Obituaries
GWENDOLYN FAITH NELKO zt”l
It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Faith Nelko at the age of 81, of Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 24, 2020, of Covid-19 at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg.
She is survived by: her husband of 59 years, Dr. Sidney Nelko; children Marni (Aren) Nelko Altman of Vancouver, BC, and Trevor (Rachelle) Nelko of Plymouth, Minnesota; and grandchildren, Ashton Altman, Tristan and Dylan Nelko. She was predeceased by her brother, Sidney Flackman, of Winnipeg.
Gwen was born in Winnipeg to Sonia and David Flackman on August 22, 1939. She was a certified X-ray technician, and throughout her life was actively involved in many charities, most notably the opening of the Seven Oaks General Hospital where her husband Sid was a founding doctor. She assisted in Sid’s medical practice where her exceptional organizational skills, sense of humour, and leadership were a guiding light.
Gwen’s life was defined by love and great joy. Her greatest love was her family, for whom her exhilaration created a life of overflowing happiness and positivity. Gwen and her beloved husband Sid’s love story is legendary. “The Lovebirds”. No words can describe the powerful eternal bond they shared. Her adoring children and grandchildren were her life. She and Sid enjoyed many years traveling to visit Marni in California, Colorado, and British Columbia, and Trevor in Minnesota. She also had a special love for her cherished dogs, Phoebe and Tyler.
Gwen loved to entertain and the beautiful, warm home she created for her family was renowned as an extraordinary place always filled with fun, love, laughter and beloved relatives, friends, neighbours, and lots of kids. Gwen also loved adventure and was fortunate to have traveled extensively. Attending medical conventions with Sid, often in exotic locations, was one of her favourite pastimes.
According to Jewish tradition, Gwen’s passing on Shabbat recognizes her as a “tzaddik”, a person of great righteousness, and her name is therefore now followed by the acronym zt”l, reserved strictly for tzadikim, meaning “may the memory of this righteous one be a blessing”. It is said that God preserves the whole world for the sake of these few hidden saints and that the passing of such a righteous soul is a tremendous loss to all of humanity, leaving behind a vast spiritual void.
Gwen truly did live her life in an elevated state of higher consciousness. She was always the first to help, call, offer, listen, and truly care for anyone in need. She always gave 110% of herself, time and love, never asking for anything in return. She never complained or spoke a word of negativity about anyone or anything. Her eyes were open only to the beauty and blessings around her and the heavens poured down around all in her captivating presence.
Gwen is remembered most for her grace, radiance and her beautiful ever-present smile and laughter. May the infinite light of pure love, never-ending joy and loving-kindness of Gwen’s great, eternal spirit light the way for us all to elevate ourselves and our world in her blessed memory.
“I love you to infinity and back infinity times”
Memorial donations may be made to Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, Inc.
Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation
2300 McPhillips Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2V 3M3
(204) 632-3552
Obituaries
ALAN LEVY
On January 6, Alan Levy, age 71, died at Grace Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan spent his childhood in the North End and later moved to River Heights, where his family settled on Brock Street.
After studying in Winnipeg and Tel Aviv, Alan moved to Toronto, where he lived for over 30 years. It was in Toronto where he raised a family with his first wife, Sylvia Bashevkin, worked in public sector human resources and fell in love with Chinese food.
In 2017, after brief stints as an academic in Regina and Brandon, Alan moved back home to the Peg, where he spent many fulfilling years with his devoted wife of 20 years, Cheryl Karlinsky, and their loving dogs. In his later career, he was appointed to the Labour Relations Board of Canada where he served as a skilled adjudicator and proud Canadian.
Alan was endlessly proud of his family, daughters Dalia Levy and Aviva Levy (Adam Walman) of Toronto, and two grandsons, Jonah and Ethan.
Predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Audrey Levy (nee Myers) of Winnipeg, Alan was a dedicated news junkie with a sharp sense of humour. He thrived most when discussing current events, cracking jokes and debating geopolitical crises. Much to his family’s frustration, he would stay up all night glued to the news, and they’d wake up to endless articles he’d shared the night before.
Alan had an exceptionally strong spirit of generosity and focus on ‘tikkun olam’ – repairing the world, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful to the staff at Simkin for providing him with a phenomenal level of care over the last few years, especially Dr. Chung and Sara Reid, Assistant Director of Care. Special thanks to Paul, Victor and Almaze, his kind and patient caregivers.
The funeral took place at Chesed Shel Emes on January 8.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre https://www.simkincentre.ca.
Obituaries
DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025
Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.
