Obituaries
IRENE ROSENBERG
Irene Rosenberg, 90, formerly of West Hartford and Bloomfield, Connecticut, died peacefully on July 29, 2021.
Born Irene Dolgin Yamron on Dec. 21, 1930 in Winnipeg, to Louis and Lillian Yamron, she moved to North Dakota as a young bride of her beloved Mervin in the 1950s, and ultimately made New England and the United States her home. She was a prolific, imaginative knitter and quilter, a meticulous homemaker who had a passion for travel, historical novels, swimming and healthy cooking long before it was in vogue. She was a beacon of stability in tough times who urged children to “wake up with alacrity,” “study diligently,” and when someone in the household was unwell to not come in “with a whoop and a holler.”
She made time and had time for a far-flung array of friends and family, some lifelong, and others newfound in Connecticut starting in the sixties, who would form enduring, multi-generational bonds. Sabbath and other holiday meals in her home were often special events, with many people squeezed in around a table abundant in traditions. A highlight was the Passover dinner, for which she spread out a crisp white tablecloth and established her own tradition: The first person to accidentally knock over a glass of red wine, got a gift. It was a prize signifying that the awardee was the first but surely not the last at a boisterous dinner, no embarrassment necessary.
She grew up and was educated in Winnipeg, where she received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1952. She focused on managing a busy household for the next four decades and in the eighties studied food service management at Manchester Community College in Connecticut. She obtained an associate in science degree in 1986 and worked at St. Mary’s Home for the Aged in West Hartford, ensuring that the elderly Sisters of Mercy who resided there were brought meals consistent with their dietary concerns.
Irene was predeceased by her younger brother Ian, two sons Joel and Hart, and husband, Mervin Rosenberg M.D., her devoted partner of 55 years who passed away in Connecticut on July 20, 2007. She leaves a son, Mark David, daughters Dale, Carol and Sharon Beth, a sister-in-law Fraydel Yamron and eight grandchildren Judith, Jimbo, Doran, Kendra, Zara, Sofia, Simon and Ian. Funeral services were held on July 30, 2021 at the Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery in Connecticut. Contributions in Irene’s memory may be made to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford, Connecticut, 06117 or to the Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main Street, Winnipeg.
She was a member of the Emanuel Synagogue of West Hartford, including during her later years when she resided at a Hebrew Senior Life care facility in eastern Massachusetts.
She celebrated her last birthday, like many of the rest of us, in a form of quarantine. She received lovely flowers from her eldest niece and nephew, Judy and Barry, and another beautiful bunch from her sister-in-law, Fraydel. She celebrated with a deli lunch of chopped liver and egg salad — and a Zoom visit with some of her kids.
Irene turned 90 at that birthday, making her a bit younger but a contemporary of Queen Elizabeth II. After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the queen riffed on a remark by Dr. Colin Murray Parkes, an esteemed and pioneering psychiatrist in England. Here is what the queen said: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
Obituaries
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.