Obituaries
CAROL RACHEL GOLDENSTEIN
Carol Rachael Goldenstein, nee Schwartz, passed suddenly in her home in Edmonton, Alberta, on June 30, 2022. Carol is survived by her devoted husband George Goldenstein, her loving children, son Michael Baron (Donata) of Edmonton, Alberta, daughter Lisa Brodsky (David) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, daughter Jennifer Joseph of Los Angeles, California, adored grandsons Ryan, Dylan (Kelly), Sean (Geraldine) and Zachary, sister Esther Cybulsky of North Carolina, sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces in Thunder Bay, the USA and France.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband Robert Joseph and her parents Max and Pauline Schwartz.
Carol was a loving wife and friend to her husband George and devoted mother and “Baba” to her beloved children and grandchildren. Carol is greatly missed and her memory will always be cherished. Carol was born and raised in the legendary “North End” of Winnipeg when the area was populated by a preponderance of Jewish and Ukrainian hardworking immigrants. She always felt fortunate to have attended Norquay School where she received a wonderful elementary education with a strong emphasis on respect, morality and valour; values which were instilled in the students along with a solid foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic. Carol loved and excelled in sports, from baseball, volleyball, basketball, to track and field, and was particularly proud of having participated in the inter-provincial high school hurdle competition for Manitoba.
Carol attended Talmud Torah Hebrew School, Norquay Elementary School, Aberdeen Junior High School, St. Johns High School and United College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (English, Psychology).
Carol spent many hours working in her parents’ grocery store in the North End where she met a myriad of interesting characters from all walks of life. She could recount many hilarious as well as hair-raising stories of her life growing up in the North End. Carol learned early in life the value of hard work and dependability, and imparted the same principles to her three children in order teach them to be self-reliant.
Although experiencing some struggles in her life, Carol managed, through determination and strength of character, to overcome all obstacles. Above all else, Carol was a survivor. She always felt blessed to have met the “love of her life”, her husband George who, she said, made her “feel like a queen” and filled her later years with so much love and happiness…something she never expected to happen at that time her life.
Carol’s beloved husband George made her fantasy of travelling to Paris come true (twice). They also travelled throughout Canada, the United States, Cuba, and the ultimate trip-to Israel, where they swam in the Mediterranean, toured Tel Aviv and were thrilled to explore the living history of Jerusalem where they were privileged to celebrate George’s Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel (the Western Wall of the Temple Mount).
Carol loved Winnipeg, her home town where she was born and raised. Her interests were many and varied, from movies, books, concerts, theatre, opera, symphony, ballet, chess, gardening, travel, camping, trips to Gimli, Winnipeg Beach, the Forks, Assiniboine Park and the Zoo, to the Manitoba Moose and the Winnipeg Goldeyes games.
Carol was employed for many years by various businesses and institutions in Winnipeg, including, the University of Manitoba Medical College, and the RBC Convention Centre.
In her last years living in Winnipeg, Carol found herself caring for her husband George’s recovery from a serious illness. George went from a near death experience to nearly full recovery, due to Carol’s nursing and help. But then the tables turned, and age caught up, and Carol found herself slowly getting worse and worse. At this time, her kids were all living far away, and they had no home care or other support service of any kind. They were basically on their own, and the health issues grew and grew. Something had to be done.
So 14 days before Covid struck, they miraculously sold their house and moved to Edmonton, to live in one of their son Michael’s two houses, which were within a 5 kilometre drive of each other. Both Carol and George were amazed with Edmonton, not only because of the fantastic daily in-home support Carol was receiving from Alberta Health Services, but also from Jewish Family Services as represented by the wonderful Rhonda Eidelman. Rhonda was a blessing in Carol’s life.
Carol was also impressed with the kindness and politeness of strangers in Edmonton, even minor things like holding open doors. She noted a consistency of this kindness in Edmonton. And she loved her neighbours, particularly Lauren and Mike across the street, whom she had visited for a pool party only two days before her death.
For the last few years of her life in Edmonton, Carol had the pleasure of getting to spend quality time with her son Michael and spouse Donata. Tours and hikes in the mountains of Jasper, Banff and Canmore, small lake hikes in Camrose and various Edmonton communities and the river valley, and many barbecues and dinners at both houses were enjoyed. She loved her back yard, her flowers, the birds (particularly the blue jays) and just sitting on the deck in the sun, listening to music. As she loved movies, she watched many together with George, Michael and Donata, and the last one she really enjoyed watching, while all four grandsons were visiting, was “Nobody”, with Bob Odenkirk, filmed in her beloved Winnipeg.
In the last week of her life, Carol had a glow of true joy on her face when her son Michael showed her videos and pictures from the wedding of her grandson Sean, which was held in Minneapolis on June 18, 2022. It pained her greatly to have missed this wedding…she had always dreamed of dancing at her grandsons’ weddings. Her health did not allow this. But the videos and pictures seemed to capture enough to make her smile.
On the last day of her life, her son Michael came over to work on repairing the garage stucco. She acted happy to see him as she always did, and was looking forward to the Rugelach treats he had brought for her and George’s enjoyment. Within the hour, she was gone.
Carol was enthusiastic about life and was reluctant to leave this earth as she was curious as to what was going to happen next and didn’t want to miss any of it! She had a wonderful sense of humour and could always make you laugh even in the most trying of circumstances.
