Obituaries
JUDITH ZIMMER
The family of Judith Zimmer is heartbroken to announce her sudden passing on Monday, July 27, 2020 in Winnipeg at the age of 90. Predeceased by parents Joachim and Antonia Kaufmann, brother Michael Kaufmann, and husband Emil Zimmer.
Judy was a loving mother to Dr. Ken and Lori Zimmer, and Dr. Alex Zimmer, and a loving Baba to Jenna, Lexie and Emily. She was a caring aunt, relative, and friend.
Judy spent a large part of her childhood and early teen years with her mother in different labour camps during the Second World War. Thankfully, Judy (and her parents and brother) survived that tragedy and when she was 18 years old Judy and her husband Emil came to Canada. They immediately sponsored her parents and brother to come to Canada.
Judy had little English and very little information about her new country, but her passion for living, that same energy that allowed her to survive the Holocaust, gave her strength to start this new journey and chapter of her life in Canada. Judy did not let her past write her future and always overcame everything life brought her. She did whatever needed to be done for her family, including joining the workforce when her husband passed away at an early age.
Judy had many dear friends and loved spending time with them, especially playing cards. She loved to cook and bake. But above all else, Judy dedicated her life to her family. She was a beloved and dedicated mother, a wonderful Baba, and a fantastic aunt to her nieces and nephews. A loving daughter, sister, sister-in-law, and friend. She was like a mother and Baba to many family members and extended family. Judy welcomed people into her home with open arms. Judy was caring, warm, empathetic and non-judgemental. She was always available to dispense wisdom and advice.
Judy was a very special woman and became the matriarch of her family. Judy will be deeply missed by all the people who had the privilege to receive so much from her for so many years.
Graveside funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Rabbi Anibal Mass officiated. Pallbearers were Lexie Zimmer, Dr. Robert Kaufmann, Becky Kaufmann, Gary Kaufmann, Dr. Alex Zimmer and Louis Kessler. Donations in Judy’s memory may be given to a charity of one’s 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
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).