Obituaries
LAURA LORETTA RICHMAN
Laura Richman (née Newhouse) was born on May 2, 1932 and, after a rich life, passed away on December 10th at Grace Hospital, the same place that she was born to her loving parents, Alex and Annie Newhouse. Laura was the oldest of 4 children and is survived by her brother Jack Newhouse (wife Deannie) and sister Myrna Reinhorn (predeceased by husband Leonard). She was predeceased by her sister Tyra Rauch (predeceased by husband Peter Rauch) and her beloved husband of 57 years, Harold Richman. Laura is survived by her children: Joy Richman (predeceased by husband Euan Taylor), Sally Slater and her husband Michael Slater, Rebecca Richman and her husband Dov Lazar, as well as 4 grandchildren: Matthew Slater, Samara Slater, Teagan Richman-Taylor and Phoebe Richman-Taylor.
Laura had a wonderful life in Winnipeg that was enriched by generations of close family surrounding her from the start of her life. Laura grew up on Jessie Avenue in a tiny house, within walking distance of her father’s corner store on Corydon, also Kelvin High School. When Laura turned 19, she took a solo trip to New York that established hers as an independent, modern woman of the 1940s. Laura decided to become an x-ray technician, a new imaging technology at the time. She trained and worked at the historic Mount Carmel Clinic, which provides services to families to this day. Laura married Harold in 1953 and kept working for 2 years up to the birth of Joy. When Laura was a new mother, she spent many happy days with her lifelong girlfriends who were also new mothers. In those hectic early days, with two young toddlers at home, Laura started volunteering for Jewish causes. In 1958 she joined the Golda Meir Chapter of the Hadassah WIZO, where she became president. Laura and Harold chose to send their children to the I.L. Peretz Folk Shul. At that time one generation of Richmans attended the same school so the connection was carried forward to Joy, Sally and Rebecca. From those Yiddish days at the Peretz School, Laura developed a burning desire to strengthen the Jewish community. She went onto co-chair the Women’s division of the Combined Jewish Appeal in 1978-1979 with her dear friend Evelyn Pearlman. Laura became president of the Winnipeg chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) in 1988, the same year that the Gwen Secter Centre for Creative Living opened. Laura and Harold were founding members of the Gwen Secter Centre, which continues to provide services for seniors to the present day. During her time in the NCJW, Laura worked closely with Sharon Allentuck and other strong women who also became president. The culmination of Laura’s endeavors came in 2004, when she was awarded the Max and Molly Shore Tzedakah award for her outstanding charitable work in the Winnipeg Jewish community.
Charitable work and family were the backbone of Laura’s adult life but that is not all. She was a very energetic person who packed so much into her life. Laura was a regular player in a highly competitive Tuesday night Bridge club that lasted until she was well into her 80s. She was also a passionate golfer, spending many weekends at Bel Acres and Glendale golf clubs with her husband and her golf friends. Laura became such a good golfer that she had a career total of 6 holes in one. Laura also built an equally busy life in Sun City West, Arizona, with Harold, where she kept her golf and fitness going in the winter. It was in Sun City West that Laura took up her most recent passion, quilting. Those winters in Arizona gave Laura the time to produce dozens of colourful quilts that adorn the houses of her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Laura’s happy life was reflected in her personality. She had a strong drive to do her best for others in her family and beyond. She generously hosted family and community events at her house. She supported family members through the difficult times. Laura was an inspiration for her daughters and they picked up her qualities of grit, lifelong learning, maintaining close friendships, and the pursuit of many interests. Laura was fiercely independent until close to the end. We are grateful to the care givers that looked after Laura in her condo for the last 2 years. Daughters Joy, Sally and Rebecca will miss Laura. They take comfort in knowing that she lived to see all her girls happy and settled in their lives.
Donations in Laura’s name can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba – Harold and Laura Richman Fund, or to the Mount Carmel Clinic.
Obituaries
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.