Obituaries
ESTHER REBECCA REMIS (née Shnier) June 15, 1918 – July 16, 2021
A remarkable journey spanning 103 years ended on July 16, 2021, with the passing of Esther Remis. Esther was predeceased by her husband, Leonard (Lanny) Remis, in 2007, after 67 years of marriage.
She is survived by her children, Paul (Maureen), Carla (Ken), and Joel (Susan), nine grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
The journey began on June 15, 1918, when Esther was born, the middle child in what would be a family of 12 brothers and sisters. She grew up in Emerson and Winnipeg, and came of age during the Great Depression.
In 1940, she married Lanny, the love of her life. Lanny had enlisted in 1939, and the war years took them across Canada, before they returned to build a home in Winnipeg. For Esther, family was always at the centre of her universe, as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and as an aunt to 33 nieces and nephews.
Esther remained close to all her siblings, and enjoyed nothing better than family simchas with her brothers and sisters in attendance. Esther was the last remaining member of that Shnier clan. She was also predeceased by Lanny’s brother and sister and their spouses, Bernie and Elaine Remis, and Gloria and Roy Brown.
Esther loved to laugh and play tricks. If something was fun, then she needed to share it with family and friends. The more the merrier. She and Lanny travelled extensively, with summers spent at Falcon Lake and winters in Palm Springs, with many trips to more distant locations in between.
Her creative talents were many. Her sculptures, paintings and needlepoint decorated her house. Esther’s athletic passion was golf. With Lanny, she travelled worldwide with their clubs. And she remained an avid golfer into her nineties.
Funeral service was held on July 19 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Remis, Jonathan Remis, Ben Goldstein, Lauren Goldstein, Adam Rosner, and Gary Shnier.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Esther’s caregivers, Fe, Sally, Lucilla, Mary Ann, and Tesvita. Their care and attention to her well-being was exemplary. And special thanks to Jan, the nurse at the Shaftesbury.
Donations in Esther’s memory may be made to the National Council of Jewish Women, Winnipeg Section, The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
When we remember Esther, we’ll always think of the last two lines of one of her favourite poems:
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.