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
BRENLEE WERNER
Brenlee was born on August 30, 1935 and died December 11, 2024.
Brenlee, so named as family legend has it, because her mother, Sarah Brotman wanted Brenda and her father, Ernest Brotman, wanted Leah, and so the original Brenlee was born. She grew up at 55 Bannerman the oldest of three extraordinary daughters including Caroline and Bonnie the youngest. Brenlee, the beautiful and talented 17-year-old, was spotted by a dashing neighbour, the handsome Nate Werner, and a lifelong love story was born. He said “I’m going to marry that girl” when spotted walking with her father. And he did.
She enrolled in the University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture, in Interior Design and was crowned university Freshie Queen at a gala event. She was renowned for her beauty and style. When she moved to New York where Nate had his ophthalmology residency, she completed her design degree at the Pratt Institute.
Brenlee and Nate travelled the world together, well before such journeys were popular; to Japan, to Europe and to Israel after the six-day war. So began their dedication to Israel, and her drive to move her family there for a sabbatical year in 1972. They were constant companions, on winter vacations in Palm Springs and in the summer at Falcon Lake.
Brenlee was a determined feminist who always worked outside the home at a time when this was not the norm. She had a passion for business. She became a Real Estate Broker and Developer. It was her Highgate Project where she was really a trailblazer: the first in Winnipeg to renovate a heritage building into condos. She also developed Banbury Court, Crescent Court and Bonaventure Village. She was a consummate professional respected by contractors, engineers and the architects with whom she worked. She was the property manager of the Western Canada Lottery Building for 25 years where she was a tough lease negotiator, dedicated to her tenants’ concerns.
Brenlee had a great zest for life: she was a healthy lifestyle personified. Some days she could hardly be seen behind the piles of newspapers, New Yorker magazines, the Globe and the Winnipeg Free Press. She loved intellectual pursuits, and was an avid reader. She was intelligent and kind.
She was very proud of her daughters, Janet and Shelley, and supported them both in their careers. Shelley, also an interior designer shared an office with her for many years which allowed them to collaborate easily on business projects. She supported Janet’s pursuit of fine art and helped facilitate her years of education in Baltimore and at Yale. She took great pleasure in giving visitors a tour of her apartment, showing her mother’s and Janet’s paintings and books.
With her grandsons, her playful spirit came out, whether baking with Lewis or dancing in the kitchen with Jonah she had the gift of being really present when she was with you. She saw you and knew just what you needed from her. She had more energy than all of us combined. She was a bright shining star, our touchstone, and the heart of our family.
She will be forever missed by daughters Janet and partner Adrian Norvid, Shelley and husband Michael Draycott, grandsons Lewis Robinovitch and wife Robyn Cambruzzi, Jonah Simmonds and great-grandson Zev Robinovitch.
The funeral was held Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Chesed Shel Emes. Thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl who led the service and gave a fitting tribute to Brenlee.
The family gives thanks to Brenlee’s caregivers for their love and for making her a part of their families: Lhyn Vinan, Melisa Caluza, Ellen May Bautista, Edna Maula and Leo Policarpio. Special thanks to Isabel Vieira who worked with her for over 20 years.
Donations may be made in Brenlee’s honour to JCFS (Jewish Child and Family Services) 204-477-7430.
Obituaries
RIVA-LEE MCWILLIAM
It is with broken hearts we share the passing of our beloved Mom, Wife and Baba, Riva Lee McWilliam (Rudelier), suddenly, after a difficult year of health challenges. Survived by her loving husband, Scott, her absolute other half, high school sweethearts of 56 years, and married 47 years, and her three daughters, Beth Jacob (Jonathan), Rachel and Megan, and grandsons Kiva and Shale Jacob. She is also survived by her sister Rashi (Harold) and brother Nelson as well as nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews plus the extended McWilliam family and her adoring crew of close girlfriends. As a young woman, Riva lost her own mother and father Ray and Meyer Rudelier, too soon.
Riva was born February 3, 1954. She would tell you she was “born in St Boniface” but really, she came from the North End of Winnipeg. The baby of her family, and the apple of her dad’s eye. During her childhood, her family migrated south to Montrose Street. She attended Herzlia for a year before Montrose School and Grant Park. In those years, that crew of close girlfriends established and grew tight-knit and remained that way all her life. In 1968 Scott moved in across the street. Riva was a beautiful hippy with the most beautiful hair, and so she naturally caught his attention- the actual boy next door. He waved at her through the window, and the rest is history.
She went to university and earned a degree in social work, followed by a brief career in the field before she married Scott and had their first daughter, Beth, followed by Rachel. From the time she became a mother, her daughters were the permanent centres of her universe. She made Beth and Rachel the happiest sisters ever when she gave birth to a giant bundle of joy, Megan. She drove a million carpools, took daughters to million lessons, asked a million questions, ran a million errands, and made a million meals. She took us out for a million ice cream cones in the summer, and a million more beach days to escape the city heat. She was the ultimate caretaker, Riva’s absolute purpose in this life was to be a mother to all those she loved.
Scott and Riva opened a store together in the early aughts, an exciting venture to take as a couple, albeit short-lived. She went back to work at Canadian Footwear and worked faithfully there in the Foot Health Centre for over 20 years.
She stood by her beshert- her intended- Scott though thick and thin. Riva was an unshakeable matriarch. Steadfast in her devotion to support her family through sickness and health, richer and poorer, better or worse. She weathered every storm with an impossible strength. Later in life, she reached out to offer support and understanding to other families struggling through many of the same challenges we’ve faced. She rooted her family in a foundation of profound love and commitment, and we honour her by putting those values first in everything.
In Riva’s memory we ask that any donations be directed to Jewish Child and Family Services, earmarked for addictions and mental health support, or to Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, that brought Kuma into her life.
“To love another person
is to see the face of god.”
This is the kind of love that Mom, in her way, gave tirelessly to her world.
Obituaries
SID SCHWARTZMAN
We lost our dear father and grandfather on Thursday December 19, 2024. Sid passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side. Born on July 31, 1930, in Winnipeg, Sid was the son of Luis and Anne Schwartzman and brother to Herb Schwartzman. Sid lived a long and fulfilling life, devoted to his family, friends, and community.
He leaves to mourn, his children, Lisa (Joel) and Neil (Gina), and Grandsons, Noah and Eli, plus his many friends.
Sid was blessed with an outgoing personality, and he exuded spirit, humor, loyalty, and honesty. Sid had a great passion for delicatessens. He loved a corned beef sandwich, party sandwiches, a butter tart, and a “nice fruit cup.” He was the first to take you to a hole in the wall for a great burger or hot dog. Then top it all off with an ice cream cone from McDonalds.
Sid graduated from St. Johns high school and subsequently started a career in sales. Sid spent 30 years as a sales manager for Richlu manufacturing. Sid loved working and was very lucky to find meaning and purpose there. Sid retired at the age of 87 which was a difficult but reasonable choice
It was through his career in sales that he met Marsha. After a short courtship, they fell in love and married. They greatly enjoyed their lives together and spent their time going to the theatre, symphony, travelling, and spending time with their many wonderful friends. They were married for 50 years.
Sid will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love, kindness, and humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marsha Schwartzman Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
A funeral will be held graveside at Sharrey Zedek cemetery at 11am on Sunday, Decmeber 22.
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