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Obituaries

DINA GRANOVE (née WEISZNER) April 26, 1952 – January 1, 2023

Dina passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully on January 1st, 2023, at the age of 70 with her beloved Bruce by her side. In a moment, she was gone.
Dina is survived by her loving husband Bruce, her daughter Morissa (Laurie McCreery), and her cherished Ssister Mimi (Earl Singer). Dina also leaves behind her auntie Tova, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, colleagues, students, and countless loved ones that will all miss her warm smile and extra-special hugs.
Dina was born in Israel on April 26th, 1952 to Moishe and Etta Weiszner (nee Kahan). Moishe and Etta knew each other from before the war, reconnected in Oradea after the liberation of the Holocaust, and on July 14, 1946 they were married. They welcomed their first daughter together, Mimi (Frieda) on June 25, 1947 before emigrating from Romania to seek a better life in Israel in August of 1950. Life there was not easy in those early years of Israel’s independence, but they had their faith and their freedom, and on April 26, 1952 in Haifa, their second daughter, Dina was born. Moishe, Etta, Mimi, and Dina immigrated to Canada on November 24, 1952 and settled in Winnipeg where they began their life anew. Although they began with practically no monetary treasures, they were very rich with priceless treasures: their freedom, their deep connection to the Jewish faith, their religion and traditions, their love and devotion to each other and their family, their skills, ambition, and the determination to make a good life.
Moishe and Etta succeeded and exceeded their goals. They made a great home, family, friends, and life which could be felt in the respect flowing out to and in from everyone they encountered. Dina was a testament to their love and devotion, and that same love and devotion continues to ripple out through each of us who knew her and loved her. We are better for having known her. The world is better, simply because she was.
Dina and her sister Mimi were steeped in rich traditions and meaningful practices that continue to be passed down from generation to generation to this day. Her love of family and appreciation for life made Dina a beacon of light to all she encountered. Whether you were looking to share a laugh or simply needed a little extra love, she was unconditionally there. To see ourselves through Dina’s eyes was one of the greatest gifts that life could offer. She saw the best in us, and she believed in us wholeheartedly – even when we struggled to do the same for ourselves.
Here are a few words that her beloved friend and mentor, Cantor Tracy Kasner, lovingly wrote in Dina’s eulogy, just as Dina’d requested – “for some day”:
Dina appreciated how things looked without being vain. She valued her surroundings without being materialistic. Most of all, and above anything else, she embraced thoughts and people with tenacity, wonder, and pure love. She could bounce around an idea for hours and analyze. Most fascinating was how she would hold on to an idea and let it grow, and she wanted to inspire others to do the same… to want to also make the world better, even if only to improve one thing. Her persistence was sometimes exhausting, until you realized you were in the embrace of a woman who felt that (true to her Hebrew name, Dina, translating to mean “judgement”) critical thinking and evaluation were the ultimate ways to show our appreciation of life. Every moment mattered to her, from the way a synagogue ebulletin looked, to major social justice scenarios.
Nothing was mundane – and especially not anything to do with the goings on of Bruce, Morissa, and Laurie. After 48 years of marriage to Bruce (following a marriage proposal that began with “Hey Dina. Take a look in the glove box.” because he thought it was so romantic) I am flooded by the memory of her words that she “knows how lucky she is to have such a good one in Bruce”, and then the ultimate gift: “A teacher for the teacher” – her daughter Morissa, about whom she would say, gave her the most profound lessons in life… perhaps unknowingly as a child, and in her adult life, knowingly – as her best friend. And Dina’s love continued to grow as she got to know her daughter-in-law Laurie, whom she and Bruce consider another daughter in every way. Laurie’s love for, and devotion to Morissa was amongst the greatest gifts and joys of Dina’s life. Their birthdays being only two days apart, Dina and Laurie shared an extra-special bond and many Taurus traits that they loved to joke about together. Their love transcended bloodlines and embodied the true meaning of family.
I am sure that many of you have a Dina story that reflects what it felt like to be welcomed by her… embraced by her. Like family, you belonged with her. This all makes me think of our sanctuary here at Etz Chayim Synagogue where Dina was a fixture in both her presence and her leadership. She was in synagogue often, and in this regard, she was a woman of predictability. She had her favorite spots and her famous facial expressions: The face that came with the pure joy of t’fillah and learning, and then the one for mindless chatter (or any noise whatsoever), other than the words of Rabbi Kliel or the sound of prayer. She had been synagogue President, was a devoted fellow congregant, a friend, and family to anyone finding themselves alone and without a place of belonging. Whether in life or at the high holidays, she and Bruce welcomed people into their world and home, openly, and without question. A great example of this could be found in recent years as they shared their home with “Cousin Arnie,” which continues to be a blessing in disguise to this very day. Dina didn’t just love sharing her home (and kitchen) with Arnie, she insisted he give at least six months’ notice should he ever decide to move out. He and his loved ones were a welcome addition to daily life. Once again, with Dina, everyone simply belonged without question.
Even before she retired and found herself embedded into the fabric of her synagogue, the magic of Dina was a gift to her students and peers in Adult Education. As a teacher she worked to bring out the love of learning in everyone around her. She taught so much more than math and focused on what is necessary to succeed. As Department Head she worked to make the quality of education more important than the politics of our education system. The relationships she forged and maintained with her colleagues, and even some students, lived on until the day of her sudden passing.
Dina had a great appreciation for anyone with a flair for artistic expression, mathematics, a good Yiddish curse, or a great pair of glasses. These all got an extra-special endorsement from Dina. She saw what people were capable of, and she valued people reaching for their potential in every way. All you had to do was ask and she was there in support. Whether with money, time, or her energy, she helped with editing, or cooking, or baking, and just generally showing up in any way that was required. She loved to find ways to connect and be helpful, which was most evident in her beloved role as “Auntie Dina” over the years. This was clearest in her greatest routine joy of picking up her Great-Nephew Ethan and Great-Niece Annie from school each week, simply to hang out, catch up, and help with their homework if needed.
Everyone and everything mattered to her. I wish for all of us that this could be the lesson we take from her life as a bold response to her leaving this world – in our minds: too soon, too quickly. I imagine she would still reflect on her days and tell you how lucky she was to have known you and to have spent any time in this world – and I think that is her greatest lesson. Tishi nishmatah tsrurah btzur Chayim – may her soul be bound up in the bond of life, may she forever rest in peace, and we can all say, amen.]
Thank you, Tracy, for capturing my Mom’s life and spirit so beautifully. Thank you for the connection you shared, and for helping us all to reflect on her life and remember her true essence.
Dina literally left us all a final message the day before her passing – a mass email sent December 31st, 2022 that simply stated: “We feel so blessed that you are in our lives…. Love, Dina and Bruce.” – along with an attached image that said: “Enjoy the next chapter. May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made.”
In lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask you to please consider a donation to support the Etz Chayim Synagogue. Dina was deeply invested in the preservation and growth of Jewish Living and in the opportunity for every one of every faith to have a safe space of belonging, always. This synagogue and community have served as a healing home away from home for her and our family in every way. She was so excited for the future of the new Etz Chayim, and in light of the exciting plans for a new location that were recently announced, donations for Dina will be used to help fund a special legacy project to support the continued growth of her beloved sanctuary in her absence.
Donations can be made online at
https://www.congregationetzchayim.ca/ or by calling the synagogue office at (204) 589-6305.
In closing, we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the incredible outpouring of support in the form of donations, meals, and love that have already been received over the past month in honor of Dina. We are deeply grateful.

