Obituaries
DINA FRANKEL

Dina Frankel (nee Gilman), loving wife of the late Mark Frankel Z”L, dedicated mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 27, 2023 (15 Tevet 5784) at Grace Hospital.
Dina Frankel was born in the North End of Winnipeg on October 7th, 1931 to Samuel and Mollie Gilman Z”L. Growing up in this humble, working class setting with seven siblings and immigrant parents fresh from the old country instilled in Dina a strong sense of family values that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. For Dina, it was always “family first”.
As destiny would have it, Dina met Mark Frankel at a Yom Kippur event in the early 1950’s and they were married in November of 1955. Dina and Mark raised their three children in Garden City. As a close-knit family of five, the Frankels were devoted, active members of the Jewish community.
Mom’s legacy was that of total dedication in every area of her life. Be it raising her children and grandchildren or preparing meals for her extended family and close friends whom she thought of as family, Mom was never happier than when she was bringing people together.
Our Mother’s infectious personality & beautiful smile made her easy to love, and her natural warmth drew many friends into her orbit throughout her life. Fostering relationships was always important to Mom, and through weekly Mahjong games and her time at Gwen Secter, she was lucky enough to develop a group of friends who remained close forever.
Dina was a passionate woman, and when she loved something, she put her heart and soul into it — be it her love of knitting, reading, cooking, playing Mahjong, weekly bowling & in her younger years working full time and raising her children and then being there for her grandchildren.
Though she lived all her life in Winnipeg, Dina’s wisdom and experience surpassed the borders of Manitoba. Dina was always looking to learn new things and expand her horizons; an avid reader and lover of old films, Dina regularly took part in book exchanges through B’nai Brith Women and loved bringing her family to the theatre. The kids, thus fascinated with culture, traveled often when they were old enough to go on their own, and the parents followed suit in due order.
Giving back to her community was one of the driving forces of Dina’s life. Through her involvement with Jewish organizations B’nai Brith Women where she became chapter president of the newly formed Nadir Chapter JWI and Beth Israel Synagogue where she served as the Sisterhood co-president, she worked tirelessly to help her community.
The memory of Dina Frankel endures in her friends and family, who still work to live up to the principles of kindness, charity and Yiddishkeit that she instilled in them. Dina was loved in life, and will be fondly remembered for generations to come.
Towards the end of her life, Dina was aided by two committed, loving and invaluable caregivers who helped her tremendously through her later years — Femy Abenes and Marga Torres, both of whom often referred to Dina as their mother. Special thanks to Dr. Tamara Buchel and the team at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Centre led by Jennifer Lambert and Charmaine.
Dina is survived by her son Sidney Frankel [Roser Cusso] of Paris, daughter Gail Cantor [Ron] of Winnipeg, daughter Carla Worb [Michael] of Toronto, her five grandchildren: Jorey Worb [Alex Raiman], Molli Worb [Obed Ortiz], Harry Worb [Carly Goodman], and Marlee Cantor, her younger brother Ronnie Gilman of Los Angeles and sister-in-law and very dear friend Charna Gilman of Winnipeg, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Dina was predeceased by her elder siblings Ida Cohen [Lawrence], Izzy Gilman, Abe Gilman, Bess Miller [Al], Harry Gilman [Elsie], Jack Gilman, sister-in-law Anne Gilman, mother and father-in law Anne and Louis Frankel and brother-in-law Bernie Frankel [Gloria].
The funeral was held on Sunday, December 31st, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Chesed Shel Emes Funeral Chapel.
Pallbearers were: Son Sid Frankel, grandsons Harry Worb and Alex Raiman, nephews Murray Miller, Steve Rogul & Geoffry Wolk.
Donations in Dina Frankel’s name can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.jewishfoundation.org/send-a-card
Etz Chayim Synagogue -Dina & Mark Frankel Fund
https://www.congregationetzchayim.ca/
Obituaries
DONALD (DON) BASS

