Obituaries
FRANCES SETTLER
If you are reading this obituary you probably are reading it with a smile on your face. A memory of Frances would always be filled with stories of kindness, intelligence and humour.
The Settler home on Niagara was the best. Frances’s three children, Len, Miriam and Seymour, grew up in a home full of love and fun. It was a place teeming with all variety of books – with classical music and opera. The home was imbued with the smells of cooking, which was always delicious and home-made. Frances loved to cook for her family, loved watching everyone eat, and loved to talk about food and try new recipes. Frances had undeniable love for her family; it was constant and unbreakable. She kept her thoughts to herself – and was never critical of anyone, especially her children.
Frances would frequent the WSO with her husband Moishe as season ticket holders and, after Moishe died, would continue to attend with friends or by herself. Whether it was the ballet, symphony, MTC, PTE, or the opera, she would be there: energetic, sharp, inquisitive, ageless even in her nineties, and often with her car parked outside to drive herself home.
Frances was a spectacular woman, exuberant, with a ferocious independence of mind, and totally unwearied investment in the world. She loved discussing world events and always had an opinion – which she would share, but not before she listened to what you had to say. Frances was always friendly to new faces. She took great pleasure in meeting new people and was always so warm, tolerant, accepting and inviting.
Frances “lived” – in the full sense of the word, nearly a century. She expressed an interest in everyone and everything. She traveled the world with Moishe and they gave their grandchildren indelible experiences. One such trip was a ski trip to Banff, driving in December (along with a giant icebox of food), and taking four grandchildren skiing.
In her later years she played with and fawned over a growing multitude of 12 great-grandchildren. She made so many new friends, whom she kept over a lifetime. She opened herself to art, purely for the love of it. She was well known as a valuable volunteer at Art Rental at the WAG.
What defined Frances? Her intelligence, her interest in everyone and everything, her thoughtfulness, her smile……
Frances was predeceased by: her husband Moishe, and brother Harold Bookbinder, brothers-in-law Bert Settler and Al Waisman, sisters-in-law Ruth Zoltok and Faye Settler, and nephew Louis Bookbinder. She is survived by: her children, Len, Seymour, Miriam, and son-in-law Gary; her grandchildren, Laine, Courtney, Jonah, Jess, Janna, Leslee, Carly, Melissa, Michael, and Maddy; and 12 great-grandchildren. The great-grandchildren called her, appropriately, “Great Frances” as “Great Grandma Frances” was just too much to say. That name was perfect to describe Frances. Frances is also survived by: her brother and sister-in-law Arnold and Sally Bookbinder; sisters-in-law Laura Bookbinder and Faigie Waisman; along with nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank St. Boniface Hospital Emergency and Unit 5B for allowing our mother to have a death with comfort and dignity. Also, thank you to Maria Arbuthnot, Sonia Bermudez and Lucy Smith, for their devotion in caring for Frances.
Your memory is a blessing, Mom. We love you.
Obituaries
ARTHUR WORTZMAN
Surrounded by his family Arthur Wortzman, lovingly known as Art, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Adele Wortzman; his three children, Anita Wortzman (Ron Yurman), Susan Wortzman (Glenn Smith), Jason Wortzman (Teresa Rogers); his grandchildren, Lexie (Jacob), Haley, Liam, Hannah and Jack and his great-grandchildren, Shiloh and River.
Born in Winnipeg in 1929, Art grew up in the vibrant West End of Winnipeg as the youngest of three children. His upbringing was unique for the time, with his parents, Harry and Tillie, working together in their ladies’ clothing stores in Winnipeg and Vancouver. This partnership allowed for a bustling household, filled with the laughter of friends and family.
Art shared a close bond with his siblings, George and Eleanor, and their respective spouses Glory and Howie(Silver), as well as with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Allan and Marsha Maslove. Art inherited many wonderful traits from his parents: from his father, he learned the importance of love and devotion to one’s spouse, and from his mother, he gained a sense of humor, fun, and adventure.
Art’s love for his wife was evident throughout their 66 years of marriage. Adele reciprocated his love and care, looking after him at home and then ensuring he was never alone during his stays at Shaftesbury and Victoria Hospital.
