Obituaries
JOYCE SHIMOJI June 23rd, 1930-Feb 28th, 2021
After a brief illness preceded by a long brave journey through dementia, Joyce Shimoji passed away on February 28th, 2021 at age 90.
She passed away at home comfortably and calmly, while under the care of her long time personal care attendant, Liezl Pacete, and the staff of the Simkin Centre.
She is survived by her sons Bert (Paula) Finkelstein, Mark Finkelstein, and their half sister Janine Baer; stepchildren Joel (Dena) Shimoji, Leanne (Dean) Chale and Tammy Shimoji; grandchildren Samson (Charlotte Greenblatt) Finkelstein, Jonah (Laura Emiola) Finkelstein; Jenna (Levi) Johnston, Amanda, Sarah and Kiera Shimoji; Kirsten and Hannah Chale; great-grandchildren Freya and Tomas Finkelstein, Londyn Johnston, Hailee and Jonah Emiola; and sister Clarice Rubin, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Predeceased by siblings Harry (Sandy) Riesenberg, Mickey (Jean) Riesenberg, Beckey Selwyn and Sylvia (Jack) Knazan, and son-in-law Boyd Newton.
Joyce was born on June 23, 1930 in Winnipeg Manitoba. She grew up in the north end of Winnipeg and attended St. John’s Tech. She moved to Vancouver, British Columbia where she met her first husband, Jack Finkelstein. They were married in 1952 and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan. After having their two sons, Mark and Bert, they moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Joyce raised her family, volunteered in various charitable organizations and developed a lifelong love of antiques, particularly antique art class. She also enjoyed her time golfing, gardening and, for a time, showing the family dog Rocky in various local dog shows. Above all she enjoyed the times with her sisters, Clarice, Sylvia, and Becky, and their families.
Later in life Joyce married Tom Shimoji. Many years of travel, special times at Falcon lake and the gift of watching her grandchildren grow up, followed. After Tom’s passing in 2006 the entire Shimoji family adopted Joyce and so generously gave her their love, time, and attention until the very end. It seemed there always was someone around to maintain Mom’s spirits and positivity. It was of immense comfort knowing this support was being given and could not be more appreciated.
Joyce was a personality who made an impression.
She enjoyed celebration and actively pursued happiness – a lesson to be heeded.
She loved her grandchildren and was never happier than when, as she aged, she had the pleasure of holding her great-grand children, knowing perhaps how precious and rare these opportunities were becoming. She fought, sometimes angrily, the effects of her dementia, but graciously accepted her dependence as her condition worsened and so appreciated the care she received. We are forever thankful for the kind care of her personal care attendant, Liezl Pacete, and her longtime friend and attendant, Antonia Kotulas. Words cannot express our gratitude.
We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses on 4 South at the Grace Hospital for the attentive, compassionate care they offered. We particularly want to thank the medical and nursing staff at the Simkin Centre for their long term and ultimately palliative care of mother.
As per Joyce’s wishes, cremation will take place.
At a future date when family and friends can safely gather a celebration of life will be held.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to The Japanese Cultural Center of Winnipeg, 180 McPhillips St., Winnipeg Manitoba R3E 2J9
Obituaries
CHERYL SAPER
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cheryl Zina Saper, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Winnipeg community. Cheryl passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on June 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Cheryl was born on February 18, 1954, in Winnipeg to her loving parents, Jack and Betty Saper.
Cheryl is survived by her three devoted sons, Daniel (Nena), Steven (Maryam), and Abram (Maddie), and her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Maya, Lyla, and Adam, who were the light of her life. Her unwavering love and support for her family will be deeply missed.
A woman of great intellect and warmth, Cheryl had a passion for reading and cherished her time spent chatting with friends. Her ability to learn your life story in a phone call was one of her greatest talents. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to build a successful business from the ground up, providing a comfortable life for herself and her sons. She was not only a successful businesswoman but also a constant presence in her children’s lives, particularly in their sporting activities. Cheryl loved to travel, and when on vacation could often be found poolside with a book in hand or making connections with the locals.
