Obituaries
DAVID ROSENBAUM
March 5, 1922 – November 7, 2018
It is with profound sadness we share that David Rosenbaum, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully, after a short illness at Seven Oaks Hospital.
David was born in Pultusk, Poland. In his youth, he trained to become a Rabbi, but with WW2 having started he, his mother and his three siblings escaped into Russia, where he survived through his craft by making footwear and bartering shoes and sandals for food in Kazakhstan. After their mother, Esther died from illness, his sister Genya moved to Israel, while his brothers Harry and Jack moved to Winnipeg. While running ahead of the guns of war, he somehow ended up in the mountains of Austria, where he met his future life partner and wife, Margot. Eventually the family, including their son Harry, immigrated and settled in Winnipeg, where their daughter Ruth was born.
David worked for most of his life in the shoe manufacturing industry, where he started out as a shoe cutter at Canada West Shoes, which became the Greb Shoe Company. He later became a supervisor and manager and was instrumental in providing guidance in the development of what later became a new company. Dad valued his employees and always took the time to learn about them and their families. He strived for professional development, taking Business Administration at the University of Manitoba. David had a true love of learning which he passed onto his children.
David was community-minded, a member of B’nai B’rith, the Order of Foresters, the Freemasons, the Scottish Rite and the Khartum Shriners, where he rose to be President of the 101 Unit and a member of the Vintage Cars. He had also been appointed to the Divan of Khartum Shriners in 2012, by his son, who had been installed as the Potentate of Khartum Shriners. David was also a lifetime member of the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue.
What was immediately apparent to all who were touched by this gentle, wise, patient, loving and unassuming man was the utter and unquestioning devotion he had for his soul mate and life partner of 75 years, Margot. Together, they built a life together that could only be described as a romantic fairytale. You rarely saw one without the other. It was magical to watch them walk hand-in hand together. To laugh together. To dance together. They had a special sparkle in their eyes that made their love for each other plain for all to see. Mom, could do no wrong and she was never, ever at fault, even if there was a doubt that she might have been. Dad was always ready to be her knight in shining armor, right to the very end, when his long sleep finally took away his shield.
As a father, David tried his best to provide for his family, shelter them and impart the strong moral ethics and menschlichkite that he lived by. He hoped that he could impart strong survivor skills to his son after what he himself experienced in the Holocaust. He worked to impart the importance of family, determination, personal strength and how we must be able to fight for justice in the world. David was so proud of Harry. He wanted to be the father that Harry could be proud of too. He enjoyed the genuine one on one conversations with Harry and the camaraderie they had as Shriners. David doted on his daughter Ruth, who was the diamond in his eyes and those eyes always shone brighter and clearer than any real stone ever could when she was in his presence. The invisible pride he emitted was unable to be measured, since she was that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and he found it when she was born. Their father-daughter connection never ever faltered and never ever waned, and death will not eradicate it. An extra-special recognition is to be extended to his son-in-law, Allan Stargardter, for all the times he placed our father’s needs ahead of his own. May the Lord bless you for your kindness.
David leaves to mourn his loving wife Margot, his son, Harry Rosenbaum (Hope) and his daughter, Ruth Stargardter (Allan). He was blessed with five wonderful and devoted grandchildren, whom he adored and was adored by, being Trisha (James), Michael (Jennifer), Geoffrey (Robi), Matthew and Shawn and was proud of his six unbelievably special great-grandchildren; Ethan, Keira, Mya, Zoey, Nathan and Syeira. He was predeceased by his older brother, Harry Rosenbaum, his sister, Genya Asher and his sister-in-law, Evie Rosenbaum. He will be missed by family in Israel, New York and California. He will forever be missed by extended family members, countless friends and everyone privileged enough to have met him and had him in their lives.
Funeral services were officiated by Al Benarroch and Cantor Gerry Daien on November 9, 2018 at Chesed Shel Emes, with pallbearers being his grandchildren Trisha, Michael, Geoffrey, Matthew, Shawn and James. Honourary Pallbearers were Cantor Gerry Daien, Allan Keisler and Marshall Kneller. Internment took place at Hebrew Sick Cemetery. If you would like to honour David’s memory, donations can be made to the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre located at the Asper Jewish Community Campus, the Canadian Shriners Hospital in Montreal, or a charity of your choice. Special thanks to Dr. Kristin Heinrichs, Lisa Bonds, and the staff at Prairie Trails at the Oaks, Joyce, Jonathan and Abie at Seven Oaks Hospital, 5th Floor, Unit 6, for their exceptional care and compassion, Adeena Lungen at WJCFS, Marilyn Regiec, and the staff at Gwen Sector.
Life will never be the same without him. He truly taught us all the meaning of a life well lived.
