Obituaries
LEE ANNE BLOCK February 9, 1952 – February 19, 2022
Lee Anne Block died peacefully on Saturday from pancreatic cancer. She was 70.
A few weeks earlier, Lee Anne was teaching at the University of Winnipeg, playing with grandkids and frustrated by some persistent stomach discomfort that was evolving into pain. She was also glowing after a joyous trip to see her grandsons, Sam and Ari.
Lee Anne grew up in Winnipeg’s vibrant North End Jewish community. The eldest of three sisters, her neighbourhood was filled with cousins and friends whom she cherished throughout her life.
Lee Anne met her first husband, Sheldon Oberman, when registering for classes at the University of Winnipeg. They had two children together, Adam and Mira, and later became a model of how to cooperatively co-parent post divorce.
Lee Anne taught middle school and English as a Second Language in Seven Oaks School Division and was active in Winnipeg’s theatre community. A major project was co-producing a community theatre production about women’s struggles with mental health.
She moved to Toronto in 1995 and obtained her Master’s degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto.
On a visit home over the winter break of 1997, Lee Anne’s former mother-in-law introduced her to Richard Grunfeld. Her life was forever changed for the better.
Not long after she moved back to Winnipeg to be with Richard, Lee Anne decided to continue her academic career. She obtained a PhD from the University of North Dakota. Lee Anne was hired by the University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Education; where she obtained tenure in 2016. A passionate educator, her research focused on place-based learning and sustainability.
Lee Anne helped create the Langside Learning Garden, a partnership with Spence Neighbourhood Association – to develop sustainable urban gardening, and also worked on projects related to greenspace used by teachers, outdoor learning, and the importance of school gardens.
Lee Anne worked with a remarkable group of people to create the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest Winnipeg in St. John’s Park. The Healing Forest is a living memorial to Indigenous children and families lost to or affected by the residential school system. Lee Anne helped develop educational programming and curriculum so neighbourhood schools could use the space for outdoor learning.
Her academic and community service work was recognized with the University’s 2018 Faculty and Staff Campus Sustainability Recognition Award.
Lee Anne is survived by: her mother Jeanette Block; her partner Richard Grunfeld; her children, Adam Oberman (Jill) and Mira Oberman (Brent); stepsons, Ben Grunfeld (Pancham) and Aaron (Alina); her grandchildren, Rani, Sam, Daniel, Lizzy, Ari, Asa and Finn; her sisters, Rhea Tregebov (Sam) and Sheila Block (Marylin); her brother-in-law Tom (Leslie); along with beloved cousins and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her father Sam Block.
A funeral was held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
A “Baba’s Bannock and Jam” Fund is being established to honour Lee Anne’s legacy. It will support educational programming – and snacks for visiting school children – at the Healing Forest. Donations can be sent to St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, “Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest”, 135 Anderson Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2W 5M9.
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.