Obituaries
DOROTHY SEGAL
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Segal, peacefully at home surrounded by the love of family, at the age of 91, on Wednesday October 7, 2020.
Dorothy will be remembered with love by her daughter and son-in-law Alison and Todd Sheriff; grandchildren, Ian, Laura, and Jayme; sisters-in-law Marion Korn, Sylvia Segal, and Marge Segal; brother-in-law Mickey Hoch, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Isadore and Laura Korn, husband, Percy Segal, brother, David Korn, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gilbert and Elsie Segal, Carol and Morris Berkal, Morry Segal, Sylvia and Morris Sheldon, Rita Hoch, Albert Segal, and Bill Segal and Tannia Segal-Whitzman.
Dorothy was born in Winnipeg in 1928 and lived a rich and fulfulling Jewish life in the city’s north end. She went to Peretz School and St. John’s High School, and then with the encouragement of her brother David, she also pursued a University education, first a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba (1950), and then a Bachelor of Library Science from McGill (1952). Thus, began her career with the University of Manitoba libraries – first at Elizabeth Dafoe Library during Elizabeth Dafoe’s tenure there, until 1964, when Alison was born, and then for another 13 years starting in the seventies at the Dental Library, where she formed a bond with a special group of library ladies.
She married Percy in 1953, and they shared 45 wonderful years together living the whole time at their house on Daffodil street in Garden City with summers at Winnipeg Beach. She helped him in his business – a very detailed and organized bookkeeper, and when they retired together in 1987, they spent the next 10 years enjoying retirement – travelling – Israel, Europe, and Asia, lots of trips to Toronto, with winters in Palm Springs. Percy took her to sports events – hockey, baseball, football, horseraces, and Dorothy took him to art galleries and museums. When Percy got sick 22 years ago, she selflessly dedicated herself to looking after him.
Dorothy was an active member of Na’amat, Hatikvah chapter, serving in various position on the executive. She participated in B’nai B’rith bowling leagues and was a very talented Mahjong player. She liked knitting and reading. She was comfortable with her own company. And she enjoyed her daily walks and coffee with friends in Kildonan park (summer and winter) (the mall if it was really cold).
At 75, she bravely packed up a house full of memories, left her extended family and friends, and moved to Toronto to be close to Alison and Todd, Ian, Laura, and Jayme. She lived in a lovely condominium 5 minutes away, that she always used to say was “too nice for her.”
Her greatest joy was her family. As a mother and mother-in-law, she was completely unselfish, always so generous and giving of her time. She was fiercely protective, and she was not afraid to speak her mind, to defend those close to her, or to just tell it like it is. She wasn’t so concerned with what others thought – the most important thing, was standing up for what was true and right. And she knew what was important. She rarely complained. She reserved any tears and sadness for when no one was around. She was a worrier – the 2 words so often heard from her were “BE CAREFUL”. But she was always quick to say that everything would be ok. She was supportive, uplifting, and we knew she was proud.
Becoming a Boobi to Ian, Laura, and Jayme was one of her biggest joys. She was an ever-reliable babysitter, always willing to hop on a plane in a moment’s notice, usually with a suitcase filled with toys, books, and clothes (sometimes a Jeanne’s cake or some great Target finds). So warm and loving and patient, freely getting down on the floor to play, read, whatever would keep them happy. She took such pride and naches in watching them grow, attending birthday parties, school plays and events, and all three Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Her greatest wish, always, was that Percy could be there to see them.
The last few years of Dorothy’s life battling Alzheimer’s Disease were not her best years, but she lived them with the same calmness, grace, dignity, and strength of character that she lived her whole life. All her caregivers loved her, laughed with her, and thought she was their kindest and easiest person to look after. She was so quick with the thank you’s to all of them. Even her doctor once remarked that she was one of a kind – one of the nice ones.
The family wishes to thank Dorothy’s wonderful longtime caregivers Myrel and Aneta who showed her such tremendous kindness, love, and compassion, and kept her so comfortable at home. Thank you also to her LHIN care coordinator, Svetlana, the personal support workers from SRT, especially Nelda, Lourdes, and Virgie, the nurses from Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Dr. Richard Allen, Dr. Alejandra Villalobos Vazquez, and Dr. Chung.
Finally, a special thank you to family and friends for their outpouring of love, support, and generosity, and for sharing their memories of Dorothy. It means so much to know that she will be remembered in a special way by the many whose lives she touched.
A graveside service was held on Friday, October 9 at Rosh Pina Cemetery with Rabbi Kliel Rose officiating. Pallbearers were Todd Sheriff, Joel Korn, Brian Sheldon, Steven Moscovitch, Brent Apter, and Ari Marantz.
Donations may be made to the Dorothy and Percy Segal Memorial Fund c/o The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204) 477-7520, or to a charity of your choice.
Dorothy, we love you, and we will miss you, and you will always be with us in our hearts and memories.
Obituaries
SAMUEL SEARLE October 29, 1930 – December 1, 2025
Our dear father, Sam, passed away on December 1, 2025, after a long, rich life of 95 years.
Dad shared almost 67 of those years with our dear mother, his beloved wife, Betty, who predeceased him in April of 2024. Sam was also predeceased by his parents, Dora and David Cirulnikov; three of his four older sisters, Bernice Brownstone, Marion Toffick, Luba Sitchin, and their respective spouses; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doreen and Garry Shapera.