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Obituaries

EVE VICKAR

Eve Vickar passed on August 25, 2025, at age 96 years.

She is survived by Kerry, Simone, Eric, Susan, Michaela, Chloe, Emily, her cat Simba, and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Harry, her parents Irene and Arthur Weinberger, and her brothers and sisters-in-law.

Eve was born in Vienna, Austria in November, 1928. She enjoyed recounting her childhood years in Vienna, notably the weekends when she and her father would together enjoy Vienna’s beautiful parks. She recalled journeys to the Austrian countryside to visit her maternal grandfather in Untersiebenbrunn. Remarkably, these cherished childhood memories were not tarnished by the menace of growing fascism. Eve was nine years of age when Austria was annexed and lived fifteen months under Nazi occupation. She recounted her father taken captive on Kristallnacht in November 1938, the shattering of the chandeliers in their condominium and her father’s miraculous return home in the morning (having been released by a fellow First World War veteran).

Rather than holding bitterness, Eve periodically shared a longing for her Austrian roots and seemed to grieve the loss of the further opportunity to have grown up in Vienna amidst the familiar culture of her childhood. She and her parents escaped to London six weeks before the onset of Second World War, and emigrated to Canada one year later. She remained eternally grateful to the British for providing safe harbour for the family during their first year as refugees. Eve and her parents subsequently crossed the Atlantic in wartime and settled in Oshawa, ON, where she finished high school and worked in administration for General Motors.

