Obituaries
Joyce Meriam (Trepel) Lazer
Joyce Meriam (Trepel) Lazer of Boca Raton, Florida and East Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 19th at her Florida home, after a lengthy illness.
Joyce was born on September 15, 1932, to a musical family in Winnipeg, Canada. A gifted pianist, Joyce was the winner of many competitions, and she also excelled as a student, winning the prestigious Governor General’s Medal. Joyce gave up a promising piano career to study philosophy at the University of Manitoba, where she graduated with top honors and met her husband of 61 years, William, an Assistant Professor.
After relocating to East Lansing, Joyce became involved in a variety of artistic programs, with a special interest in classical music. As a volunteer, she mentored students and spouses, from many countries who were at Michigan State University, where Bill was a professor. Joyce served as an advisor to the Spartan Woman’s League, was a member of The Executive Board of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Lansing Symphony Association, and devoted time to her passion for investments.
However, the majority of Joyce’s time was devoted to her family, encouraging and supporting her son Randy, and daughter Simone in their creative endeavors, while inspiring Bill in his. Joyce was so actively involved in Bill’s global assignments that she was often referred to as a Goodwill Ambassador. They didn’t “retire” to Florida, instead, when the Governor requested that Bill accept an Eminent Scholar Chair at Florida Atlantic University, Joyce wasn’t necessarily opposed to the idea of an additional residence … in the winter time! She truly lived her philosophy — “try to do something nice for someone every day”.
Joyce was a loving wife, mother, sister, & friend, and leaves behind her beloved Bill, son Randy, daughter Simone, sister Shirley Senofsky, and extended family, along with so many who adored her. She was preceded in death by sisters Freda Kaufmann, & Anne Smithen, along with parents Leya & Elia Trepel.
Those who knew Joyce would not be surprised by her wishes for a private family service, (which will take place in Boca on April 28th ) and scattering at sea. Because Joyce was a most generous spirit, the family’s wishes are that donations made on Joyce’s behalf go to a charity of choice, or The Dr. William and Mrs. Joyce Lazer Endowed Fund, The School of Hospitality Business, Michigan State University, 654 North Shaw Lane, East Lansing, Michigan 48824. One can also donate by paying forward Joyce’s philosophy of doing something nice for someone daily.
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
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).