1938-2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donald (Don) Bass on May 14, 2025.
Don is survived by his partner of 25 years Darlene, children, Eileen Fortin (Tim) and Hartley Bass, stepchildren Pyper (Jesse) and Palmer and sister Lynda. He was also a beloved grandfather to Kelsey and Taylor and Zaidie to Rooney and Lux.
Don was predeceased by his parents Abe and Gloria Bass and by his son Jonathon.
Don was born in Fort William, Ontario in 1938. He came to Winnipeg to attend university but ultimately made his mark operating Dutchmaid Ice Cream, including manufacturing ice cream for dairies across Western Canada gaining him the title of “Emperor of Ice Cream”.
During and after operating Dutchmaid, Don also managed rental properties in and around the Osborne Village.
Don was more than an entrepreneur and an astute businessman; he was a man of decency, generosity, integrity and compassion. He treated everyone he met with respect, offering help in any way he could.
Don was also known for his sarcasm and sense of humour earning him the added title of “Real Character”.
Don loved family, he loved people, and he loved his annual trips to South Florida.
Funeral and burial were held on May 20 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with the Meal of Condolence at Temple Shalom.
Donations can be made to the General Fund at Temple Shalom or to the Gloria and Abe Bass Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
May Don’s memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
Clarice Yentel Shell (Marantz) May 7, 1927 – May 13, 2025

Surrounded by family, our beloved Mom and Baba said goodbye at age 98. She is survived by her son Barry, and daughters Miriam and Ruth, her daughter-in-law Dorinda Neave, grandchildren Davina and Sam (Elisha) and great grandchildren, Benjamin and Rose.
Clarice, known as “Cal” was the last of her generation to leave us. She was predeceased by her parents Joe and Razel Marantz, brothers Chip (Shirley) and Basie (Shirley) and her brothers and sisters-in-law in the Shell family, Hymie (Kay), Pauline (Sam Zinman ) and Bill (Ruth). She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Ben Shell and her son in law, Harry Sumner.
Born in Winnipeg, Cal was a trail blazer her entire life. She had numerous volunteer and professional achievements. One of her legacies was her ground breaking research to earn her Masters degree in Social Work in 1966. This led to Cal joining the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba where she made enduring changes to the core curriculum during her 15-year career.
Alongside her enormous contributions to the community, Cal was devoted to her large extended family. This was evidenced by her attendance at the weekly zooms and every major family event including her last visit to Winnipeg at age 97 for a very special Bat Mitzvah. She was a role model, a mentor, and a confidant to many. A skilled listener, Cal had an uncanny way of engaging others. She spoke her truth, helping to make changes and get things done. Cal knew the names and relations of the entire Shell and Marantz extended families and instead of counting sheep, she would often lie there recalling every single name, in every generation, all around the world, until she fell asleep. Her commitment to staying connected will always be remembered as one of her finest gifts.
In 2015, at age 88 Cal moved to Vancouver to be closer to her immediate family members. We thank the amazing staff and her friends at Legacy Senior Living who helped make the last 10 years of mom‘s life rich and full. We would also like to thank Dr. Alex Lecky for his years of excellent care, Colleen Riley and the gifted medical team at Vancouver General Hospital, who made her comfortable in her last days.
Cal was a remarkable person who lived a remarkable life. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, of which she was a founding member, or the Cal Shell‘s Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. More details about Cal’s life can be found on her Book of Life page
https://bookoflife.jewishfoundation.org/ebol-donors/clarice-cal-shell
Obituaries
LOUIS COLISH FEBRUARY 15, 1945 – APRIL 23, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Louis Colish at the Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Bessie, whom he deeply cherished. Loui considered his father to be his best friend and he was a devoted caregiver to his mother in her later years.
Born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1945, Louis grew up in Garden City. He had a long and fulfilling career as a Reference Librarian at the West Kildonan Library, where he assisted countless patrons with their questions. Even in retirement, people he would meet often recognized him as “the librarian”.
Louis cherished his relationships with his family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing him described him as incredibly friendly, one of their favourite people, and simply the nicest guy.
A lifelong learner, Louis treasured his extensive book collection, with a particular love for astronomy and the works of Carl Sagan. He delighted in sharing stories of his travels to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Disney World, and his most cherished destination, Israel. He also enjoyed attending his bowling league, the Rady JCC’s senior program, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He loved music from the 1940s and 50s and delighted in performing his favourite tunes in talent shows at the Rady JCC and Gwen Secter programs.
Louis was a devoted member of the Rosh Pina and Etz Chayim synagogues. Fellow congregants fondly remember his passionate and dramatic chanting of the Prayer for Peace from the bimah—a heartfelt expression of his deep hope for a peaceful world.
A graveside service was held on April 25, 2025, at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Louis was a kind and generous soul who will be missed but never forgotten.
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