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
DAVID BLOOMFIELD
Sadly, David Bloomfield passed peacefully on December 19, 2024, age 79.
David was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Phillip Bloomfield, and older brothers, Joel and Auby. David will be deeply missed and mourned by his wife, Sheila, of 56 years, the love of his life, his children, Brenlee (Michael) and Evan (Ellen), as well as cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron, Lainee, and Lauren. David shared close relationships with his younger sisters, Naomi and Judi, and with their husbands, Shmuel and Larry, and with his sister-in-law, Linda. David also enjoyed meaningful relationships with each of his nieces and nephews.
David was born on January 20, 1945, and grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. He enjoyed many summers at his grandmother’s cottage in Winnipeg Beach, the place he first met Sheila. His love of the outdoors and beach life continued throughout his life.
David was proud of the varied jobs he held and businesses he created across his life. He opted for early retirement from Air Canada choosing to become an independent business owner, purchasing, developing, and operating three Subway restaurants. In later years he bought and sold RV trailers and was always the consummate deal maker.
Throughout his life, David was very involved in his community. He was a very active member of multiple synagogue boards and committees across several decades, later became an active member of his condo board, and ultimately continued to share his opinions and ideas as a resident of both the Courtyards and the Simkin Centre.
David enjoyed his down time and valued his relationships with family and friends. He loved simple things, like Sunday drives with Sheila. He relished weekly lunch and regular casino dates with Auby and enjoyed travelling with Sheila and his siblings and their spouses. David and Sheila enjoyed many holiday meals at Brenlee and Michael’s home over the years and made wonderful memories at Evan and Ellen’s Loni Beach cottage. Early retirement allowed David significant opportunity for travel, especially on cruises with Sheila, in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. David owned various travel trailers over 30 plus years and enjoyed winters RVing in Texas and local “Good Sam Club” campground meet ups. He introduced his children to RVing in the 1980s, and later shared his love for RVing with his grandchildren.
Huge thanks to David’s sister Judi Fielding, and brother-in-law, Larry Fielding, who provided David significant support, and significantly improved his quality of life in the final few years. Thank you to staff of Simkin Centre who provided excellent care of David during his final year. For those who choose, donations can be made to the Simkin Centre or Jewish Child and Family Services. Further details: e_bloomfield@yahoo.ca
Obituaries
ANNETTE FREDA MINUK (NEE MASSIE) June 25, 1924 – December 21, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother who left us peacefully on December 21, 2024 at the age of 100. She was laid to rest beside her late husband Harry at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbears attending were Kevin Minuk, Blake Minuk, Hayley Trenholm, Doug West, Simmie Globerman and Keith Levit.
Annette is survived by her children, Arlene West (Doug), Sheldon (Shoshana), Jeffrey (Harriet); grandchildren Kimberley (Chris) Kevin (Simmie), Blake (Chelsea), Hayley (Chris) and Harel; her great grandchildren Kyler, Krewyn, Charlotte, Annie, Lachlan and sister in law Yetta Levit. She was predeceased by her husband Harry, her parents Rebecca and Dalton, her brother Jack Massie, brothers and sisters in law, Max and Clara Zamick, Norman and Molly Lachter, Norman and Goldie Minuk, Evie and Jack Rosenbaum and Jack Levit.
Annette was truly one of a kind. She was a warm and loving person whose kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her family always putting their needs ahead of hers. She was always there for all the kids and grandkids activities over the years. She was present at countless milestones and activities, celebrating every achievement with unwavering pride and joy. Her wisdom and compassion were a guiding light, and she had the extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special, valued and deeply loved. She will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious smile and the countless memories that will forever live in our hearts.
Mom will be missed each and everyday, but now she is with our Dad where she wanted to be.
As we say goodbye, we celebrate her remarkable life and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind. Her spirit will continue to inspire us, and she will always be cherished and missed.
Obituaries
LOUIS ELFENBAUM March 12, 1936 – December 9, 2024
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Louis Elfenbaum. Louis was a popular Professor of Kinesiology at California State University, Sacramento. He taught for 38 years and then retired and moved to San Diego, California, with his wife, Elizabeth.
Born in rural Lipton, Saskatchewan, on March 12, 1936, Louis was the youngest of six children of Abraham and Dora Elfenbaum. With his siblings, Louis braved the harsh Canadian climate to maintain the family farm.
At age 14, Louis moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he lived with his sister and attended St. John’s High School. In high school, Louis was extremely popular, an excellent student, an accomplished athlete, and was voted school president.
After high school, Louis studied at Manitoba Teachers’ College and began his teaching career. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State College in Minnesota, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota. He earned his Doctorate in Kinesiology from Ohio State University in 1966. His early professorships were at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) and prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
In 1970, Louis accepted a full professorship at California State University, Sacramento where he taught Kinesiology for close to four decades. During his tenure as a professor, Louis pursued his interest in law, earning his J.D. degree from Lincoln Law School in 1982.
Louis cared deeply about his students, offering a special lecture about life that attracted students not only from his department, but also from the entire university. He valued intellectual curiosity and fostered that spirit in his students as well as his four children, who have all pursued higher education earning advanced degrees.
Louis had a magnetic personality. He was kind, patient, generous, caring, honest and selfless. Those attributes had a lasting positive impact on everyone he met. He was adored by his family including his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who greatly valued his wisdom, his guidance and his unconditional love.
Louis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lefcort, (pre-deceased by his ex-wife Esther—d. 2018–and mother of) his four children, Adrian Elfenbaum (JoAnne Winter), Ian Elfenbaum (Susan Adler), Marcia Elfenbaum, Pamela Elfenbaum (David Klein), 2 stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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