In 1950 she met dashing Harry Vickar, a farmer from Saskatchewan, and together they established their lives and family in the town of Melfort, SK. Eve recounted the family’s twenty years in Melfort as idyllic, notably with deep lasting relationships with lifelong friends and a nurturing environment for her sons’ formative years. Her advocacy and volunteerism in the arts began in Melfort and continued in Winnipeg, following the family’s relocation. She proudly served as a member of the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for over forty years, and cherished her friendships and experiences. Eve successfully navigated three major health challenges throughout her life, each with courage and resolve, motivated by her deep religious faith, forward thinking, and love of life itself. Her grace, elegance and generosity were ever-present, as was her love and care for her husband, children and grandchildren, her pets and extended family and friends. She left a tremendous legacy by example and is deeply missed.

The family is very grateful for our compassionate caregivers for having provided exceptional care over these many years. Donations in Eve’s memory may be made to the Eve Vickar Memorial Fund at the North East Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (The Harry and Eve Vickar Shelter) in Melfort, Saskatchewan (email:tres@northeastSPCA.org).

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Obituaries

MORRIS KAUFMAN

The Honourable Morris (Moishe) Kaufman, who lived a full and vibrant life, died peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the age of 84 surrounded by family.

Born in Tel Aviv on November 14, 1940, Moishe moved to Winnipeg with his family at the age of 12 where he learned English. At 15 he was invited to attend the Chicago Jewish Academy. Upon graduating, he studied Talmud at the Hebrew Theological College. After a year at Roosevelt University on scholarship, he returned home to Winnipeg. Moishe earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manitoba. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1968. Moishe’s early law practice included working at Legal Aid and culminated with the establishment of the firm Kaufman, Cassidy, Ramsay. On October 7, 1998, he was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba, where he served until his retirement. He was known for his fairness, humility, and reasoned decisions.

Moishe’s commitment to public service extended well beyond the courtroom. He served on Winnipeg City Council from 1971 to 1977, bringing to civic life the same clarity, empathy, and common sense that marked his legal career. He was actively involved with the Liberal Party of Manitoba and Canada, contributing his thoughtful counsel and deep belief in public service to the political arena. Moishe served on a number of boards including Rossbrook House, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue and Via Rail Canada.

Moishe was genuine, loving, charismatic and at the same time, erudite and witty. He loved all music, playing guitar, basketball, swimming, reading extensively, horse racing, carpentry at the cottage, a heated discussion and playing poker with his grandchildren. Moishe was a mensch who will be remembered for his gentle strength, his keen mind, and his deep commitment to family, friends and the communities that he was a part of. His legacy of justice, kindness, and devotion will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

Moishe was predeceased by his parents, Shlomo and Clara Kaufman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maxine (née Gussin). Together they built a life full of love, respect, and partnership. He was the proud and loving father of three daughters and their spouses: Juliet, Brent, Shelley, Geof, Dunniela (Dunnzy) and Jeff. Moishe adored his six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jacob, Cierra, Daniel, Jack and Charlie, each of whom brought him great joy and each of whom had an individual and special relationship with their Saba. He leaves his sister and brother-in-law Miriam and Ralph Kuropatwa, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Phyllis and Herbie Goldberg, and an extended network of family and friends.

Moishe and family are very grateful to all the dedicated homecare staff and caregivers and appreciate their exceptional care, kindness, compassion and conversation. They are equally grateful for the medical care and guidance that he received throughout his illnesses.

Services were held on Sunday, October 4, 2025 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg.

In Moishe’s memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

ALICE HALPRIN

Alice Halprin died on September 24, 2025 at the age of 96. Born in Winnipeg, she was the fourth of five children of Victor and Fanny Schultz. Blissfulness was shattered when her mother died following a long illness, circumstances which necessitated her temporary placement in the Jewish Orphanage, a period marked by her great unhappiness.

Every one of the five siblings paid a price. Brother Albert gave up plans for university to support them in the family fur business and sisters, Myrna and Ruth, instead of enjoying their teens raised their younger sisters, now barely seven and five. Once on his feet, their father moved the family from behind the fur factory on Selkirk Avenue to Inkster Blvd., later spoiling Alice with cashmere sweaters and a fancy wedding at the Royal Alexander Hotel. She attended Luxton and St. John’s High schools.

