Obituaries
EVELYN MASLOWSKY
On May 18, 2020, Evelyn Maslowsky passed away at the Simkin Centre at the age of 92.
Evelyn is survived by her son Kenny, daughter Debbie (Arthur), daughter-in-law Chris, brother Nathan Yacowar (Lucy), brother-in-law Bill Mass (Zeke), her grandchildren Kaylee (Jared), Bobby, Tara and Sarah, and nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dear friend Allan. She was pre-deceased by her husband Sam, daughter Barbara, son Jerry and her parents, Abraham and Freda Yacowar.
Evelyn was born in Burstall, Saskatchewan in 1927. She was raised in a most loving family with her brother Nathan on their farm in Leader, along with her aunts, uncles and cousins (like siblings). Evelyn moved to Winnipeg on her own at age of 17 to live with her aunt and uncle and attend St. John’s High School before moving on to ‘secretarial’ training. Evelyn remained a true Saskatchewanite –feeling torn who to cheer for when her beloved Roughriders played the Blue Bombers (a bit embarrassing for her son Jerry years later when he worked for the Winnipeg football club).
Evelyn married Sam Maslowsky in 1947. Together they opened their first store – Cut-Rate Grocery on Pacific Avenue. They soon welcomed their four children into the world and all six lived upstairs of the store. Evelyn used to say those were the best years, with her family (very) close, and good friendships with neighbours and customers.
In 1962, Evelyn’s parents moved to Winnipeg. Evelyn and Sam moved to Garden City, with her parents and in-laws living up the street. Evelyn continued working with Sam in the store and together, eventually purchased a new grocery store – Tweed Food Centre in Elmwood. Again, their customers enjoyed the first-rate service, warmth and good humour of Evelyn and Sam.
In addition to working in the store, raising four children and being a devoted daughter, Evelyn was very active in B’nai Brith Women where she led numerous community service programs in seniors’ homes and at facilities for physically and intellectually challenged adults. There were also many fundraising events including developing their famous ‘Penny Arcade’. Evelyn was also active in Pioneer Women and volunteered for numerous organizations.
Evelyn was always cooking and baking for her family, the community and beyond. Whether it was feeding 20 Hydro workers sandwiches and coffee (they were fixing lines after a storm in front of the house), making food for those sandbagging at flood lines, or feeding walkers on a fundraising walkathon stop at our house, Evelyn was ready to contribute the best way she knew how – with food and an open heart.
In addition to working in the store, Evelyn started a part time job as an enumerator with the Henderson City Directories. She soon became Supervisor of the Winnipeg office and other canvasses in Western Canada.
A highlight for Evelyn was, after Sam passed and she had turned 80, Jerry, Debbie and Sarah took Evelyn to her hometown in Saskatchewan. The town council office held a Tea for Evelyn and many of her childhood friends and neighbours (even the milk delivery ‘boy’) came to pay tribute to the incredible community contributions of the Yacowar family. This was sweetened even more when her cousin Maury joined the nostalgic visit.
Everyone who knew Evelyn was familiar with her zest for life, her fieriness, her ability to be a warm place to land, her inability to be judgmental, her sparkling eyes, her love of dance, song, family and friends. She was the ultimate caregiver. She walked into a Toronto club where Kenny was singing with a bag of Omnitsky wieners and vursht. She made Christmas dinner for 50 friends and family (as that was the only day Sam closed the store) and anyone else who couldn’t be with their own families. She shipped baking filled Purim packages to Bobbi and Kenny. She brought baking, cooked chickens and chili to Jerry and Debbie. She delivered, with love.
The family is grateful for past assistance of Friendly Caregivers and the incredible staff of the Simkin Centre (EVERY single one). We also thank pallbearers Tara Maslowsky, Bobby Maslowsky, Kaylee Maslowsky, Jared Schirmacher, Neil Baker, and Sheldon Kaminsky. There are not enough words to express our thanks to Almaze Mebratu, whose dedication, love and support of her baba, knew no limits.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to: the “Barbara Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba; or the “Jerry Maslowsky Memorial Fund” at Variety, The Children’s Charity of Manitoba; or “Jerry’s Gift – The Day Away Program” at the Never Alone Foundation; or to a charity of your choice.
Rest in peace ma and take care of the rest of our family. You are so loved.
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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