Obituaries
JOE ERENBERG
It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Joe Erenberg on June 3, 2017, at the age of 97, at the Simkin Centre in Winnipeg, with his family by his side.
Our father was the beloved husband of 64 years to our mother Anne and the loving father of Marlene, Barry and Shari. He was devoted zaida (grandfather) of Carly, Brenlee, Marni, Karen, Debbie, Hailey and Alanna and great-grandfather to Alaina, Aiden and Jeremy.
He was predeceased by his father Max and his mother Sarah Leah, his wife Anne, his brother Morry, his granddaughter Marni and niece Brina. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg, Canada.
Pallbearers were Howie Schwartz, Daniel Cormier, Yale Gilbert, Reuven Erenberg, David Erenberg and Noah Erenberg.
Dad was born in Mariupol, Ukraine. He immigrated with his family to Winnipeg when he was just four years old, and like the majority of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, home became Winnipeg’s north end.
Dad’s career began in 1939 as an apprentice at Tadman’s drug store on the corner of Redwood and Salter in the north end of Winnipeg. His duties at first were to keep the floors sparkling clean as well as to operate the soda bar where he acquired the reputation of making the tastiest milkshakes in the north end as well as some pretty mean sundaes and banana splits. Once or twice a month, summer and winter, Dad would get on his trusted bicycle and deliver cigarettes, stamps and soft drinks to Canada Packers five miles away.
Dad’s first official job in pharmacy was as a salesman for Horner Drug Company. He went on to become assistant pharmacist at Winnipeg General Hospital (Health Sciences Centre). In 1952 he opened his own pharmacy in the Osborne Medical Building called Professional Pharmacy. And in addition, in 1962 he became the Chief Pharmacist at the Concordia Hospital.
Dad retired in 1995.
During Dad’s career he was honoured by the Pharmaceutical Association for being a pharmacist for 50 years. He was also recognized by the Manitoba Medical Association for being the first pharmacy in Manitoba not to sell cigarettes.
Dad got to know all his customers personally and had many lasting friendships even after his retirement. Dad’s true passion was his family; to Dad, family was everything. He was a devoted son to his mother and father and often checked in on them on his way home from work. To know him was to love him.
Everyone who knew Dad knew there was something special about him; even people who had just met him were immediately taken in by his big, brown eyes, his sense of humour, his sharpness of mind, his kindness and gentle demeanor. Dad was a very humble man. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family. He was so easy to talk to; you could share any problem or concern with Dad and he always made himself available to do anything to help.
Dad was a man with very strong morals and principles who held onto old fashioned values throughout his lifetime. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss his wisdom and caring and loving ways.
Dad will always be remembered and forever revered for his compassion for people, his love of life and his unconditional love for his family. We will miss the feeling we got when he entered a room. We will miss his smile and the pride we felt in just being his children.
The family would like to thank Claire Caraan, his caregiver, for her caring and devotion to Dad in his final days.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Anne and Joe Erenberg Fund in care of Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3N 2B2, (204) 477-7520.
Obituaries
JENNIE GOLDSTINE
September 25, 1929 – March 6, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones Mom passed away on March 6th at the age of 96.
Mom is survived by her three sons, Marc (Robyn), Ian (Elaine) and Lawrence. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacque (Tyler), Steven (Jani), Daniel (Lainie), Jason (Gen) and Kyle as well as five great-grandchildren, Asher, Beckham, Jakob, Quinn and Abby. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Alvin).
She was predeceased by her husband Allan; her brothers, Boris and David; and her parents, Aaron and Manya Margolis.
Mom’s journey began in Kremenets, Poland on September 25, 1929. Mom came to Canada with her parents and brother Boris in the summer of 1930 and her story was in many ways the classic immigrant story. Raised in the North End, first on Euclid and Barber and then the big move in 1938 to Atlantic and Aikins, her parents ran a grocery store and times were not easy. However, the way out was education and in 1946, Mom graduated from St. John’s high school. Her high school was a point of pride for her throughout her life and when the 75th anniversary festivities took place in 1985, she had the time of her life. Mom’s education continued after high school and she attended United College (University of Winnipeg today) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was one of the few women of her generation to graduate from university and she took great pride in that fact. That push came from her own mother who had attended Gymnasia (secondary school) in Poland, a rarity for women.
