Obituaries
GERALDINE “GERRY” BAKER(née SHATSKY)
Sadly, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 102 years young, Geraldine “Gerry” Baker, our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away in her sleep at St. Boniface Hospital.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by her son Les; grandchildren Steven (Bonnie), Bryan (Kristin), Scott (Jess) and Andrew (Jenn); great-grandchildren Rylie, Jada, Seth, Karys, Amy, Zoey, Logan, James and Delylah; family friend Karen; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Dave; daughter Pam; daughter-in-law Lylene; son-in-law Jack; sisters Bessie and Millie, and brother Bert.
Gerry was born in Winnipeg on January 27, 1921 in the home of her paternal grandparents by a midwife, and was raised in both Pelly and Kamsack Saskatchewan. As a young woman, she was en route to Windsor, Ontario to attend nursing school and made a short stop in Winnipeg. It was there where she met her husband Dave on a blind date at the Half Moon, and landed her first job at Wolch’s Department Store, beginning her life-long career in retail. They were married in Winnipeg on Halloween in 1943, and with Dave in the Navy, they moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia where Pam was born in 1945. When the war was over, they returned to Winnipeg and lived at 440 Smithfield Street. Gerry thought she lived in a mansion! Their son Les was later born in 1950, and in 1954 they moved to 299 Hartford where they enjoyed 45 years in their cherished home. During those years, they celebrated Les’ Bar Mitzvah, Pam’s wedding to Jack, Les’ wedding to Lylene, and the birth of their four grandchildren. They spent their last years together before Dave’s passing at their condo at 2000 Sinclair Street.
Gerry’s family and friends were her greatest joy in life. Nothing brought her more happiness than seeing the smiles on the faces of her grandchildren and hearing the laughter in the voices of her great-grandchildren. She was Gerry Baker – the classiest of ladies; one in a million, everyone knew her, and everyone loved her. We were so blessed to have her with us for as long as we did, and life will never be the same without her. We will carry Gerry’s memory in our hearts forever.
Thank you to the wonderful staff of River Ridge 1 and St. Boniface Hospital 4E for their kindness and compassion, and a very special thank you to Sandy Slonosky and her home care staff for their wonderful care to Gerry over the years.
A Graveside Service was held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Gerry’s grandson Scott, and great-grandchildren Rylie, Jada, Seth, Karys and Amy.
Donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Parkinson Canada.
Rest well Gerry – you’ve earned it. We love you!
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.