He is survived by his children Sharna, Lorne (Barbara) and Beverlee (Barry); grandchildren Evan, Aaron, Jamie and Matthew; sister Eve Blank; many nieces and nephews who adored him and for whom he was Uncle Sammy; several cousins; and many friends and former colleagues. All delighted in his company.
Sam was the youngest and only son in a family of five children. His parents emigrated from Russia in the late 1920s with his three oldest sisters. Eve was born shortly after they arrived in Canada and Sam in 1930. The family lived in Winnipeg’s North End and Sam attended public schools and the Talmud Torah night school. During the summers, and part-time throughout the years while continuing his education, he worked as a short order cook at both the Silver Grill Restaurant and Arcade Deli. Dad made his legendary, piled-high sandwiches into his eighties!
After graduating high school from St. John’s Tech, Sam was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, and ultimately went on to enjoy a very accomplished career as a partner with MMP, a major local architectural firm, and later, as a founding partner/developer with Duraps Corporation and Pine Hill Development Corp. In a career that spanned almost half a century, Sam made his mark on the landscape of Winnipeg and other North American cities, having been involved in the design and construction of private residences, schools, concert halls, fire halls, university and government buildings, and the development of condominiums, residential subdivisions, shopping centres and industrial land.
In addition to his professional life, Sam was also a dedicated community volunteer. A long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg North, Dad was awarded Rotary International’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow medallion, for his contributions and service to the organization. He also served on the board of the Rosh Pina Synagogue for several terms and was a charter member of the Bel Acres Golf & Country Club.
Dad was also a talented, and ambidextrous, artist, a curler, green thumb, dapper dresser and terrific dancer. He and Betty always lit up a dance floor!
Sam shared a wonderfully rich family life with Betty. Married in 1957, they moved four years later into the mid-century modern masterpiece that Sam designed for them in Garden City (a then new, north end Winnipeg neighbourhood) and in which they remained throughout their entire marriage. The house magically expanded and contracted as needed and saw its share of fabulous parties, Passover Seders and a multitude of family simchas and other joyous gatherings. As parents, they were loving, excellent role models who encouraged strong family connections. As grandparents, Zaida Sam and Bobbie Betty were the best – adoring, proud, involved and a lot of fun!
Locally, Sam and Betty enjoyed attending the symphony, chamber music and jazz concerts, the opera, the Folk Festival and the theatre. Their worldly travels took them to Mexico, Israel, China, Cuba, Europe, the Caribbean and North American camping trips and ski holidays. Closer to home, their cottage in Gimli (Loni Beach), MB, was a focal point for family and friends every summer.
Our father was a man of unwavering integrity, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a generosity of spirit. Respected and respectful, Sam Searle was a great guy, a real mensch. He will be deeply missed.
The last year and four months of Dad’s life were spent at the Simkin Centre. Sharing an ice cream and a smile, singing with him, particularly at the “Friday Night Lights” Shabbat service, were precious moments.
Sam passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital. We are grateful for the care and kindness provided by the staff at both institutions. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to Sharon Merrells, the ultimate “Sam whisperer,” for her years of care and dedication, especially over those last challenging 16 months.
The graveside funeral service, held on December 4, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, was warmly officiated, on a freezing morning, by Rabbi Kliel Rose. The pallbearers were grandchildren Evan, Aaron and Jamie Searle and Matthew Pearl, son-in-law Barry Pearl and great nephew Gavin Shapera.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s “Betty & Sam Searle Memorial Fund” or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JEAN SHIRLEY KOPSTEIN February 14, 1934 – January 11, 2026
Jean Shirley Kopstein passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 92nd birthday, with her three devoted children by her side.
Known to her family as Shaney, Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; her grandchildren, Louis, Minnie (Patrick), Leo (Ashley), and Max (Brynne); her great-grandchild, Margot; her brothers, Martin (Grace) and Gary; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jean was born on Valentine’s Day in 1934 in Montreal. In 1939, her family returned to Winnipeg, where they settled in the city’s North End. During her second year at the University of Manitoba, Jean met Bobby Kopstein, the light of her life. They married on June 23, 1954. That same year, Jean graduated as a teacher and taught for three years before choosing to stay home to raise their family.
Later in life, Jean embarked on a deeply meaningful professional career and left her mark on every organization she served. She worked as a counsellor at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, went on to become Director of Staff Development and Training for the provincial Department of Corrections, and was seconded by the government to establish the Manitoba Women’s Directorate. She was often described as an inspiration – a wonderful colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a great friend.
Jean had many passions and immersed herself fully in all of them. She loved travelling with Bob and had a keen appreciation for music, art, design, fashion, film, and food from many cultures – always in search of the perfect muffin! She formed deep bonds with family and friends, with constant concern for the well-being of those she loved. Jean and Bob were humanists who led by example, instilling strong values in their family.
Jean had a unique and engaging presence. She was outgoing, vivacious, curious, and intelligent. She lit up a room with her energy and her beautiful, warm smile.
Diagnosed with glaucoma in her 60s, Jean began a long and challenging period in her life. After the loss of Bob in 2014, she faced further health difficulties. Despite these challenges, her desire to live fully never waned. She remained interested in the world around her and took great joy in family dinners, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and spending time with family and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Jean’s care over the many years, especially those who went above and beyond. They are deeply grateful to Shaftesbury Park for its support, and in particular to Jean’s caregivers for their outstanding care, compassion, and kindness. The family also thanks the clergy and staff of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for their services and support.
Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart