Obituaries
HESTER LEE KROFT OCTOBER 22, 1934 – DECEMBER 15, 2025
Hester Kroft (née Israels) passed away peacefully in Winnipeg surrounded by her family she so deeply loved. She was a cultured, thoughtful and principled woman whose life was shaped by devotion to family, education, community, Judaism and Israel. An English teacher by training and temperament, she believed words mattered and that clarity of language reflected clarity of thought.
Family was Hester’s greatest pride. Together with her husband Guy, her high-school sweetheart, she created a home defined by warmth, curiosity and deep mutual respect. She raised four children, Jonathan (Cara), Debbie (Morley), David (Ellen) and Sarah (Jeff) and treated them all as equals. She believed siblings should not only love one another but genuinely like one another and always have each other’s backs. She succeeded. Her children and their spouses are close friends and her grandchildren, Charlie (Alyssa), Daniel, Emily, Benjamin, Julia, Sally, Matthew, Sam, Joel and Adam and great-grandchild Gio are friends with one another in ways that give shape and meaning to the word family.
Hester and Guy also loved and genuinely liked their own siblings and parents. But they also adopted each other’s parents and siblings. Guy’s parents, Heloise and Charlie Kroft, were Hester’s parents just as Hester’s parents, Sally and Monte Israels, were Guy’s parents. Guy saw Hester’s sister, Renée (Milton), as his own sister and Hester embraced Guy’s brother, Richard (Hillaine), as her own brother.
Hester did not teach her values through lectures. She taught them by example. She and Guy modeled loyalty, kindness and respect across generations. She had a sense of deep fulfillment and pride from watching her family support one another and stand together even in her final days. An accomplished educator, Hester taught junior high school English and left a lasting impression on students who remembered her thoughtful expression decades later. When she was required to step away from teaching to raise her family, she redirected her intellect and leadership toward community service during a time when women were rarely invited into such roles.
She served on the boards of Mount Carmel Clinic, Villa Rosa and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. She was the first woman to serve as president of the Rady Jewish Community Centre and held senior leadership roles with the United Way of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Jewish Community Council. Guided by Tikkun Olam, the Jewish belief in healing the world through good deeds and justice, she worked quietly and effectively to strengthen institutions that continue to serve the community.
Hester loved books, theatre and conversation. She believed beauty elevated daily life and made sure her home and every table she set were works of art beyond mere function.
Hester carried herself with elegance and formed deep, lifelong friendships. She loved to travel, as long as it never kept her from home for too long, and treasured the beautiful memories her family created at the Falcon Lake cottage. Her remarkable legacy lives on through her loved ones.
The family thanks Hing, Hester’s long-time housekeeper and friend, Dr. Grant Goldberg and caregivers Maria Taflan, her mother Cathy and Dilai.
Hester’s memory is a blessing guiding generations forward. Her wisdom, love, and joy uplifted everyone around her, leaving a lasting mark on our lives and the world. We mourn her as family, as friends and as a wider community. Donations in Hester’s memory may be made to the Hester & Guy Kroft Family Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba 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.