North and South end Winnipeg united when Alice met the love of her life, Edward Halprin; they married in 1949. Though she was welcomed like a daughter by in-laws, Joseph and Rae Halprin, she didn’t fully enjoy the benefits of family as she moved from place to place while Ed, a general contractor, built Shop Easy stores across the Prairies. There were moves to Edmonton, Calgary, Fort William and Miami. In between they returned to Winnipeg. With later moves to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Vancouver, packing up and relocating became the theme of her life. In the course of having to divest herself of possessions, she proved to have a real facility for sales, at one time convincing a potential buyer with an interest in one of their cars to also buy her enormous eight foot Philodendron Tree. Making new friends wasn’t easy but she nevertheless maintained strong friendships. In particular, sisters-in-law, Sylvia Scott, Laurane Schultz, Elyse and Lynda Halprin, and cousin Sandra Halprin, all dear friends now gone, figured largely. She proved to be a loyal friend who would rather swallow tacks than break a promise or divulge a secret.

For the third time in her life, starting in the late 1980s, she retuned to Vancouver, a city she came to love beyond all others and which she shared with many visitors. Distanced from her own children, she cultivated special bonds with nieces, Dr. Rhonda Shuckett and Danyael Halprin. She volunteered at a day care and worked in a bath boutique and a children’s wear shop where she was a trusted employee and eventual friend.

Dogs figured prominently in her life. For as long as living arrangements allowed, there was a dog to love. And then there were her grandchildren whom she visited as often as possible alternating between dance recitals and hockey games, always rejoicing in their academic proclivities. She might have singlehandedly kept the laminating business alive preserving and bragging about their school reports. Even in failing health, her obvious delight in her grandchildren, including special granddaughters-in-law, Hayley and Rachel and her great-grandchildren, never faded.

In 2007, she and Ed, now suffering with dementia, returned to Winnipeg after an absence of over thirty-seven years. Rising to a hard situation, she did much to make the best of his last years as she began to exhibit her special kind of inner strength and strong will, which she seemed to manufacture and draw upon to persevere.

Great-grandchildren began arriving shortly after Ed’s death and she exerted her independence and generosity. She was able to indulge her love of classical music attending symphony concerts and the opera. A veritable news junkie she kept current on domestic and world events. She travelled and she wintered with sister Sally in Palm Springs. She travelled multiple times to New York including for both grandson’s weddings and after the births of her great-grandchildren. Her offspring were the greatest shows in town but it’s where she also enjoyed Broadway, Lincoln Centre and Katz’s Delicatessen. Despite the distance the affection and adoration of her New York great-grandchildren was remarkable, a testament to the obvious love she had for them.

With the exception of clothes, (she always dressed well), she wasn’t particularly acquisitive. What she was, was careful with her things, always preserving and maintaining them. She was an immaculate house keeper and even in her last weeks often asked if the floors were shining. Though she owned many beautiful things, over the years she gave them away, jewelry, silver and china, to her daughters, Leigh and Kerrie and granddaughters, Rachel and Alexandra. She kept what mattered to her, pictures, letters, cards, those laminated school reports and newspaper clippings featuring the exploits of her grandchildren and others.

She will be remembered for her beauty, her quiet elegance and demeanour, as a gentle lady, kind and regal.

Predeceased by her parents and cherished siblings, Albert Schultz, Myrna Mitchell and Ruth Shenback, she is survived by her dear sister, Sally Shuckett, daughters, Leigh and Kerrie and their husbands, Stevan Raber and Richard Leipsic. She also leaves granddaughters, Rachel Cooper (Amy Rapp) and Alexandra Cooper (Matan Gamliel) and grandsons, Adrian (Rachel Friedman) and Barry Joseph (Hayley) Leipsic of New York as well as the joy of her life, six great-grandchildren ,Yaffe and Noa Gamliel, and in New York Max, Cora, Rae, Alyce (her namesake) Leipsic, and honourary great-grandson, Eben Karnani as well as numerous and loving Halprin/Klein and Schultz nieces and nephews.

Thanks go to Dr. Claire Jaeger as well as her caregivers whose devotion allowed her to remain at home until the end: Sonia, Gerlie, Everlyn, Rosanna, Tess, Nancy and Anna-lyn. These wonderful individuals returned the respect and generosity she showed many times over.

Funeral services were held September 28 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery eloquently led by Rabbi Carney Rose. Her pallbearers included nephews, Rocky Pollack, Myron Schultz, and David Halprin (Toronto) along with grandsons, Adrian and Barry and her devoted son-in-law, Richard Leipsic. Honorary pallbearers were Bryan Klein and Victor Schultz.

Donations in her memory are kindly directed to Jewish Child and Family Services and The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

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