With great sadness and broken hearts the family of Freya Wasel announces that she passed away peacefully in her home in Edmonton on April 5, 2025. Freya was born in St. Boniface Hospital on January, 21, 1948 and grew up on Inkster Blvd. in the north end of Winnipeg. She attended Inkster, Luxton, and St. John’s schools and received awards for academic achievement. She also attended Peretz Yiddish night school.
Freya continued her studies at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Science degree and majoring in physics. She married Lewis during her final year of university. After graduation she was employed by the Manitoba Telephone System for two years in the traffic and engineering departments. She then left the work force to bear and raise her children, Norman and Rebecca.
Ten years after her first university graduation, Freya returned to the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. She earned a Bachelor of Education degree and then began a new career as a teacher. Freya taught at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Fort Garry for 21 years. Her primary subject was physics, but she is also remembered for an extra-curricular activity. She coordinated and chaperoned student tours to foreign countries during spring break periods. Those tours enabled her to travel to every continent except Antarctica. Freya retired prematurely
and moved to Edmonton to take care of her grandchildren.
Freya was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Anne Gardner and her brother Norman Gardner. She is survived by Lewis, her husband of 57 years, her son Norman (Leanne) Wasel, daughter Rebecca (Shane) Asbell, grandchildren Aliza (Eitan), Daniella, Asher, Hila, Zev, Yaffa, Caleb, Koby and Yoni. Freya is also survived by her brother Arnold Gardner, sister Rhoda (Sid) Greenstone, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ellen and Ron Dlin, uncle and aunt Hy and Donna Dubo, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Freya was known for her friendly nature and smile. She made everyone with whom she interacted feel important. She was very caring for her students who in return treated her with respect and affection. Freya was community minded and participated in many charitable organizations. She is dearly missed but leaves us with fond memories and her spirit will remain with us.

With great sorrow but deep gratitude for the time we shared, we announce the passing of Rose Slutsky (née Zipper), who left this world on May 26, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her beloved children—Sam, David, Judy, and Morley—her seven treasured grandchildren— Melanie, Tamara, Joshua, Brett, Jesse, Daliah, and Tevi—and two great-grandchildren, Isaac and Lewis.
Born in Galicia, Poland, to devoted parents Samuel and Manya Goldhirsch, Rose’s early years were filled with the richness of language, learning to speak German, Russian, Polish, French, and Hebrew before later teaching herself English and Yiddish. She endured unimaginable loss as a Holocaust survivor, losing nearly all her family except for her mother and cousins who escaped to another country before the war began. Yet, even in the face of profound grief, she chose a life of resilience, generosity, and love.
Family was everything to Rose. Knowing firsthand the irreplaceable value of loved ones, she built a home filled with laughter, warmth, food and unwavering support. After immigrating to Canada in 1950, she married Paul Slutsky,
and together they raised four children. Her devotion extended beyond her family to her community, where she proudly supported her children and grandchildren in their academic pursuits, cheering them on as they followed paths in law, medicine, physiotherapy, and international relations and data programming. We can all hear still her saying to us “believe in yourself always”.
Rose had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. She would brighten a stranger’s day with a compliment, welcome anyone who needed comfort into her home, and forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her vibrant circle of friends in Winnipeg and Richmond became her extended family, offering companionship and joy throughout the years.
A woman of extraordinary talent, Rose carved her own path as a salesperson for People’s Jewelers, becoming the company’s top seller in Western Canada for many years running. Her eye for beauty, paired with her personable nature, made her exceptional at what she did. She was a proud member of the Pioneer Women organization and Beth Tikvah Synagogue, tirelessly working to support Israel and the local Jewish community. Most profoundly, she dedicated herself to sharing her story of survival, ensuring that future generations would never forget the atrocities of war. Her courage and unwavering spirit inspired her family to pursue lives of service and generosity. “What life gives you, you must give back,” she often said—a philosophy she embodied every day. Rose’s artistic spirit was deeply ingrained in her. The daughter of a Paris-trained couturier and a talented shoe designer, she inherited a keen eye for color and form. From sketching designs as a child to creating stunning oil paintings later in life, she found solace and expression through art. Her work was proudly exhibited at the Richmond Art Gallery, a testament to her creativity and passion.
In keeping with her name, Rose nurtured life with tenderness and care. Her garden was a sanctuary—filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and grapevines. Each spring, she delighted in planting flowers, braving mischievous squirrels just to see her blooms flourish. But nothing brought her more joy than cooking for her family. Passover was her cherished holiday, her heart swelling with pride as her loved ones gathered around the table to savor her homemade delicacies. From knishes and kugel to chocolate cake and pickles, her culinary creations were a labor of love that filled every celebration with warmth.
Though Rose has now reunited with her mother, father, and husband, her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, her friendships, and the lives she touched. Her story—a testament to perseverance, kindness, and devotion—will live on, carried forward by those who werefortunate enough to know her.

It is with the deepest sorrow and irrevocably broken hearts that we mourn the passing of Aaron; beloved husband of Katherine, and dearest father to sons Chason, Ari and Rami.

Aaron was born and raised in Winnipeg. He grew up in the North End before moving to the South End after marrying his wife Katherine more than 25 years ago. He was a successful entrepreneur and an astute businessman, but most important to him were his family, friends and faith. 

Aaron was well known for his gentle and kind nature, generosity, unparalleled sense of humour and ability to get along with absolutely everyone. He was always available and helpful to anyone in need. He was a true Mensch.

He was also a car enthusiast, outgoing traveller, avid sports fan, a caring volunteer pallbearer, and an active member of the Rady JCC. Although he attended the gym regularly to work out, some would argue he spent most of his time there socializing and making new friends. He particularly liked schmoozing with his ball hockey buddies after their weekly game and road trips.

Time spent at his cottage in Gimli were highlights of his week. Taking his adored dogs, over the years, Pumpky and now Pepper for long walks, car rides, ice cream and beach days were always very special.

Aaron endured many challenges while navigating his sudden diagnosis and the rapidly changing stages of his health. Yet, throughout, he remained strong, hopeful and optimistic. His rare and aggressive disease was a battle until the end, a testament to his strength as he outlived all medical expectations. He was a remarkable man. His bravery, courage, outstanding strength and perseverance will forever be revered and remembered. 

An additional sadness fills our hearts for those who were unable to say goodbye, however, Aaron was not granted enough time to share with everyone. May his memory be a blessing.

Aaron was predeceased by his father Morris Nudler. Left to cherish his memory are his mother Pauline, sister Marla (Aron) in Toronto, and two nieces. 

A memorial service and funeral was held on May 28, 2025, at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with the meal of consolation at Congregation Etz Chayim.

Aaron’s legacy of love, kindness, and integrity will live on in his family forever. He had a tremendous radiant spark inside of him that made him unforgettable. His light may have been brief, but its brilliance will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. 

For those who provided thoughtful condolences and expressions of sympathy, including the meals and support to our family, we are grateful and sincerely thank you. 

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honour his memory, donations can be made to www.cancer.ca/supportc3 or to the charity of one’s choice.