Obituaries
MALKE SHORE May 12, 1928 – January 8, 2021
It is with enormous sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Malke Shore, age 92, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.
Malke was born to Moishe and Laika Katz in Miedzyrzec, Poland and travelled with her family by boat to Canada at the age of two. Her family settled in Winnipeg. Despite tough times, Malke was in the first graduating class of the I.L. Peretz school, where she sang in the school choir, followed by William White School and St. John’s Tech High School. Lacking the funds for a teacher’s college education, Malke chose to enter the retail world, starting first in bookkeeping and then in sales. She was a member of Hashomer Hatzair youth group, but declined making Aliyah (moving to Israel) to care for her blind mother, as well as her siblings Benny and Beatrice (Bea).
In 1951, Malke married the love of her life and her forever partner, Jack Shore, and moved with him to Canora and then Tisdale, Saskatchewan, working side by side with him at Shore & Son’s general clothing and shoe store. She was a strong participant in community life, eventually becoming the president of both the Kinette Club and the Hospital Auxiliary. Building a Jewish home was important to Malke. She ordered kosher meat to be shipped to Tisdale from Winnipeg and participated in the activities of the Melfort synagogue, including a baby naming for her son and a Bat Mitzvah for her daughter. In 1970, the family moved to Winnipeg, where she again collaborated with Jack to run Maljac Fashions. She later managed Chantal, an exclusive boutique in Eaton Place, and eventually managed the women’s plus-size department at Eaton’s downtown. All of her customers loved and trusted her. She worked her whole life, an amazing example of a working mother in an era when this was not yet the norm.
Malke loved her husband dearly, including travelling with Jack and celebrating all events with him; they were a model of love and partnership through good times and bad. When he had to be in a nursing home, she visited him every single day.
Malke was everyone’s mother, grandmother, friend. She was involved in every event for her children and grandchildren, and mothered her children’s friends as well. She lived for her children’s happiness. She was so proud of Tsiporah being a doctor and mother of Bernie, authoring a book while also working. Malke was thrilled beyond belief when she had her own grandchildren; she babysat them, fed them, spoiled them, and loved them unconditionally. She had so much pride in everything that they did and still do. She followed Leanne to her universities, witnessing not only her graduation but her dorms, apartments, and the Yale Law Library. She visited Joshua’s fraternity house and toured Atlanta with him for several days to celebrate his college graduation. She was thrilled when Julian introduced her to great-grandson Bentley, and had chocolate bars for Bentley whenever he came to her apartment. She baked and cooked with Luca and had good times during their many visits. Malke made her grandchildren feel special with unconditional support; if they were happy, she was too.
Malke was also a true mother to her children’s partners. She loved Tsiporah’s husband Jeff as if he were her own son. She and he had their own relationship, their own inside jokes. She was always welcoming to Bernie’s partner, Jackie. She had a way to just make people feel comfortable.
Malke was also there for all her friends; always sending Jack with baking or cooking to anyone needing it; for illness, for parties, for any reason at all. She cared for her sister when she became ill and managed everything for her. Her nieces and nephews were like her own children. She mothered her special friend, Marie Lavoie, as if she was her own daughter. Everyone who met her enjoyed her warmth.
Malke was incredibly social and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She was a Board Member of the Maple Leaf Chapter of B’nai Brith Women. Without judgment or reservation she supported all those around her. She made a point to get to know every single person she met, and to shower them in warmth, from her closest relatives to the person behind her in line at the grocery store. She was effortless in building community, and in caring for each individual person thoughtfully and diligently.
Malke loved being independent; hosting friends and relatives in her apartment and going everywhere she wanted via the bus, handi transit, and her special driver, Jeff Aboodi. She was so proud when she learned to use an iPad and for years communicated via Facebook and text message with her family and friends. She participated in every event at the Simkin Center; from bowling to bingo to Shabbat Services, she did it all.
Malke leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Dr. Tsiporah Shore (Rabbi Jeffrey Gale); her son Bernie Shore (and partner Jackie Moore-Bunney); her grandchildren Leanne, Joshua, Julian and Luca; her great-grandson Bentley; nephews and nieces, Zvi Gordon, Saul Jacobson, Sybil Stokoloff, Akivah Starkman, Gary Starkman, Roni Katz, David Katz, Ilana Katz-Morstead, and their spouses and children. She also leaves to mourn numerous cousins and many friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Moishe and Laika Katz; her sister Beatrice (Bea) Starkman (Herb); her brother Ben Katz (Avivah), her sisters-in-law, Razel Jacobson (Sammy) and Ruth Gordon (Sam); and nephews, Don Gordon and Tom Morstead.
