Obituaries
CHERYL ANNE (LAVITT) LAZAR November 2, 1965 – June 30, 2020
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Cheryl Anne Lazar, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, passed away on June 30, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2008, Cheryl was told that she had two years left. Always a fighter, she managed to add an extra decade to her life, living a relatively full life until her last month.
Cheryl was born in Winnipeg on November 2, 1965 to Adam and Judy (Schaffer) Lavitt, the second of four daughters. Cheryl grew up in the Garden City area of Winnipeg, and attended school at Talmud Torah, Forest Park School, Jefferson Junior High School, and Garden City Collegiate.
After graduating high school, Cheryl entered the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After graduation she entered the work force as an auditor, spending most of her career with Arctic Cooperatives Ltd.. As an auditor with ACL, she got to travel to many far north communities, which appealed to her adventurous spirit. She came to know and appreciate the people and culture of the Inuit of the far north.
Cheryl had a free-spirited, outgoing personality, and made friends easily. While accompanying some friends to a party in 1988, she introduced herself to the party host, Michael Lazar. After “running in to” each other several times over the next few months, they began to date. On April 1, 1990, while seated on “The Climbing Tree” in Kildonan Park, Michael proposed to Cheryl, and they were married on August 4, 1991. In keeping with Cheryl’s thirst for adventure, Cheryl and Michael honeymooned by backpacking their way through France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Israel.
Family and friends were very important to Cheryl. She was a dedicated soccer mom (and hockey mom, basketball mom, and baseball mom) to her three children. She was a cheerleader for their exploits in the arts and theatre, and always ready to help “encourage” them to finish their homework. She nourished and relished in long-term friendships from her days in Garden City, with her “Commerce Girls”, her friends from the Atah young Jewish adults group, from the neighborhood on Embassy Lane and later on Driscoll Crescent, from Congregation Etz Chayim, and many other friends that she made along the way. She was always there to celebrate good times, and to comfort in hard times.
Cheryl was pre-deceased by her father, Adam Lavitt, her grandparents, Liselotte and Abraham Schaffer and Harry and Eda Lavitt, and her in-laws, Rhona and Ronald Lazar. She is survived by her husband, Michael Lazar, her three sons, Elliot, Gabriel and Levi Lazar, her sisters Helen Lavitt-Smith (Carey), Debby Lavitt, and Susan Boyd (Ryan), her nephews and nieces Shannon (Jeff), Jeremy, Benji, Breanne, Brooke, Rory, Ezra (Sonia), Yona, Galya, Gilon, Casey, Solly, Aaron, Rachel and Jack, and great-nephews Max and Noah.
Cheryl’s funeral was held at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose and Cantor Tracy Kasner. Pallbearers were Bert Schaffer, Allan Schaffer, Ron Worb, Gary Lazar, Matthew Lazar, and Joel Kay.
Cheryl’s family would like to thank her oncologist, Dr. Valerie Gordon, and the doctors and nurses at the Health Science Centre. They would also like to thank the many family members and friends who have lent their support both during Cheryl’s illness and following her passing.
Obituaries
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.