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Obituaries

JERRY JULIUS MOSCOVITCH

March 5, 1940 – January 2, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jerry Moscovitch, beloved husband to Gloria, father in loving memory to son David, daughter Susan and partner Gustavo Lecman, son Dan and wife Melanie Shell, and Zaida to his cherished grandchildren, Darrel Kilburn and partner Sarah Bradley, Taylor Kilburn and partner Ruben Kalra, Michelle Lecman and Ezri, Leila, and Oscar Shell-Moscovitch.

Jerry will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews and cousins in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Jennie (Kankewitt) and Morris Moscovitch, his sister Betty and husband Joe Wohl, his brother Earl and wife Adele Moss and brother Walter Morris, Jerry’s in-laws, Harry Allan and Millicent (Hallis) Adler, brother-in law Aaron Udlar and his nephew Craig Moss.

Jerry lived a full, wonderful life and looking back, he had many accomplishments.

Jerry’s career was dedicated to our youth and their education and to his love of music.

Jerry taught for many years at Churchill High, Hugh John McDonald and at his alma mater St. Johns High. Throughout his career, he shared his love of learning with students teaching Math and Science. Jerry also served as a Guidance Counselor, started and led a school choir at Hugh John McDonald and was a soccer and a volleyball coach and took his team to win the finals three years in a row.

His impact on his students was immeasurable and he will be remembered by them for his unwavering support and encouragement.

In addition to his teaching career, Jerry had many passions. He was the youngest Master of his Masonic lodge, a founding member of the Bnai Brith Yachad Couples group and on the advisory and executive committees of many groups.

Many will remember Jerry for his love of Music and for his amazing singing voice and his stage presence. Jerry was a singer and an entertainer, he was an active participant with the Manitoba Opera for 38 years, the Festival Opera group, the Rosh Pina Synagogue choir, the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue choir, the Rady Sholem Choir, the Macs Chinese choir, the Winnipeg Symphony, the Winnipeg Golden Chordesman for the last 16 years and had also entertained many times at the Simkin Centre, Riverview, Shaftesbury and the Portsmouth Personal Care Homes. Music brought Jerry joy and allowed him to connect with others who shared his passion.

Jerry was always ready for adventure, he never said no to trying something new and loved exploring the world. He enjoyed travelling, going on cruises with Gloria and a group of close friends and spending summers in Gimli. Jerry enjoyed discovering new cuisines but, his all-time favourite was always Chinese food.

Some of his favourite times spent were with family celebrating the high holidays, gathering for dinners and special occasions, watching the Jets and Blue Bombers and his favourite Hudson and Rex on TV and he especially enjoyed when the board games or cards came out.

Time spent with Gloria, his precious children and grandchildren were the special times that Jerry loved the very most.

The legacy of Jerry Moscovitch is one of kindness, generosity and strength. His work, music, love and his contagious smile have left an undeniable mark on all of us – his family, his friends and the countless students whose lives he touched over the years.

While we will deeply miss Jerry, we can take comfort in knowing that the lessons he taught, the love he gave and the spirit he shared will live on in each and everyone of us.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff – Jane, Sara, Cathy, Evelyn, Wenga, Stacey, Jimmy, Ian, etc. on Simkin W 3 and also Esther and Alan for their care and all the smiles well shared.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s name to the Simkin Centre, (204-589-9027) (for recreation and the love of music), the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue (204-452-3711) or to a designation of your choice.

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Obituaries

RHONDA MATIAS

Rhonda Matias (nee Rykiss) passed away peacefully December 31, 2024, in Toronto, surrounded by her children.

Daughter of the late Belle and the late Max Rykiss of Winnipeg. Rhonda was born in Winnipeg on May 3, 1944, and raised in both the North End on Inkster Boulevard and later Cordova Street in Winnipeg’s South End. Her family nickname was Cookie as her father said she had a round face. She moved to Montreal when she was 18, only to be called back to Winnipeg to take care of her ailing mother.

Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, Rhonda was an independent and successful businesswoman. She worked in retail sales for her parents and from her basement, and later was a successful sales rep. Rhonda was a well-known and beloved figure at her own enterprise, A Store is Born, at the Winnipeg International Airport.

She loved fashion and art and followed in her mother and sister’s footsteps of cooking and baking. She read newspapers, kept in close contact with friends and family, stayed in shape and liked to spend time in the sun.

Rhonda relocated to Toronto in 2000 to be closer to family. She made many new friends and nurtured her love for dogs.

She is survived by her children, Debbi-Jo Matias (Kevin Filkow), Marshall Matias (Merav Barr). Bubbi Cookie adored her grandchildren, Mikaela Matias, Jack Matias, Jesse Filkow and Ari Filkow. She is also survived by her brother Bruce M. Rykiss and aunt Fay Rykiss, nieces and nephews, Jodi Sprackman (Paul), Steven Gilletz (Cheryl Lis), Douglas Gilletz (Ariane Cohen). She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Matias in June 1973.

