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
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.
Obituaries
HERB SINGER
Peacefully, with his family by his side, Herb Singer passed away on April 3, 2025.
He is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Sheppy Coodin), Marnie and Sheryl (Kevin Segall). He is also survived by grandchildren, Josh Glow (Leah), Sari Glow, Justin Segall and Hayden Segall, his brother Earl (Mimi), and sisters-in-law, Maureen Steinfeld (Leo) and Bonnie Dressler (Kenny). He was predeceased by his wife Myrna, his parents, Anne and Dave Singer and in-laws, Irma and Harry Nepon.
Herb was born on February 26, 1944, in Winnipeg and spent his early years on the family farm in Ratcliffe, Saskatchewan before the family moved into the city, eventually settling on Smithfield in the North End.
Herb attended West Kildonan Collegiate, excelling in both academics and sports. Herb and Myrna grew up between Salter and Aikins but did not attend the same high school because the back lane between Smithfield (where Herb lived) and McAdam (where Myrna lived) was the dividing marker for St. John’s and West Kildonan. They met in 1960, having been introduced by a neighbour of Myrna’s who was friends with Herb. It was love at first sight; they married in 1966 after graduating from the University of Manitoba.
Herb received his CA designation in 1972. He began his career in public practice but then switched to working as the controller of GIII Limited, which he said allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Herb and Myrna loved spending summers with their girls travelling to Detroit Lakes with other Winnipeggers. Later years found the family travelling campgrounds in Canada and the US in the trailer and finally settling in for summers at Gimli, where the family has happy memories of days at the beach and nights by the campfire.
Herb was an athlete all his life; he played basketball and football as a teenager and then played squash, tennis, racquetball and golf as an adult. Herb spent much of his retirement on the golf courses with friends and grandchildren and also loved his bowling league.
Herb and Myrna loved travelling and together explored China, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, England and Israel just to mention a few places.
Herb was an extremely social person and connected with many people over the years through golf, bowling, bridge and through winters in Palm Springs.
Herb was a supporter of community organizations over his years. He helped organize fundraising dinners for Talmud Torah when his children were students, he was umpire at his girls’ baseball games and in later years, he helped with fundraising at Congregation Etz Chayim, particularly with the yearly Golf tournament as well as the Lottery Brunch. He also donated blood well over 100 times.
His most rewarding role was that of Zaida. He loved spending time with his grandchildren whether it was attending concerts, games or marking a special occasion. He would always make sure his freezer was full of meatballs and ice cream and his cupboard was full of treats for their visits.
Herb loved watching sports on TV and rarely missed a Bomber or Jets game. He particularly enjoyed watching with his family and friends and thought himself an excellent armchair coach!
A funeral service was held at Chesed Shel Emes with burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park on April 4, 2025.
Those who are wishing to honour Herb are encouraged to make a donation in his memory to Congregation Etz Chayim or to the charity of their choice.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login