Obituaries
BENNY HOCHMAN
With great sadness we announce that beloved husband, father, Zaida, Benny Hochman, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Winnipeg, after a courageous battle with Cancer.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Phyllis, his daughter, Paula (Warren Zimmerman), his “whole life and entire world”, his granddaughter, Abby, his sister, Clara Berkowitz, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Benny was born in Winnipeg in 1936 to Abraham and Rose Hochman. He was the youngest of 9 children, one of whom passed away in Poland. He was pre-deceased by his siblings Florence, Betty, Sarah, Dora, Gordon, and his twin brother, Sammy.
Benny attended Aberdeen and Champlain Elementary, Machray Junior High, and St. John’s High School. Peretz Shul and the Talmud Torah provided his Jewish Education.
He started working at age 17 at his father’s store, The Oasis Delicatessen. Benny worked tirelessly with his father and brothers to build the Oasis into a successful business and a North End landmark. The Oasis closed in 1984, but the incredible atmosphere of fun and hospitality that drew people to the Oasis, will always be remembered by those who were privileged to walk through its doors.
Through the course of his life, Benny never stopped moving. When he was not working, he was playing soccer, dancing, and leading his friends on adventures through the vibrant streets of the North End. Later in life, he developed a passion for lawn bowling where he became a beloved coach and instructor.
Benny had a rare gift. He made everyone he met feel comfortable and important. He was genuinely interested in people and when you spoke to him, you received his full attention. Wherever he went, he made friends. He was a true definition of the word ‘mentsch’.
Family was of utmost importance to him. He regularly visited his sisters in nursing homes, took them out to lunch, and provided them with anything they needed. His wife, Phyllis, was the love of his life. They had a beautiful marriage for 53 wonderful years, always taking care of each other. As a father, there was nothing he could not do, fix, or make better for his only child, Paula. As a Zaida, he gave everything he had to his precious Abby. They were truly the best of friends. Benny felt that the best thing to do was give his time to his family and make memories. The memories will live forever in our hearts.
The funeral was held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park, presided by Rabbi Kliel Rose. Pallbearers were Warren Zimmerman, Michael Hochman, Larry Hochman, Sherman Greenfeld, Marty Greenfeld, and Stephen Segal. If desired, contributions can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or a charity of your 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).