Obituaries
Evelyn Gurvey
Peacefully, on May 18th, 2023, Evelyn Gurvey passed away at North York General Hospital in Toronto. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, and her beloved parents Hymie and Marion Mozart. Evelyn will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Martin Gurvey (Brenda), Gayla Schwartz (Ken) and Alan Gurvey (Nancy); grandchildren, Faren Asaria (Roy), Marli Lichtman (Kyle), Harlan Gurvey (Amanda), Rayna Schwartz (Bas), Lisa, Carly, Ali and Lindsey Schwartz, Hudson and Harper Gurvey; great-grandchildren Asher and Maya Asaria, Max Lichtman, Madison Gurvey, and Benson and Oliver de Beer; sister Mindy Cantor, and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Evelyn was born in Winnipeg on June 4, 1931. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1952 and enjoyed a fulfilling career in library sciences, first working at the McGill University Library in Montreal. After several years raising her children, she returned to the University of Manitoba Elizabeth Dafoe Library in 1975, and then concluded her career at the University of Manitoba Medical School Library in 1986. She was respected and loved by students and professors alike, dedicated and committed to her supervisory role in the library until her retirement.
After retiring from the University of Manitoba, Evelyn volunteered for many worthy causes, including the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Leisure Group, the Gwen Sector Creative Living Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, for which she was profoundly proud.
Evelyn was thoughtful and caring. She was the soul of wit, the cornerstone of reason, and the picture of love, exhibiting unwavering support and a keen sense of humour. This was superimposed on an adventurous, youthful spirit and infectious personality that was a guiding matriarchal light on her ever-growing family. She had never-ending optimism, always ready with a witty and insightful quip.
She was well-known and well-loved for her cooking and baking, often traveling near and far with an Oreo, strawberry or cherry cheesecake, Tia Maria tort, shortbread cookies or her famous marble cake to share with neighbors, family and friends. She was renowned for her meatballs, which were particularly savoured by her grandchildren.
Evelyn’s interests were widespread, with a profound love of music and musical theatre. She took every opportunity to sing in a choir, whether it was on a cruise ship, at synagogue or in the community. She danced with passion, always with a big smile on her face.
She also loved to travel. Evelyn spent many years traveling with her husband of 49 years, Harry, enjoying many vacations, particularly cruises and road trips with her family. After Harry passed away, she traveled extensively, often by herself, making new friends and relishing new experiences.
Evelyn was a frequent guest on her son Alan’s Los Angeles based radio show, Gurvey’s Law. She often shared the microphone with legal luminaries, actors, athletes and news personalities, holding her own with intelligence and good humour. She was a natural on the radio, adding insightful and meaningful commentary to almost any subject.
Evelyn had a way with words, ushering her way though life with sentiments of encouragement, jokes and philosophical sayings. Her love of art, opera, symphony, philosophy, literature and sports inspired many of these interests in her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Minnesota Vikings. Evelyn loved summer days at the family cottage at West Hawk Lake, where she enjoyed relaxing and spending time with family.
Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes in Winnipeg on May 22, 2023. Pallbearers were grandchildren Faren Asaria, Marli Lichtman, Harlan Gurvey, Rayna Schwartz, Lisa Schwartz and Carly Schwartz.
If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (204-949-3999), or 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
Obituaries
GERTRUDE “GERTIE”NEPON (NEE PIERCE) JUNE 1, 1926 – DECEMBER 26, 2025
Gertrude “Gertie” Nepon (née Pierce), aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, Baba, sister, and friend, whose love, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children Allan (Reeva), Mark (Leslie), and Jack (Carla) and her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Hillary (Ariel), Joshua, Hayley (Richard), Taryn and David. Born on June 1, 1926, in Winnipeg, Gertie was the daughter of Esther and Benjamin Pierce. She was predeceased by the love of her life, David Harry Nepon, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Their enduring bond was an inspiration to family and friends alike. David passed away in 1988 and losing him left a void in her heart that never truly healed. They are now reunited in peace.
Gertie was also predeceased by her beloved siblings – brothers Moe, Max, Fred, and Jack Pierce, and by her sister Patty. She is survived by her sister Brownie Fleishman, and by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gertie was known for her ever-present smile—even during life’s most difficult moments. Her family and friends were always her greatest priority. She was a homemaker, often volunteering in schools where she tested the hearing of nursery and kindergarten children. She was known for her organization and meticulous nature, keeping her home in perfect order, with everything in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and sharing lunches with her many friends, well into her 90’s. Even in her final year at the Simkin Centre Nursing Home, at age 99, she retained that magical smile—a smile that could light up any room and stood as a testament to her resilience, positivity, and love of life.
Gertie’s funeral was held on Monday, December 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, with Cantor Leslie Emery officiating. Pallbearers were Allan, Mark, Jack, Jordan, David Nepon, and Ellen Fleishman. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SONYA KAMINSKY MAY 24, 1925 – JUNE 12, 2025
Beloved mother and Bubbi passed away peacefully at 100 years old.
Sonya is survived by her children Brenda (Marvin) Kass and Sheldon Kaminsky, her grandchildren Josh (Samantha) Hartley (Erin), Jordan (Jenn), Nikki (Patrick) as well as eight great-grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.
Sonya was predeceased by her parents, sister and beloved husband Bill.
Sonya married the love of her life Bill and they spent 53 wonderful years together, Theirs was a true love story filled with laughter and many wondrous moments and grounded by devotion, respect and unconditional love for each other, Their home was always open to family and friends and at the center of it all was Sunny ( lovingly named for her for her sunny disposition). Sunny loved entertaining. She was a great hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family whether it was Friday night dinners -holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
Sunny enjoyed 10 pin bowling and volunteer work with Bnai Brith Women.
However at the centre of her life was always her Family and her role as BUBBI filled her heart and kept her strong.
She was the best – MOM- Bubbi – Aunt – always there for everyone to listen , guide, advise, and support and always with unconditional Love. She adored each of her great grandchildren and imply could not get enough of them….they were her pride and joy!
We all feel so blessed to have her share our lives.
MOM you were our Rock and you will always be our “Sunshine.”
SUNNY will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family as well as all those whose lives she touched.
Our gratitude to Simkin center and especially to Moms caregivers Marianne, Odette, Marinel and Mina.
Special thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his ongoing support.
Our Heartfelt thanks for the donations, meals, love and support extended to our family.