Obituaries
BETTY GREENFELD (nee HOCHMAN) May 8, 1923 – June 5, 2022 (99 years)
Born in Rosichik, Poland, Betty was one of nine children of Avrum and Reina Hochman. At eight years old, she immigrated to Canada with her family. She married the love of her life, Herschel (Harry – predeceased 1997) and the fun began.
First came Raymond (Sandy), then Corinne (David Billinkoff), Marty (Roz), Jeff (Erin) and Barry (Heather). She orchestrated a balibatisha home, working from dawn to dusk, cooking, cleaning, baking and working with her husband, and did it all without complaint.
The true matriarch of the Greenfeld/Hochman family, every Shabbat the candles were lit with the family sitting around the table, eating all the complex Jewish dishes that have been banned from healthy diets in 2022.
The true test of her spirit lies in the hearts of her ten grandchildren: Lee [Yolanda] and Fern Billinkoff [Jeremy]; Karmel, Gillian, and Yael Greenfeld [Chris]; Cecily Elmas [Peter]; Joshua [Jodi] and Jay Greenfeld [Ashley], and Amy Dorsch [Daniel]; and Alexandra Greenfeld; and her 16 great-grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Clara Berkowitz and her brothers, Benny (Phyllis) and Sammy (Jackie) Hochman.
We will always remember her unconditional love, her work ethic, her boundless energy and words of wisdom, authenticity, truth, and directness. She taught all of us to be strong, confident, resilient, inclusive and most importantly, to value family.
After 99 years of robust health, eating well and exercising daily, she decided that it was time to go. In the end, she was surrounded by her devoted children, in her own home, and as always, on her own terms. She just hung up the phone.
Mom, you gave us your whole heart and expected nothing in return. We will take your love and pay it forward in your memory. We thank you and will love you forever and always. Forever and ever our mother you’ll be.
The family thanks pallbearers, Lee Billinkoff, Joshua Greenfeld, Jay Greenfeld, Shim Goldberg, Larry Hochman and Sherman Greenfeld. Thank you also to all the healthcare workers who made Betty comfortable at home in her final weeks, particularly Merlin, Lilibeth and Claire, who gave heart to their care. To the friends and family who generously comforted and fed us at this time, we express our heartfelt gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harry and Betty Greenfeld Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to 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).