A funeral was held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on July 5, 2022. Interment was at Bnay Abraham Cemetery, West St. Paul. Pallbearers were her son-in-law David Brodsky, and her grandsons: Ryan, Dylan, Sean and Zachary, and Marvin Ben-Ari. If so desired, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Private shiva
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on.”
Obituaries
JENNIE GOLDSTINE
September 25, 1929 – March 6, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones Mom passed away on March 6th at the age of 96.
Mom is survived by her three sons, Marc (Robyn), Ian (Elaine) and Lawrence. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacque (Tyler), Steven (Jani), Daniel (Lainie), Jason (Gen) and Kyle as well as five great-grandchildren, Asher, Beckham, Jakob, Quinn and Abby. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Alvin).
She was predeceased by her husband Allan; her brothers, Boris and David; and her parents, Aaron and Manya Margolis.
Mom’s journey began in Kremenets, Poland on September 25, 1929. Mom came to Canada with her parents and brother Boris in the summer of 1930 and her story was in many ways the classic immigrant story. Raised in the North End, first on Euclid and Barber and then the big move in 1938 to Atlantic and Aikins, her parents ran a grocery store and times were not easy. However, the way out was education and in 1946, Mom graduated from St. John’s high school. Her high school was a point of pride for her throughout her life and when the 75th anniversary festivities took place in 1985, she had the time of her life. Mom’s education continued after high school and she attended United College (University of Winnipeg today) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was one of the few women of her generation to graduate from university and she took great pride in that fact. That push came from her own mother who had attended Gymnasia (secondary school) in Poland, a rarity for women.
Mom and Dad met in 1949 and were married on May 17, 1950. They were supposed to get married at the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road, but the first flood of the century intervened and they took refuge in Regina where my Dad had an aunt. They were married in aunt Eleanor’s living room. The family grew in the 50s and 60s with Marc arriving in 1952, Ian in 1955 and Lawrence in 1962.
In 1963 Dad graduated with his CA and as a celebration the family went out to Gimli and stayed at the Shoreliner Motel. While visiting Gimli, Mom and Dad made one of the great decisions of their lives when they purchased 25 2nd Avenue. The family shared so many fantastic experiences and has so many memories throughout the 50 years in Gimli.
Mom’s education continued in 1967 when she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught for a year at Shaughnessy Park and spent a year on supply for Winnipeg School Division. Mom took a break from teaching in 1970 but returned in 1976 in a new role that would define her teaching. Mom became a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division and would continue in this role until she retired in 1992. Although she had no specialized training in early years education, Mom substituted primarily in JK K and Grade 1. She spent the majority of her time substituting in North End schools such as David Livingston, Victoria Albert and Norquay to name only a few. You could take the girl out of the North End but you could never take the North End out of the girl.
After Mom and dad retired in 1992, they moved out to Gimli to live full-time. Mom had one condition for moving out to Gimli, there had to be cable TV. Dad made sure there was cable TV. Mom and dad had a magical 20 years in Gimli. They met some terrific people who would become very close friends and they loved life in the Interlake. In late January each year they would drive down to Palm Springs and spend wonderful winters in the Coachella Valley.
It was the best of both worlds.
In 2013 they made the necessary decision to move back to Winnipeg in order to be closer to family. Mom and Dad were married for 63 years when dad passed away in 2014. Fortunately for mom, she was always a people person and she stayed busy by meeting new people and staying active. She was a voracious reader and there was always a newspaper or book in her hands. She also loved TV and enjoyed watching her favourite shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson and Rex and Blue Bloods.
Mom’s last journey began in June 2023 when she moved into the Simkin Centre. She adjusted well to her new surroundings and was well liked by staff and residents. She looked forward to Friday afternoon bingo on Weinberg 2 and especially winning at bingo which she often did. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from all the staff on Weinberg 2. There is one person who deserves special recognition and that is Mom’s companion and loving friend Mary Ann. The family is forever grateful for the care, respect and love she showed towards mom. It added a special quality of life to Mom’s final years. We were blessed to have Mom in our lives for an incredible 96 years. When Mom was 93, I asked her what it felt like to be 93. Her reply, 19!!
Mom’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 9th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mom’s grandson Steven Goldstine. Pallbearers were Jacque Edwards, Daniel Goldstine, Steven Goldstine, Jason Goldstine, Kyle Goldstine and Honourary Pallbearer Alvin Slayen.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mom we will miss your smile, warmth and sense of humour. “You are my sunshine my only sunshine.”
Obituaries
WALTER (VEV) GANETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Walter (Vev) Ganetsky on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son David, his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Tracie, grandchildren, Braden (Maya), Jori (Justin), Alix and pup Enzo. Vev is also survived by Penny Ganetsky, sister-in-law Sharon Ganetsky, nephew Leonard (Lynn), niece Michele (Myles), great-nephews, numerous cousins, life long friends and special friend Fay Reich.
Graveside service was held at B’nay Abraham Cemetery on April 6. Pallbearers were David Ganetsky, Morgan Ganetsky, Braden Ganetsky, Myles Levin, Howard Jesierski, Laurie Etkin and Mitchell Rosenberg. We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Ashley Miller of WFPS and the other first responders for their care and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Jewish Child and Family Service, Heart & Stroke Foundation, 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