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
DAVID BLOOMFIELD
Sadly, David Bloomfield passed peacefully on December 19, 2024, age 79.
David was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Phillip Bloomfield, and older brothers, Joel and Auby. David will be deeply missed and mourned by his wife, Sheila, of 56 years, the love of his life, his children, Brenlee (Michael) and Evan (Ellen), as well as cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron, Lainee, and Lauren. David shared close relationships with his younger sisters, Naomi and Judi, and with their husbands, Shmuel and Larry, and with his sister-in-law, Linda. David also enjoyed meaningful relationships with each of his nieces and nephews.
David was born on January 20, 1945, and grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. He enjoyed many summers at his grandmother’s cottage in Winnipeg Beach, the place he first met Sheila. His love of the outdoors and beach life continued throughout his life.
David was proud of the varied jobs he held and businesses he created across his life. He opted for early retirement from Air Canada choosing to become an independent business owner, purchasing, developing, and operating three Subway restaurants. In later years he bought and sold RV trailers and was always the consummate deal maker.
Throughout his life, David was very involved in his community. He was a very active member of multiple synagogue boards and committees across several decades, later became an active member of his condo board, and ultimately continued to share his opinions and ideas as a resident of both the Courtyards and the Simkin Centre.
David enjoyed his down time and valued his relationships with family and friends. He loved simple things, like Sunday drives with Sheila. He relished weekly lunch and regular casino dates with Auby and enjoyed travelling with Sheila and his siblings and their spouses. David and Sheila enjoyed many holiday meals at Brenlee and Michael’s home over the years and made wonderful memories at Evan and Ellen’s Loni Beach cottage. Early retirement allowed David significant opportunity for travel, especially on cruises with Sheila, in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. David owned various travel trailers over 30 plus years and enjoyed winters RVing in Texas and local “Good Sam Club” campground meet ups. He introduced his children to RVing in the 1980s, and later shared his love for RVing with his grandchildren.
Huge thanks to David’s sister Judi Fielding, and brother-in-law, Larry Fielding, who provided David significant support, and significantly improved his quality of life in the final few years. Thank you to staff of Simkin Centre who provided excellent care of David during his final year. For those who choose, donations can be made to the Simkin Centre or Jewish Child and Family Services. Further details: e_bloomfield@yahoo.ca
Obituaries
ANNETTE FREDA MINUK (NEE MASSIE) June 25, 1924 – December 21, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother who left us peacefully on December 21, 2024 at the age of 100. She was laid to rest beside her late husband Harry at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbears attending were Kevin Minuk, Blake Minuk, Hayley Trenholm, Doug West, Simmie Globerman and Keith Levit.
Annette is survived by her children, Arlene West (Doug), Sheldon (Shoshana), Jeffrey (Harriet); grandchildren Kimberley (Chris) Kevin (Simmie), Blake (Chelsea), Hayley (Chris) and Harel; her great grandchildren Kyler, Krewyn, Charlotte, Annie, Lachlan and sister in law Yetta Levit. She was predeceased by her husband Harry, her parents Rebecca and Dalton, her brother Jack Massie, brothers and sisters in law, Max and Clara Zamick, Norman and Molly Lachter, Norman and Goldie Minuk, Evie and Jack Rosenbaum and Jack Levit.
Annette was truly one of a kind. She was a warm and loving person whose kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her family always putting their needs ahead of hers. She was always there for all the kids and grandkids activities over the years. She was present at countless milestones and activities, celebrating every achievement with unwavering pride and joy. Her wisdom and compassion were a guiding light, and she had the extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special, valued and deeply loved. She will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious smile and the countless memories that will forever live in our hearts.
Mom will be missed each and everyday, but now she is with our Dad where she wanted to be.
As we say goodbye, we celebrate her remarkable life and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind. Her spirit will continue to inspire us, and she will always be cherished and missed.
Obituaries
LOUIS ELFENBAUM March 12, 1936 – December 9, 2024
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Louis Elfenbaum. Louis was a popular Professor of Kinesiology at California State University, Sacramento. He taught for 38 years and then retired and moved to San Diego, California, with his wife, Elizabeth.
Born in rural Lipton, Saskatchewan, on March 12, 1936, Louis was the youngest of six children of Abraham and Dora Elfenbaum. With his siblings, Louis braved the harsh Canadian climate to maintain the family farm.
At age 14, Louis moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he lived with his sister and attended St. John’s High School. In high school, Louis was extremely popular, an excellent student, an accomplished athlete, and was voted school president.
After high school, Louis studied at Manitoba Teachers’ College and began his teaching career. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State College in Minnesota, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota. He earned his Doctorate in Kinesiology from Ohio State University in 1966. His early professorships were at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) and prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
In 1970, Louis accepted a full professorship at California State University, Sacramento where he taught Kinesiology for close to four decades. During his tenure as a professor, Louis pursued his interest in law, earning his J.D. degree from Lincoln Law School in 1982.
Louis cared deeply about his students, offering a special lecture about life that attracted students not only from his department, but also from the entire university. He valued intellectual curiosity and fostered that spirit in his students as well as his four children, who have all pursued higher education earning advanced degrees.
Louis had a magnetic personality. He was kind, patient, generous, caring, honest and selfless. Those attributes had a lasting positive impact on everyone he met. He was adored by his family including his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who greatly valued his wisdom, his guidance and his unconditional love.
Louis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lefcort, (pre-deceased by his ex-wife Esther—d. 2018–and mother of) his four children, Adrian Elfenbaum (JoAnne Winter), Ian Elfenbaum (Susan Adler), Marcia Elfenbaum, Pamela Elfenbaum (David Klein), 2 stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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