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
ALAN JEFFREY RAPPAPORT
With much love and sadness, we mourn the passing of Alan Jeffrey Rappaport who died at the age of 72 on July 1, 2025.
Alan was predeceased by his parents – Sidney and Elaine Rappaport. He is survived by his former wife, Lynnie and their children Amy (Josh Bloomfield) and Lissie (Tamir Bourlas), grandchildren Aiden, Olivia, Shai and Aviya, his sister Bonny Leszcz (Molyn), brother Eppy (Ellen), brother Danny (Marcy), and many nieces, nephews and niblings.
Alan was born in Brooklyn, NY. He lived in Pennsylvania and California before moving to Winnipeg at the age of 14 when his father accepted a position as head rabbi at the Rosh Pina Synagogue. He earned an accounting degree at the University of Manitoba and became a Certified Chartered Accountant. An entrepreneur at heart, he went on to become co-owner of Omnitsky Kosher with his brother Eppy.
Alan was a gifted athlete. He had a sharp intellect (particularly with numbers). He played a great game of pool, poker and golf. He was well loved for his sense of adventure. He knew how to live large and did so in the first part of his life.
Alan had a significant stroke at the age of 48 when he lost the use of his left side. The latter part of his life was marked by adjusting to disability. He learned to live with less and appreciate ordinary everyday delights – a riveting murder mystery, a corned beef sandwich, a Blue Jays game.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Simkin Centre for the care he received in his final years.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to: Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre or Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.
Obituaries
JACOB (JACK) KLEIMAN FEBRUARY 8, 1927 – AUGUST 19, 2024
It was with great sorrow that we announced the passing of Jacob (Jack) Kleiman (Jacob ben Moishe) on Monday August 19, 2024 (16, Av) in his 98th year.
He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Rose Kleiman, his brother, Harvey, and his sisters, Florence (the late Louis Selby), Betty (the late Joseph Gilfix) and Ruth (the late Ben Aisenstat). He is survived by his sister Ann of Bethesda, U.S.A. (the late Harold Eist). He will be missed by his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grand-nieces, great-grandnephews, and great-grandnieces.
Jack’s maternal grandparents were among the pioneer families established in the then Hirsch Colony (founded 1892) by the Jewish Colonization Association in the Southeast corner of Saskatchewan. Jack and his late brother Harvey lived and farmed on the same land purchased by their parents in the area.
In later years he and his brother developed many business interests: initially farm implement and automotive sales and later oil exploration companies including Poplar Developments Ltd., drilling locally. They were well known in the surrounding community and were generous supporters of local charitable initiatives such as the Estevan General Hospital.
Jack and his brother were the last Jewish farmers in the Hirsch area and over the years were the subject of many literary articles and television interviews. Jack and his brother helped to maintain the Jewish cemetery in the Hirsch area until it was taken over as a historical site by the province. Due to advancing age, the family farm was sold in 2016 and both retired to Calgary to be nearer to family. This marked the closing of one chapter of Jewish history in Canada.
Jack was a talented mechanic who remained married to the land and devoted to his family. He was ever of good spirit. Although frail in body, Jack remained active mentally and involved in life until the end being always interested in the happenings of his extended family.
It is hard to adequately sum up a long life marked by both hard work, dedication to family, and good humour. The entire family remember him and honour him with love, affection, and good memories.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbours in the Estevan area who provided help and support during his last years and especially to his dedicated care givers in Calgary.
The funeral was held in Calgary on August 22, 2024, at the Chevra Kadisha Chapel with interment at the 37th Street Jewish Cemetery.
The unveiling will take place on July 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the same location. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
EDITH LANDY
June 30, 1920 – July 2, 2025
After a long and fulfilling life, our Mother passed on July 2, 2025. Born in Winnipeg, she grew up as part of a large extended family.
Mother was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Mayer Freiden and Rivka (nee Fordman), our father, David Landy, and her sisters Syma Katz and Jennie Rich. Edith is survived by her five children and their families: Laurie Landy and Nora Spinks, Barbara and Paul Livingston, Bob and Rhonda Landy, Mark Landy and Jenifer, and Martin Landy, her grandchildren Saralyn, Adam, Alex, Joshua, Ethan, Caitlin, David, Alicia, Lily, and six great-grandchildren, her cousins Norma Chernick and Shlomo Mayman and her many friends and relatives.
Mom grew up as part of a large extended family in the North End of Winnipeg, guided by her father’s values of service, community and the importance of family. She entered the School of Nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital, now the Health Sciences Centre. She progressed from general duty nurse to nursing supervisor and served as the Assistant Director of Nursing for 15 years until her retirement in 1983. Over the course of her five-decade nursing career, she raised five children, managed a household, cared for many extended family members and remained actively involved in the community.
Community was a foundation of Mom’s life. Mom was very proud of her volunteering at the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, Winnipeg Folk Fest and other community events. She and David were patrons of the arts, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Opera. In 2024, she was recognized as the longest continuous subscriber to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
The North Centennial Seniors Association played an important role in our parents’ later years. She ran her kitchen crew, supervised Hot Dog Day and provided food for many bus trips. Mom’s legacy was the Grandma Grandpa Swim Club, which she established, raised funds for, and built into a strong organization.
After a long and remarkable life of service and giving care, Mom accepted the need to receive care. The Family would like to thank Melita and Nelissa for their care and dedication, as well as the staff of the Simkin Centre, especially on Weinberg 2.
We cannot put into words how much she will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Joseph Freiden Scholarship for Jewish Studies at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
A service was held July 4, 2025, at Chesed Shel Emes – Winnipeg.