Art’s legacy extends beyond his family. He was a talented athlete, playing football for Gordon Bell High School and U of M Law. Art pursued law at the University of Manitoba and practiced law for over 50 years, known for his ethics, practicality, and dedication. Art’s sense of humor, wisdom, and kindness were well-known. He was a mentor and friend to many, offering wise counsel and support to many clients, friends and other lawyers.
Art’s adventurous spirit was evident throughout his life in Winnipeg, at Falcon Lake and travels to Mexico and Israel. He introduced his family to many activities, from snowmobiling to cross-country skiing, and completed a marathon at 52 years old. He was always game for fun, whether it was Lake Olympics or a historic bike ride on Pipeline Road. In his later years, Art continued to embrace new experiences, from ziplining across the Jordan River to making bread with his grandchildren. He was a talented craftsman, creating Adirondack chairs and vegetable gardens at the lake. Art’s love for learning inspired his family. His grandchildren, Lexie, Haley, Liam, Hannah, and Jack, shared countless adventures and cherished moments with their Zaida.
He was a talented card player, a voracious reader, and a lover of family dinners and games. Art’s legacy lives on in his children, Anita, Susan and Jason who have followed in his footsteps in various ways.
A special thank you to Juhn and Gerlie and several other dedicated caregivers who supported him like a family member. Thank you also to the wonderful staff at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence and the Victoria Hospital.
Services were held on December 23, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Please consider a donation to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Art and Adele Wortzman Fund.
Art’s life was a testament to the values of love, family, friendship, and adventure. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Art, Dad and Zaida – you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in each of us.
Obituaries
CARY RUBENFELD
Cary Rubenfeld, beloved husband, father, zaida, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 72. Cary lived a life defined by kindness, curiousity, humility, and a deep commitment to the people and communities he loved.
Above all, Cary was a family man. He was raised in a family shaped by Jewish resilience and history. He was born to George and Sally Rubenfeld in 1953. His father George and two aunts, Rachel and Regine, survived the Holocaust in France, and the legacy of that survival grounded Cary’s values throughout his life. He carried forward a strong Jewish identity through his early Judaic studies, and this continued to evolve in adulthood as he built a home alive with tradition and Jewish values.
For more than 40 years, Cary shared his life with his wife, Marion. Together they built a home, a business, and a relationship filled with warmth, humour, and unwavering devotion. They worked side by side in their wholesale garden supply and later an import business, travelled the world together, and supported one another with tenderness and resilience. Marion was Cary’s partner in every sense, and their devotion to each other was a foundation for the entire family.
As a father to Michael (Magda) and Sara (Rob), Cary was a steady and loving presence—gentle, attentive, and always remaining connected to their worlds. His kindness shaped them in ways that they will carry forward and aspire to in their lives. Later in life, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, Emry, Kian and Lev.
Cary was the cherished brother of Perry Rubenfeld, with whom he shared a lifelong bond of family, memory, and affection. Cary and Perry tragically lost their mother at a young age. Their close-knit family continued to support and raise them.
Professionally, Cary was known for his integrity. He believed that success in business meant acting fairly, ethically and with compassion. He built strong relationships across North America and Asia, earning respect not only for his expertise, but for his genuine interest in others. He was thoughtful, patient, and guided by a sense of moral clarity.
Outside of business, Cary cultivated passions that brought him community and purpose. His involvement in amateur radio—an interest that reawakened later in life—connected him to people around the world. A lifelong learner, he attended international conventions, helped newcomers enter the hobby, and even earned recognition as Canadian Amateur Radio Operator of the Year. Friends from across continents described him as humble, generous, and quietly inspiring—a man who motivated others not through ego, but through sincerity.
Cary was also a dedicated member of the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah congregation, where he served as treasurer and was instrumental in resurrecting regular Shabbat services in the synagogue after COVID. His love of Judaism deepened through study, particularly with a small Torah group he helped create—an intimate circle of friends who learned together each week, even across cities and time zones. His thirst for knowledge, especially when shared with others, was one of his defining traits.
Cary faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage. Diabetes, kidney disease, and heart complications never dimmed his optimism. He continued to travel, make plans, and pursue learning. He arranged dialysis across Canada, the United States, and even Poland so he could keep living life fully and on his own terms.
For those who wish to make a charitable donation in Cary’s memory, please consider providing a cheque to the Chavurat Tefilah – Talmud Torah Synagogue (459 Hartford Ave., Wpg, MB) or an e-transfer to chavuratt@gmail.com or donating to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Obituaries
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.