Obituaries
CARY RUBENFELD
Cary Rubenfeld, beloved husband, father, zaida, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 72. Cary lived a life defined by kindness, curiousity, humility, and a deep commitment to the people and communities he loved.
Above all, Cary was a family man. He was raised in a family shaped by Jewish resilience and history. He was born to George and Sally Rubenfeld in 1953. His father George and two aunts, Rachel and Regine, survived the Holocaust in France, and the legacy of that survival grounded Cary’s values throughout his life. He carried forward a strong Jewish identity through his early Judaic studies, and this continued to evolve in adulthood as he built a home alive with tradition and Jewish values.
For more than 40 years, Cary shared his life with his wife, Marion. Together they built a home, a business, and a relationship filled with warmth, humour, and unwavering devotion. They worked side by side in their wholesale garden supply and later an import business, travelled the world together, and supported one another with tenderness and resilience. Marion was Cary’s partner in every sense, and their devotion to each other was a foundation for the entire family.
As a father to Michael (Magda) and Sara (Rob), Cary was a steady and loving presence—gentle, attentive, and always remaining connected to their worlds. His kindness shaped them in ways that they will carry forward and aspire to in their lives. Later in life, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, Emry, Kian and Lev.
Cary was the cherished brother of Perry Rubenfeld, with whom he shared a lifelong bond of family, memory, and affection. Cary and Perry tragically lost their mother at a young age. Their close-knit family continued to support and raise them.
Professionally, Cary was known for his integrity. He believed that success in business meant acting fairly, ethically and with compassion. He built strong relationships across North America and Asia, earning respect not only for his expertise, but for his genuine interest in others. He was thoughtful, patient, and guided by a sense of moral clarity.
Outside of business, Cary cultivated passions that brought him community and purpose. His involvement in amateur radio—an interest that reawakened later in life—connected him to people around the world. A lifelong learner, he attended international conventions, helped newcomers enter the hobby, and even earned recognition as Canadian Amateur Radio Operator of the Year. Friends from across continents described him as humble, generous, and quietly inspiring—a man who motivated others not through ego, but through sincerity.
Cary was also a dedicated member of the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah congregation, where he served as treasurer and was instrumental in resurrecting regular Shabbat services in the synagogue after COVID. His love of Judaism deepened through study, particularly with a small Torah group he helped create—an intimate circle of friends who learned together each week, even across cities and time zones. His thirst for knowledge, especially when shared with others, was one of his defining traits.
Cary faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage. Diabetes, kidney disease, and heart complications never dimmed his optimism. He continued to travel, make plans, and pursue learning. He arranged dialysis across Canada, the United States, and even Poland so he could keep living life fully and on his own terms.
For those who wish to make a charitable donation in Cary’s memory, please consider providing a cheque to the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah Synagogue (459 Hartford Ave., Wpg, MB) or an e-transfer to chavuratt@gmail.com or donating to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Obituaries
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.
Obituaries
FAYE VICKAR LAZER November 18, 1950 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce Faye Vickar Lazer passed away on December 3, 2025 at the age of 75. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and quiet strength.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Joel Lazer; son Lawrence Cohen and daughter-in-law Szandra Temesvari; daughter Jilda Lazer, son-in-law Cameron Quinn and grandchildren, Noa and Eli; daughter Sara Lazer, son-in-law Christopher Maissan and grandchildren, Elliot, Simone and Lila; twin sister Reva Micflicker and brother-in-law Allan; brother Larry Vickar and sister-in-law Tova; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Florence Vickar.
Faye grew up in Melfort, SK and lived there until she moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. First studying nursing, she quickly changed her focus to education. She taught for 34 years in the Winnipeg School Division, teaching nursery and kindergarten at Victoria-Albert, River Elm, King Edward, and Glenelm. She was her students’ first, and often favourite, teacher and over the years, fostered a love of learning and reading in hundreds of kids.
Faye and Joel were married in 1987 at Birch Island Resort in Minaki, Ontario, where family and friends were invited to celebrate their love and share in their love of fishing. Since then, they have spent their summers in the area fishing for pickerel, enjoying shore lunches of fish and fries, and in more recent years, spending time on the lake with their grandchildren.
Faye spent the last part of her life living at the Simkin Centre. When asked about it she would tell people happily “if you have to be in a place like this, this is the best place to be!” The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Simkin Centre and especially the team in Simkin 2 for their attentive care. The family is also grateful to the team of caregivers – Lovely, Luisa and Maria – who helped keep Faye happy and healthy for so long.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 5, 2025. Pallbearers were Elliot Lazer-Maissan, Noa Lazer Quinn, Sam Vickar, Stephen Vickar, Heather Micflikier and Liam Gutkin. Donations can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Faye’s memory at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/.