Funeral services were held at Chesed Shel Emes and Shaarey Zedek Cemetery in Winnipeg on January 2, 2025, Rabbi Kliel Rose presiding, and Shiva was observed in Toronto.

Pallbearers were Kevin Filkow, Jesse Filkow, Jack Matias, Ari Filkow, Bryan Borzykowski and Steven London.

The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, especially Michelle Ciego.

Donations may be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Rhonda Matias Memorial Fund in support of BB Camp, or charity of your choice.

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Obituaries

SYBIL RUBIN MARCH 18 1931 – SEPTEMBER 4 2024

Sybil passed on to her next adventure on September 4, 2024 at age 93 1/2.
She was a bright light in many people’s lives, most especially her loving family’s. Sybil lived her values with joy, energy, and purpose. She was always welcoming and inclusive, unwaveringly supportive, loving and optimistic. She volunteered extensively her time and skills with countless community organizations. She thrived on both teaching and learning, presenting celebrated book reviews, as a community presenter on the subjects of Israel and Hanukkah, and developing iconic programs like the Beth El Art Auctions.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Sybil was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, and was elected to lead her college as Lady Stick of Arts in her senior year. Sybil met Manly Rubin – the love of her life – while in their teens in Winnipeg; they married in 1953. They immediately ventured off to Dublin, Ireland where Sybil earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Trinity College while Manly earned his medical degree. She loved their time in Dublin, which provided opportunities to explore various European countries.
They then moved to a small town in Saskatchewan where they welcomed their three children: Harry, Caron and Rochelle. With relocation to Minneapolis a few years later, Sybil threw her energy into her new community’s programs, her children’s activities, and volunteer opportunities. She remained a voracious reader (participating in three book clubs) and enthusiastic traveler into her 80’s, bringing her family on exotic foreign adventures after Manly passed away in 2010. She always delighted in attending plays, concerts and other performances. Hers was a life well lived.
Sybil is survived by her adoring children, Harry, Caron (Marc Meirovitz) and Rochelle Rubin (Scott Rutzick); sister, Rochelle Pincovich; grandchildren, Colin and Ethan Meirovitz, Shelby Rutzick and Boaz, Amalya and Gilad Rubin, as well as loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by husband, Manly Rubin; parents, Sam and Minnie Heft; sister, Connie Robinson; brothers and sister-in-law, Myles Robinson, Leon & Lainy and Jack Rubin and Aurel Pincovic

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Obituaries

ISAAC GOTFRIED

Isaac Gotfried passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025 in his 100th year.

Isaac was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Hilda(nee Goldberg) and his brother Bernard.  The rest of his birth family perished in the Holocaust.

He is survived by his daughters, Irene Shapira (Gary), Susan Libby Hutton (Christopher), Marla Gaudet (Alan), and Paula Kerr (David); grandchildren, Jared, Laura, Casey (Stephen), Morgan (Marie Michele), Evan, Callum (Sophie) and Rowan; and great-grandchildren, Makenna, Jachin and Bodhi.

Isaac was very proud of the life he made for himself and his family in Winnipeg.  He was a devoted family man, a good friend and a hard worker.

Isaac was a survivor.  He was in several concentration camps, from ages 15-18, escaping into the woods shortly before liberation.  He testified against the Nazis at the Buchenwald trials in Dachau, Germany, in 1947.  

After retiring from a very successful career with London Life, he devoted his energy to educating people of all ages and backgrounds about the horrors of the Holocaust by speaking to over 25,000 people at schools, museums and conferences locally and internationally.    He was interviewed by newspapers, television, documentarians, and PhD candidates.  His legacy has been captured on film, in print and by the Shoah Foundation.  He wanted to ensure that the Holocaust was never forgotten.  He ended every lecture and interview with the words ‘Never again’.  

At the age of 92, Isaac published his memoir ‘Lucky to Survive’ which sold over 1000 copies.  At Isaac’s request, all proceeds were donated to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  He was very proud of the book, selling it to everybody he met, even his ambulance attendants.   

Isaac loved and was loved and respected by many.  He was very sociable, generous, a great story teller, and loved telling a good joke.  He was an excellent bridge player, playing at least twice a week right up to his admission to hospital.  He was a very intelligent, self-educated man.  He loved to travel with Hilda and spend the winters in Florida or Palm Springs.  

Thank you to the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence staff and friends who became such a huge part of his life.

In lieu of flowers, Isaac requested that donations be made to the Jewish Heritage Centre’s Holocaust Education Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

The funeral will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 9:30 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg.  It will also be live streamed.   Shiva will be in the library at The Shaftesbury, 905 Shaftesbury blvd on Friday from 2-4 pm and Saturday from 7-9 pm.

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