her Garden City neighbours, her many friends and her large extended family. For many years she was active in Pioneer Women (Na’amat), and a memorable 1971 trip to Israel strengthened her connection with the homeland. She and Harold also travelled to Chicago and Florida, as well as several trips to Las Vegas, where she indulged the Breitman family taste for gambling.
In their later years Sylvia and Harold focused their attention on their grandchildren, letting everyone know of their many and various accomplishments. Unfortunately, in 2009 Harold suffered serious health problems and was no longer able to live at home. He died the next year. Because her natural sociability made living alone out of the question Sylvia moved to the Portsmouth Retirement Residence, where she was a vital part of the community for the next sixteen years.
The funeral took place at the Chesed Shel Emes on Sunday, March 16 with interment at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery, Rabbi Anibal Mass presiding. Pallbearers were Jordyn Lerner, Shea Lerner, Blake Lerner, Harrison Katz, Ramy Penner and Benji Winestock. Neal Lerner, David Davis and Ken Bass were honorary pallbearers. Our thanks to the caring staff at the Portsmouth, JTRC Care Services and the Grace Hospital. Special thanks to Dr. Terry Babick, who cared for Sylvia for many years and helped her to reach 100.
Anyone wishing to make a donation is asked to do so to an Israeli – linked charity of their choice.

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