Cheryl had a deep love for dogs, and there was always one in the house, bringing joy and companionship to her and her family. She would often include the dog in the list of names when calling for her children, Daniel, Steven, Abram, Dawson!
Cheryl was an active member of the Jewish community in Winnipeg, contributing her time and energy to various community activities and events. Her dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Cheryl was laid to rest at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
ARIEL GLINTER
Ariel Glinter, beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend, died in Winnipeg on June 11, 2024. He was 36 years old. Ariel was born in Winnipeg, MB, where he attended the Talmud Torah I. L. Peretz Folk School, the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and from the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba with a Juris Doctor degree. In law school he received numerous awards for academic excellence, including Dean’s Honour List in 2010 – 2011 and 2011 – 2012. After practicing law for three years at Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP, Ariel joined Maqabim Distributors as director of business development and regulatory compliance. In his role at Maqabim he earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout the industry for his knowledge, passion, acumen, and good humour. Ariel was a generous, kind, passionate, and insightful person who had a profound impact on those who knew him. He is survived by his parents, Nancy and Harry; his siblings, Ruthie (Daniel), Ezra, Hannah (Koby), and Leah; and by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be mourned and missed by his family and by the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched.
Obituaries
SHEILA ESTELLE LINDER May 27, 1934 – June 14, 2024
The family of Sheila Linder announces her passing after a long life well lived. Sheila was the beloved wife of Elvin (Al), cherished mother to Faith (Hart) Kaplan, Nadine Linder and Marshall Linder, adored Baba to Adam (Michaela) Kaplan, Yael Kaplan, Hadera Short, and Jeremy (CC) Short. She will be lovingly remembered by her siblings Rita Shapera Jacob and Gerald (Pauline) Silverman, 38 nieces and nephews, six cousins and many dear friends.
Sheila grew up in Winnipeg’s north end as the middle child of Dolly Rossen and Isadore Silverman, surrounded by three generations of the extended Silverman, Levitan and Rossen families, whose stories of mischief and daring, poverty and prosperity, sorrow and joy were shared with her children to reinforce the importance of family.
Al met Sheila at a dance when she was 17, confided to a friend that she was the girl he would marry, and began courting her. They were married on December 26, 1953. Sheila enjoyed her career as a Kelly Girl office temp and Al joined his father-in-law at Western Scrap Metals.
Sheila and Al created a wonderful life during their 72 years together. As a young married woman, she played Mahjong, bowled in a 10-pin league, and volunteered with women’s service groups including Hadassah WIZO and Pioneer Women. When she and Al were ready to start a family, they adopted three children into a home filled with love and Jewish values.
She learned to speak Yiddish growing up and took Hebrew lessons as an adult to help her children with their homework. Her volunteerism expanded to included school PTAs and the Manitoba Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. When a newly formed couples’ group was created in the ’70s, Sheila became involved in its programming and was co-chair for a period of time. Sheila and Al recently attended a Yachad program, still going strong after 50 years, where they were proudly among the oldest members.
Sheila and Al travelled to Israel, Europe, Mexico, Jamaica and enjoyed family trips to Detroit Lakes, Miami Beach, Disney Land, and Disney World. In their later years they wintered in Palm Springs and Florida.
Sheila loved people and their life stories. She was an avid reader, and encouraged her children’s reading by filling the family home with books, comics, and magazine subscriptions, including the complete World Book encyclopedia. Her standard response to any question: “Look it up”. She was always well informed and ready to discuss current affairs.
She enjoyed shopping, and every life-cycle event was celebrated with a card, a gift, and often, a new outfit. The Linder home was filled with beautiful furniture, paintings, fabrics, and collectibles. A consummate hostess, her parties were always tailored to the occasion with special foods and serving pieces reserved for that particular event. Her daily essentials included flowers and plants, classic films, autobiographies and novels, the newspaper and TV news, crossword puzzles, bread, sweets, and her iPad.
Sheila Linder was a generous soul whose love for family and friends was boundless. She and Al lived independently in their condo with devoted assistance provided by her dear friend Maria. The family is indebted to the medical professionals who provided care over the years.
Sheila attended summer camp when she was 15 and it changed her life. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sunshine Fund for Campers or a charity of your choice.