Obituaries
LEO SHEARER
It is with profound sadness that the family of Leo Shearer announces his passing, at the Simkin Centre on November 1, 2019 . Leo lived a long and full life, achieving great success while overcoming many challenges. Words do not do justice to the man Leo was and what he meant to many people. He was larger than life and a true force of nature.
He is survived by his daughters Shelley Shearer-Nelko (Dana), Dr. Ronna Sherman (Joel) and Dr. Brenna Shearer (Stephen). He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Lindsay (David), Riley, Lana, Remy, Hayden, Joshua, Mara, Amy and Sam, as well as his sister Shirley Wasserman, nieces, nephew, great-nephews and nieces and cousins. Leo was predeceased by his parents Sam and Faye Schicher, his infant brother Pesachia and the love of his life, Selma Shearer (Levin) to whom he had been married for 66 years before her passing October 24, 2018.
Leo was born in Mezhirech, Poland on December 12, 1928. His father Sam had to come to Winnipeg alone in 1929, to establish a better life for his infant son Leo and his wife Faye. It was not possible because of Canada’s immigration laws at the time, to bring them to Winnipeg. By the time he found a way to bring them here, Leo was already 6 years old. Growing up in the north end of the city, Leo was determined to make the most of the opportunities his father worked so hard to provide for him in Canada.
A brilliant and hard working student, Leo was one of 3 students at St. John’s Tech to have a grade A average all the way through high school. Although accepted to the prestigious MIT School of Engineering in Boston, he elected to stay in Winnipeg for University in order to help his family, when his father had his first heart attack. Leo graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree, where he excelled and was awarded the Eaton Scholarship. Those who witnessed it, described Leo as a mathematical and analytical genius, who could do extremely complex calculations in his head with speed and precision.
After graduation, Leo continued to work with his father at his grain mill, Economy Grain & Feed on McPhillips & Pacific. Although he was accepted to Harvard Business School for post graduate studies, tragedy struck the family. Just as Leo and Selma were expecting their first child, his father had a fatal heart attack at the age of 54. Once again Leo took charge and took care of his family. Eleven years later in 1967, Leo’s world was again changed dramatically by a terrible fire that burned down the Grain Mill. With a wife and three young daughters at home, Leo took this misfortune as an opportunity to redefine himself.
Applying his boundless energy, drive and outstanding business acumen, particularly in the area of finance and real estate development, Leo established his own Mortgage and Development companies. He built numerous projects including nursing homes, apartment complexes and hotels across North America. He was very proud to have been the first to obtain zoning to construct an apartment building on Grant avenue in Winnipeg, called the Americana. Leo alongside his partners, were also ahead of their time when developing the Nursing home called Oakview Place on Ness in St. James, which introduced innovative amenities and features not seen before in senior living facilities.
Time with Leo was memorable for his family and friends. With a terrific sense of humour, Leo truly enjoyed life. A passionate bridge player, he took it seriously achieving Gold Life Master status. He loved golf for many years and long walks outside, as keeping fit was very important him. He travelled around the world with his wife Selma and their many friends. They also loved dancing together, whenever they had the chance. Leo took advantage of the time he had with all of his grandchildren and children, genuinely listening and giving his best guidance and advice. He was there for hockey games, dance recitals and in any other way he could, as he truly loved and felt grateful for the time he had. His father’s untimely death made a huge impact on him. Leo presumed he would die young like his father.
Surviving both prostate cancer and open heart surgery, his strong will, love of life and family was unwavering. Everything he did was to ensure that his family would never have to struggle and worry as he did. His generosity and support was life changing for family members, as he believed in helping whenever he could. After he had surgery for prostate cancer at Johns Hopkins and more recently open heart surgery at St. Boniface Hospital, Leo showed his gratitude with sizeable donations.
Leo’s incredibly sharp mind, fastidious attention to detail and big heart served him well until the end. Diagnosed with vascular dementia in his later years, it became evident that he had a remarkable ability to compensate with his strengths, for a long time as the disease progressed. Through it all, he would say “it’s good to be alive!”. That optimistic bright disposition and perseverance helped him. His physical and mental strength defined him, as he fought and never gave up, when faced with challenges from the beginning of his life until the end.
Leo always made us feel loved and supported. We will miss him greatly and love him forever.
A special thank you to Doris Boutillier his executive assistant for over 20 years, Anastasia, Jessica, Folarian and all of the caring staff at Comforts of Home Care and the Simkin Centre. The love and support from friends and family has been greatly appreciated.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday November 5 at 12:30 pm, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Thank you to Rabbi Matthew Leibl and the staff at the Synagogue.
For those who wish to remember Leo, donations can be made to: The Selma and Leo Shearer G.R.O.W. Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520. www.jewishfoundation.org
Obituaries
JACOB (JACK) KLEIMAN FEBRUARY 8, 1927 – AUGUST 19, 2024
It was with great sorrow that we announced the passing of Jacob (Jack) Kleiman (Jacob ben Moishe) on Monday August 19, 2024 (16, Av) in his 98th year.
He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Rose Kleiman, his brother, Harvey, and his sisters, Florence (the late Louis Selby), Betty (the late Joseph Gilfix) and Ruth (the late Ben Aisenstat). He is survived by his sister Ann of Bethesda, U.S.A. (the late Harold Eist). He will be missed by his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grand-nieces, great-grandnephews, and great-grandnieces.
Jack’s maternal grandparents were among the pioneer families established in the then Hirsch Colony (founded 1892) by the Jewish Colonization Association in the Southeast corner of Saskatchewan. Jack and his late brother Harvey lived and farmed on the same land purchased by their parents in the area.
In later years he and his brother developed many business interests: initially farm implement and automotive sales and later oil exploration companies including Poplar Developments Ltd., drilling locally. They were well known in the surrounding community and were generous supporters of local charitable initiatives such as the Estevan General Hospital.
Jack and his brother were the last Jewish farmers in the Hirsch area and over the years were the subject of many literary articles and television interviews. Jack and his brother helped to maintain the Jewish cemetery in the Hirsch area until it was taken over as a historical site by the province. Due to advancing age, the family farm was sold in 2016 and both retired to Calgary to be nearer to family. This marked the closing of one chapter of Jewish history in Canada.
Jack was a talented mechanic who remained married to the land and devoted to his family. He was ever of good spirit. Although frail in body, Jack remained active mentally and involved in life until the end being always interested in the happenings of his extended family.
It is hard to adequately sum up a long life marked by both hard work, dedication to family, and good humour. The entire family remember him and honour him with love, affection, and good memories.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbours in the Estevan area who provided help and support during his last years and especially to his dedicated care givers in Calgary.
The funeral was held in Calgary on August 22, 2024, at the Chevra Kadisha Chapel with interment at the 37th Street Jewish Cemetery.
The unveiling will take place on July 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the same location. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
EDITH LANDY
June 30, 1920 – July 2, 2025
After a long and fulfilling life, our Mother passed on July 2, 2025. Born in Winnipeg, she grew up as part of a large extended family.
Mother was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Mayer Freiden and Rivka (nee Fordman), our father, David Landy, and her sisters Syma Katz and Jennie Rich. Edith is survived by her five children and their families: Laurie Landy and Nora Spinks, Barbara and Paul Livingston, Bob and Rhonda Landy, Mark Landy and Jenifer, and Martin Landy, her grandchildren Saralyn, Adam, Alex, Joshua, Ethan, Caitlin, David, Alicia, Lily, and six great-grandchildren, her cousins Norma Chernick and Shlomo Mayman and her many friends and relatives.
Mom grew up as part of a large extended family in the North End of Winnipeg, guided by her father’s values of service, community and the importance of family. She entered the School of Nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital, now the Health Sciences Centre. She progressed from general duty nurse to nursing supervisor and served as the Assistant Director of Nursing for 15 years until her retirement in 1983. Over the course of her five-decade nursing career, she raised five children, managed a household, cared for many extended family members and remained actively involved in the community.
Community was a foundation of Mom’s life. Mom was very proud of her volunteering at the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, Winnipeg Folk Fest and other community events. She and David were patrons of the arts, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Opera. In 2024, she was recognized as the longest continuous subscriber to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
The North Centennial Seniors Association played an important role in our parents’ later years. She ran her kitchen crew, supervised Hot Dog Day and provided food for many bus trips. Mom’s legacy was the Grandma Grandpa Swim Club, which she established, raised funds for, and built into a strong organization.
After a long and remarkable life of service and giving care, Mom accepted the need to receive care. The Family would like to thank Melita and Nelissa for their care and dedication, as well as the staff of the Simkin Centre, especially on Weinberg 2.
We cannot put into words how much she will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Joseph Freiden Scholarship for Jewish Studies at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
A service was held July 4, 2025, at Chesed Shel Emes – Winnipeg.
Obituaries
SUSAN DIANA FRANKEL
In the kitchen above her to-do list, Susan Diana Frankel kept a comic strip of a mother bird encouraging her baby to take its first leap into flight. “Go for it!” reads the speech bubble above the mother bird. But a second bubble shows her thinking silently to herself: Just don’t go too far.
I’ve always thought that image perfectly captured our mom. She was our biggest cheerleader and greatest supporter – and out of sheer love, she wanted to spend as much time with her family as possible: Matthew and Elly, Robby and Rae, Jed and Eugenia, and our devoted dad, Harvey, her partner of 45 years. In addition to being a loving mother and spouse, she was a perfect grandmother – or “Boba” – to her three granddaughters: Romi, Esti, and Aria, whom she loved obsessively. Our mom passed away at home on June 4. She was our best friend, and to say we are devastated or that we will miss her greatly feels wholly inadequate.
Predeceased by her parents Max and Esther Weinstein and her older brother Joel (Cathie), she will forever be loved and remembered by her brothers Sidney (Grace) and Barry (Sharon), her sister Ronni (Michael), her confidante Edie (Marcel), as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very close friends.
Susan was born the youngest of five children on February 8, 1958, in Winnipeg. The Weinstein family lived in Melville, Saskatchewan, until 1963 before settling in Winnipeg for good. She spent summers in Gimli and at BB Camp, attended both Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Manitoba (as well as spending a semester at the University of Miami while visiting her parents at their winter condo in Florida – Go Hurricanes!).
My mom married our dad, Harvey, in 1981. They were a shining example of a loving partnership – completely devoted to each other in sickness and in health. They raised us three boys to be close and family-oriented. It feels strange to reduce some of my mom’s favourite places and memories to a list, but that list would include: the family cottage in Gimli, traveling to Palm Springs, Florida, Toronto, Hawaii, Italy, and Las Vegas, shopping and dining with friends and family, playing Mahj, chatting about movies and shows, dragging my dad to social outings and making him change his outfit before they left the house, watching Winnipeg Jets games, and constantly rewatching videos of her granddaughters.
Our mom had a way of making people she’d just met feel like part of her inner circle. She was genuinely interested in what you were doing, how it was going, and how she could help. She asked questions (sometimes a few too many!) because she cared – never because she was nosy. She had a wonderful sense of humour and truly loved to laugh. When something was really funny, you’d sometimes get a snort and even a tear or two. She was simply the best.
Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received during this extremely difficult time. A special thank-you to the healthcare workers who gave our mom such a remarkable quality of life despite living with stage 4 cancer for more than seven years: Dr. Marshall Pitz, all the nurses and staff at CancerCare, her homecare worker Lisa, and our family’s incredible friend and caregiver, Gemma Marciano.