Mom and Dad met in 1949 and were married on May 17, 1950. They were supposed to get married at the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road, but the first flood of the century intervened and they took refuge in Regina where my Dad had an aunt. They were married in aunt Eleanor’s living room. The family grew in the 50s and 60s with Marc arriving in 1952, Ian in 1955 and Lawrence in 1962.
In 1963 Dad graduated with his CA and as a celebration the family went out to Gimli and stayed at the Shoreliner Motel. While visiting Gimli, Mom and Dad made one of the great decisions of their lives when they purchased 25 2nd Avenue. The family shared so many fantastic experiences and has so many memories throughout the 50 years in Gimli.
Mom’s education continued in 1967 when she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught for a year at Shaughnessy Park and spent a year on supply for Winnipeg School Division. Mom took a break from teaching in 1970 but returned in 1976 in a new role that would define her teaching. Mom became a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division and would continue in this role until she retired in 1992. Although she had no specialized training in early years education, Mom substituted primarily in JK K and Grade 1. She spent the majority of her time substituting in North End schools such as David Livingston, Victoria Albert and Norquay to name only a few. You could take the girl out of the North End but you could never take the North End out of the girl.
After Mom and dad retired in 1992, they moved out to Gimli to live full-time. Mom had one condition for moving out to Gimli, there had to be cable TV. Dad made sure there was cable TV. Mom and dad had a magical 20 years in Gimli. They met some terrific people who would become very close friends and they loved life in the Interlake. In late January each year they would drive down to Palm Springs and spend wonderful winters in the Coachella Valley.
It was the best of both worlds.
In 2013 they made the necessary decision to move back to Winnipeg in order to be closer to family. Mom and Dad were married for 63 years when dad passed away in 2014. Fortunately for mom, she was always a people person and she stayed busy by meeting new people and staying active. She was a voracious reader and there was always a newspaper or book in her hands. She also loved TV and enjoyed watching her favourite shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson and Rex and Blue Bloods.
Mom’s last journey began in June 2023 when she moved into the Simkin Centre. She adjusted well to her new surroundings and was well liked by staff and residents. She looked forward to Friday afternoon bingo on Weinberg 2 and especially winning at bingo which she often did. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from all the staff on Weinberg 2. There is one person who deserves special recognition and that is Mom’s companion and loving friend Mary Ann. The family is forever grateful for the care, respect and love she showed towards mom. It added a special quality of life to Mom’s final years. We were blessed to have Mom in our lives for an incredible 96 years. When Mom was 93, I asked her what it felt like to be 93. Her reply, 19!!
Mom’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 9th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mom’s grandson Steven Goldstine. Pallbearers were Jacque Edwards, Daniel Goldstine, Steven Goldstine, Jason Goldstine, Kyle Goldstine and Honourary Pallbearer Alvin Slayen.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mom we will miss your smile, warmth and sense of humour. “You are my sunshine my only sunshine.”
Obituaries
WALTER (VEV) GANETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Walter (Vev) Ganetsky on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son David, his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Tracie, grandchildren, Braden (Maya), Jori (Justin), Alix and pup Enzo. Vev is also survived by Penny Ganetsky, sister-in-law Sharon Ganetsky, nephew Leonard (Lynn), niece Michele (Myles), great-nephews, numerous cousins, life long friends and special friend Fay Reich.
Graveside service was held at B’nay Abraham Cemetery on April 6. Pallbearers were David Ganetsky, Morgan Ganetsky, Braden Ganetsky, Myles Levin, Howard Jesierski, Laurie Etkin and Mitchell Rosenberg. We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Ashley Miller of WFPS and the other first responders for their care and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Jewish Child and Family Service, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ESTHER MINUK Dec. 27, 1932 – April 3, 2026
Esther Bat Hershel Ve Devorah
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Minuk, beloved matriarch of our family. She was predeceased by her bashert, her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Doris and Harry Golub; and her sister, Evelyn (Herbie).
Esther was a loving and proud mother, Baba, and Great-Baba to her children Yale, Rhonda (Tom), Perry (Abby), Jody, and Marla (Franklin); her grandchildren Jordan (Amy), Daniel (Allie), Allie (Jordan), Hannah, and Lily; and her great-grandchildren Julian, Aidan, and Eddie.
Known to many as `Queen Esther’, she led with kindness and integrity, always seeing the good in others. Her home was open and welcoming, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was sharp, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. We are heartbroken and forever grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. She will be eternally missed by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation, 416-633-6224, https://bit.ly/4bRsabI or Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation