Obituaries
KATHERINE (KATHY) GREENBLAT
With deep sorrow and regret, the family of Katherine Mary Greenblat mourns her passing on September, 2, 2021 – one month shy of her 80th birthday.
Katherine passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence. She leaves behind her devoted husband and soulmate of 56 loving years, Cecil Greenblat; her three children, Cynthia, Harry, and Lenard Greenblat; and granddaughter Madeleine – Harry’s daughter.
Katherine loved her family dearly and devoted her life to being a nurturing and supportive wife and mother. She was also a great mentor. She taught her children to have good ethics and morals and treat all people with kindness and honesty.
Katherine was born on October 12th, 1941 in Atikokan, Ontario. She came from a large family of eight siblings. Katherine’s surviving five siblings are: Helen Watson, who also lives in Winnipeg and with whom Katherine shared a very special bond together; Shirley and husband Chris Lachance; brother Gary and wife Diane Demchuck; Doreen Banks; and Elsie Demchuck. Katherine also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Anne Gardner, and family. As well, Katherine is survived by her childhood best friend, Jeannette and her husband, Ivan Geogison. Katherine loved them like family.
Katherine was predeceased by her parents, Anne and George Demchuck, her sister Vera and husband Bob Sutch, and her youngest brother, Bobby, who died at age 16. As a young girl, Katherine took Bobby under her wing and loved him dearly. Bobby’s passing was a huge lifelong loss for Katherine and anytime she spoke of him she would cry.
Katherine was also predeceased by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Eva and Tony Obornick. Their surviving children are: Laura and husband Jerry, Jeffrey, and Howard Obornick, and Susan and Brian Sherwood. Katherine was also predeceased by her in-laws, Harry and Luba Greenblat, and by her brother-in-law, Al Greenblat.
Katherine completed Grade 13 at Atikokan High School. Katherine had many interests as a young girl that continued into her adulthood. Her hobbies included baking, sewing, and reading. Katherine also loved children and was a devout believer in G-d. As a young girl, she taught Bible classes to children in her community.
Katherine met her husband, Cecil Greenblat, when she moved to Winnipeg when she was 21 and married at age 23.
In Winnipeg, Katherine worked in various places. She worked as a secretary at Beaver Lumber and at a dental office, also at Gambles. Later on she worked as a nursery teacher at the YMHA, where she was loved by all the children and very respected by the parents.
The one word that describes Katherine is a “Tzadika”, a very righteous women with a heart of gold.
Anyone who knew Kathy was touched by her kindness, warmth and generosity. She was a very wise and understanding woman who went above and beyond to help people and animals. She gave generously to many charitable organizations, such as: the CJA, the homeless, the Siloam Mission, the Harvester, the Cancer Society , the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Arthritis Society, and the CNIB.
As a great animal lover, Katherine had many cats and dogs throughout her married life, whom she loved and adored. She also donated to animal rescue groups, such as the Wild Animal Foundation, the Winnipeg Humane Society, and PETA. Kathy was a very special person, not only giving monetary donations, but going out of her way and using her special talents cooking and baking gourmet foods for seniors, widows, the less fortunate, also monthly party sandwiches and pastries for the staff at the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Katherine was converted according to Orthodox Jewish law when she was married. She was already a devout believer in G-d and fell in love with Judaism. She was also a very spiritual woman. Katherine kept a kosher household, separating the milk and meat dishes, lighting the Shabbat candles every Friday, going to synagouge for the High Holidays with her family, and sending her children to Jewish religious schools: the Talmud Torah and Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate. Katherine also celebrated all the Jewish holidays and traditions and made all the different foods for each holiday. She loved G-d with all her heart. Katherine was also asked by her Jewish friends at weddings to say the blessing before eating the meal. Katherine and her husband Cecil were also members of Yachad for years, a Jewish club which they loved.
Unfortunately and very sadly, in her later years Katherine developed dementia, which was heartbreaking for her and her family. Katherine was always a strong and positive person and stayed strong right up until the very end.
The Winnipeg Home Care staff who worked with Katherine were always so friendly and provided the absolute best care for her. The family is greatly appreciative to everyone who supported her.
There are not enough words to express how much Katherine is dearly missed by her family. Katherine’s passing has left a huge void and emptiness in our hearts and lives. We pray one day we all will meet again in heaven, Gan Eden.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SAMUEL SEARLE October 29, 1930 – December 1, 2025
Our dear father, Sam, passed away on December 1, 2025, after a long, rich life of 95 years.
Dad shared almost 67 of those years with our dear mother, his beloved wife, Betty, who predeceased him in April of 2024. Sam was also predeceased by his parents, Dora and David Cirulnikov; three of his four older sisters, Bernice Brownstone, Marion Toffick, Luba Sitchin, and their respective spouses; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doreen and Garry Shapera.
He is survived by his children Sharna, Lorne (Barbara) and Beverlee (Barry); grandchildren Evan, Aaron, Jamie and Matthew; sister Eve Blank; many nieces and nephews who adored him and for whom he was Uncle Sammy; several cousins; and many friends and former colleagues. All delighted in his company.
Sam was the youngest and only son in a family of five children. His parents emigrated from Russia in the late 1920s with his three oldest sisters. Eve was born shortly after they arrived in Canada and Sam in 1930. The family lived in Winnipeg’s North End and Sam attended public schools and the Talmud Torah night school. During the summers, and part-time throughout the years while continuing his education, he worked as a short order cook at both the Silver Grill Restaurant and Arcade Deli. Dad made his legendary, piled-high sandwiches into his eighties!
After graduating high school from St. John’s Tech, Sam was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, and ultimately went on to enjoy a very accomplished career as a partner with MMP, a major local architectural firm, and later, as a founding partner/developer with Duraps Corporation and Pine Hill Development Corp. In a career that spanned almost half a century, Sam made his mark on the landscape of Winnipeg and other North American cities, having been involved in the design and construction of private residences, schools, concert halls, fire halls, university and government buildings, and the development of condominiums, residential subdivisions, shopping centres and industrial land.
In addition to his professional life, Sam was also a dedicated community volunteer. A long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg North, Dad was awarded Rotary International’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow medallion, for his contributions and service to the organization. He also served on the board of the Rosh Pina Synagogue for several terms and was a charter member of the Bel Acres Golf & Country Club.
Dad was also a talented, and ambidextrous, artist, a curler, green thumb, dapper dresser and terrific dancer. He and Betty always lit up a dance floor!
Sam shared a wonderfully rich family life with Betty. Married in 1957, they moved four years later into the mid-century modern masterpiece that Sam designed for them in Garden City (a then new, north end Winnipeg neighbourhood) and in which they remained throughout their entire marriage. The house magically expanded and contracted as needed and saw its share of fabulous parties, Passover Seders and a multitude of family simchas and other joyous gatherings. As parents, they were loving, excellent role models who encouraged strong family connections. As grandparents, Zaida Sam and Bobbie Betty were the best – adoring, proud, involved and a lot of fun!
Locally, Sam and Betty enjoyed attending the symphony, chamber music and jazz concerts, the opera, the Folk Festival and the theatre. Their worldly travels took them to Mexico, Israel, China, Cuba, Europe, the Caribbean and North American camping trips and ski holidays. Closer to home, their cottage in Gimli (Loni Beach), MB, was a focal point for family and friends every summer.
Our father was a man of unwavering integrity, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a generosity of spirit. Respected and respectful, Sam Searle was a great guy, a real mensch. He will be deeply missed.
The last year and four months of Dad’s life were spent at the Simkin Centre. Sharing an ice cream and a smile, singing with him, particularly at the “Friday Night Lights” Shabbat service, were precious moments.
Sam passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital. We are grateful for the care and kindness provided by the staff at both institutions. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to Sharon Merrells, the ultimate “Sam whisperer,” for her years of care and dedication, especially over those last challenging 16 months.
The graveside funeral service, held on December 4, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, was warmly officiated, on a freezing morning, by Rabbi Kliel Rose. The pallbearers were grandchildren Evan, Aaron and Jamie Searle and Matthew Pearl, son-in-law Barry Pearl and great nephew Gavin Shapera.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s “Betty & Sam Searle Memorial Fund” or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JEAN SHIRLEY KOPSTEIN February 14, 1934 – January 11, 2026
Jean Shirley Kopstein passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 92nd birthday, with her three devoted children by her side.
Known to her family as Shaney, Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; her grandchildren, Louis, Minnie (Patrick), Leo (Ashley), and Max (Brynne); her great-grandchild, Margot; her brothers, Martin (Grace) and Gary; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jean was born on Valentine’s Day in 1934 in Montreal. In 1939, her family returned to Winnipeg, where they settled in the city’s North End. During her second year at the University of Manitoba, Jean met Bobby Kopstein, the light of her life. They married on June 23, 1954. That same year, Jean graduated as a teacher and taught for three years before choosing to stay home to raise their family.
Later in life, Jean embarked on a deeply meaningful professional career and left her mark on every organization she served. She worked as a counsellor at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, went on to become Director of Staff Development and Training for the provincial Department of Corrections, and was seconded by the government to establish the Manitoba Women’s Directorate. She was often described as an inspiration – a wonderful colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a great friend.
Jean had many passions and immersed herself fully in all of them. She loved travelling with Bob and had a keen appreciation for music, art, design, fashion, film, and food from many cultures – always in search of the perfect muffin! She formed deep bonds with family and friends, with constant concern for the well-being of those she loved. Jean and Bob were humanists who led by example, instilling strong values in their family.
Jean had a unique and engaging presence. She was outgoing, vivacious, curious, and intelligent. She lit up a room with her energy and her beautiful, warm smile.
Diagnosed with glaucoma in her 60s, Jean began a long and challenging period in her life. After the loss of Bob in 2014, she faced further health difficulties. Despite these challenges, her desire to live fully never waned. She remained interested in the world around her and took great joy in family dinners, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and spending time with family and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Jean’s care over the many years, especially those who went above and beyond. They are deeply grateful to Shaftesbury Park for its support, and in particular to Jean’s caregivers for their outstanding care, compassion, and kindness. The family also thanks the clergy and staff of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for their services and support.
Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart