Obituaries
LILY ROSE GUBERMAN JANUARY 30, 1922 – FEBRUARY 25
Peacefully, and with grace, Lily Rose Guberman passed away at the age of 103 on Tuesday, February 25th with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Wally, sister Beatrice, and daughter Sandra. Her son, Brian, remains missing, and his whereabouts are unknown. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, kindness and the sweetest of memories cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her daughter Marla and son-in-law Henry Berchard of Victoria, BC, granddaughters Fairen, Sefirah and Hannah, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria.
Lily had a wide range of interests that enriched her life. She loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and visited many places, including Hong Kong, Israel, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Victoria. At 91, she and Marla took a whirlwind trip to New York City, checking off one of their bucket-list items. There, Lily danced through the streets with youthful energy and enthusiasm. She studied Hebrew and Sociology at university and had a passion for dancing, photography, art, and learned to use a computer in her 90s. A generous philanthropist, Lily maintained an A-Z file of charities she supported and organized major fundraisers, such as walkathons in Hawaii and Winnipeg to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. She was also actively involved with the Lehava Chapter of Pioneer Women for many years.
Her life was also defined by her ability to turn tragedy into legacy. After Sandra’s passing, Lily and Wally established the Sandra Faye Guberman Memorial Library at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, and a perpetual Emerging Artist Scholarship at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Sandra’s honour. After Brian’s disappearance, Lily continued to write him a birthday card every year, in case he ever returned—such was the depth of her motherly love.
After Wally’s passing, Lily continued to live independently in their condo until the age of 102. With the loving care of devoted companions— Aida Sy, Eya Topacio, Elna Galzote, April Patoc, Jaen Marquez, Rose Lino, Girlie and Jun Santos—she spent her later years surrounded by love.
In her final year, Lily lived at the Simkin Center, where she was treated with care, respect, and dignity. There, she earned the title of “Simkin Star” for her numerous media appearances and was also celebrated as the oldest living original member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. A graceful dancer since her teens, she was invited by the founders of the Winnipeg Ballet Club to join their troupes in 1939 at age 17. Just prior to her 103rd birthday, in December 2024, she was invited back to the stage, for the ballet’s 85th anniversary, performing a walk-on role in The Nutcracker in full dress costume, surrounded by her fans and fellow dancers. It was a perfect full- circle moment in her extraordinary life. For more on her return to the stage go to: lilyrosedance. weebly.com
Lily’s passing was serene and peaceful. It was an honour to be with her in her final moments, as she transitioned from this world surrounded by love and gentle care.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center, especially those on Weinberg 1, who lovingly cared for Lily during her last year. Our heartfelt thanks also to her devoted companions – Eya, Aida and Elna, who remained steadfast in their care of Lily until her final day. In loving memory of Lily, donations can be made to Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JOEL SHEFRIN
After a courageous battle with cancer, Joel passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on April 4, 2025 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Penny; sons, Mark (Laurie), Allan (Stephanie); step-sons, James (Jess), Jason (Christina); grandchildren, Abby, Seth, Livia, Frankie, Taylor, Maddox, Mya and Memphis, and great-grandchildren, Alessia and Leo, as well as siblings, Shelley (Bill), Shaun (Vicky), Bruce (Rene) and Morley. He was predeceased by his parents, Connie and Mickey, and sister Claretta. Joel wanted to be remembered as a fighter. He struggled with Crohn’s disease most of his life, but fought to remain active. He loved his family and took pride in all their accomplishments. Joel worked in the family steel business after University, and later in the promotional product industry. He was a dedicated volunteer, becoming the 1st national President of the Canadian Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis (now Crohn’s and Colitis Canada), President of Garden City Community Centre, President of Hockey Winnipeg, and Board member of Hockey Manitoba. Funeral services were held at the Rosh Pina Cemetery on April 6, 2025. The family would like to thank the staff on 3E at Riverview Health Centre, as well as all the homecare staff who allowed Joel to stay at home as long as possible. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in Joel’s memory.
Obituaries
IAN DUDECK November 20, 1950 – March 17, 2025
A golden heart has stopped beating. We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ian – beloved husband of Marilyn, father of Michael (Patrizio), siblings, Lynne Spigelman, Fraydel Yamron, Joel Dudeck (Sharron), sister-in-law Barbara Kravetsky, uncle to many special nieces and nephews and friend to all he met. He was predeceased by his parents, Morris and Sarah Dudeck, his brother-in-law Ian Yamron and his father and mother in-law Bob and Connie Lenoff. Ian faced many health obstacles this past year and faced them all with great strength and courage, never once complaining and never once giving up. As an accountant, Ian had a tremendous work ethic and was well liked and admired by all he encountered. Special thanks to Dr. Krista Ryz, the staff of St. Boniface Hospital Renal Health Clinic, the doctors and staff of St. Boniface Hospital Dialysis Unit, St. Boniface Emergency physician Dr. Al Bucel and Ji Yung, Spiritual Care, the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Rabbi Kliel Rose and our neighbour Marilyn B for her assistance and kindness. Thank you to all our family and friends for your continuing support. Donations may be made to The Manitoba Kidney Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BILL WORB
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Zaida, brother, and uncle, Bill Worb.
Bill passed surrounded by family on September 14, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Sonia, his in-laws Abe and Sarah Helman, his wife, Paula, his siblings Esther, Joe, and Benni, and by his son-in-law, Bryan.
He leaves behind his children Marla and Ron (Gail); his grandchildren, Sari, Alexi, Andrew, and Samantha; his brother-in-law Ruben (Rita), as well as his nieces and nephews.
Bill was one of the most hardworking men anyone could have known, with a brilliant business mind that seemed to have no limits.
As a teenager, he began working as a fur auctioneer and grader for Dominion/Soudack Fur Auction, before founding and operating Winnipeg Fur Exchange from 1970 to 1994. He then established Bill Worb Furs, which he ran into his eighties, retiring only due to health issues.
Beyond Bill’s success, it was his warmth, generosity, and character that truly defined him.
He had a way of connecting with people—he was personable, distinguished, and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Whether supporting his family or giving back to the community, his generosity knew no bounds. Family dinners were some of the best memories shared, filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together. He made those gatherings special, and they will always hold a treasured place in our hearts.
Bill was known for sharing captivating stories, from his childhood in rural Manitoba with his giant German Shepherd, Jiggs, to his travels around the world in the fur trade. He was an accomplished and remarkable man, and on top of that, he did a spot-on Johnny Cash impression.
Bill cherished his grandchildren and created unforgettable memories with them. Whether sharing a meal or passing on life lessons, he always made those moments special and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
As a husband, Bill was deeply devoted to his wife, Paula, always caring for her and demonstrating what true love looked like to everyone around them.
Bill was, in every sense, a “prince of a man”—someone everyone looked up to, learned from, and loved dearly. His warmth, generosity, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his impact and the love he shared will always remain with us.
Bill’s family wishes to thank his dedicated team of caregivers, as well as the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate and wonderful care to him at Grace Hospital.
Funeral services and interment were at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on September 16, 2024, with Rabbi Mass officiating. Pallbearers were Sari Daien, Alexi Daien, Dr. Andrew Worb, Dr. Eric Vicker, Ivan Master, and Lyle Silverstein.