The family would like to thank Drs. Turnly Wong, Clarence Khoo, Gregg Eschun, and Richa Tandon for their outstanding care and kindness. The family also extends sincere thanks to Corinna, Brenda, Tessie, Jan, Marilyn, Lori, and the entire nursing staff and health care aides of Weinberg 2, the many volunteers of the Simkin Center, Josh who facilitated recreation and FaceTime, and the entire Simkin Centre staff. Thanks to Jaafar (Jeff) Aboodi, Malke’s driver, and to Marie Lavoie and Cycelia Lazarowich for always being there for her. And thanks to all friends and relatives for their unending support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center; the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Manitoba; the Canadian National Institute for the Blind; or to a charity of your choice.
Malke sent ripples of love and kindness throughout this world, through the many people she met, and the many people who were able to bask in the light she spread. It was her joy and her love of community that allowed her to live so fully. Tehizichronalivracha – may her memory be for a blessing!
Obituaries
MEL MYERS April 24, 1936 – March 24, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mel Myers, K.C. on March 24, 2026, a month shy of his 90th birthday.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon; sons, Noel (Joan) and Paul (My-Phung); daughter Sarah; sister Gayle Myers (Jan Cooper); brother-in-law Brian Kaplan (Renee); grandchildren, Emily and Lily; nephews, Harris (Nina) and Ira (Ruby); nieces, Rachel (Alex) and Robyn (Kerem); great-nephew Jude; great-niece Chloe; extended family and many friends.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Hymie and Rose Myers, and his brother, Paul.
Mel was a powerhouse of a man. He was worthy of praise and accolade, a person of substance and impeccable character who gave his time and talents to make our lives, our world, a better place for all.
According to Sharon and to many, he knew everything and everyone; he was an extraordinary lawyer and delighted in the law; he loved humanity; he was fascinated by many things and had an unquenchable thirst for the acquisition of knowledge. He was the consummate family man, who loved the lake, gardening and being with his beloved Sharon. He was a respected and dutiful father and father-in-law, and an even better Zaida!
Mel and Sharon were married on May 29, 1960. They were partners in marriage and in life for over 65 years. In 1961, when Mel graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba Law School, he was appointed a crown attorney with the Manitoba Attorney General’s department. He was the first Jewish crown counsel and served in that capacity for three years before going into private practice.
Mel had a long and distinguished legal career and became a partner with the law firm of Pollock, Nurgitz, Bromley, Myers and Hewak. This Winnipeg-based law firm now bears his name, Myers LLP, and is honoured to continue to practice in Mel’s name to uphold his legacy for generations to come.
Mel was Manitoba’s pre-eminent advocate for labour and a vigorous defender of fundamental human rights. As a labour lawyer, among numerous notable cases, he successfully defended the constitutionality of the Rand formula under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the prohibition against mandatory retirement as age-based discrimination under the Manitoba Human Rights Act. Mel was a strong champion of workers’ rights across Manitoba. His work touched thousands of lives and forged advancements for labour and human rights across Canada. As a human rights advocate, he served as the first chairperson of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission from 1974 to 1978. He has appeared before numerous commissions, including the Monnin Inquiry into violations of Manitoba’s election laws. In addition to litigation before labour boards, arbitrators and the courts including appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada, Mel also taught classes on labour relations and administrative law at the University of Manitoba and a bar admissions course on criminal evidence. He mentored countless union lawyers and advocates in the presentation of cases. As well, he tirelessly advanced the education of union members.
Mel served as the Chair of the labour relations subsection of the Canadian Bar Association (Manitoba Branch). He also was a former president of the YMHA Community Centre and was a former member of the Board of Regents, University of Winnipeg.
After his retirement from active practice in 2001, he was appointed Chair of the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission, where an advisor’s office to assist citizens dealing with Manitoba’s public auto insurance plan was established with his input. Throughout his retirement, he continued to frequently act as a labour nominee on arbitration boards.
Mel was involved in many community organizations and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. His wisdom, guidance, and steadfast support was always appreciated by the Board.
In 2002, the annual Mel Myers Labour Conference on labour law was established in his honour by his former law firm. Proceeds are donated to a charitable cause espousing economic and social justice. Mel was a co-founder and past president of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, an association of 800 lawyers representing trade unions and professional organizations across Canada.
Mel was the recipient of several awards, including the Bora Laskin Award in 2005, which recognizes distinguished contributions in the field of labour law. Nominations of Mel for this award referred to “his willingness to work himself to the point of exhaustion, his fierce commitment to fairness and due process, and his conviction that protecting the rights of labour is fundamental to the preservation and strength of Canadian democracy.”
In addition to his professional activities, Mel maintained a broad range of interests in the arts and theatre, music, history, politics, travel, reading and sports of all kinds. He was also known for his immense and varied collection of trade union memorabilia and his readiness to discuss or debate any topic with passion and energy.
A very special thanks to the staff of Simkin Centre, Simkin 1, especially Nurse Cheryl, for their extraordinary care and vigilance over the time Mel was a resident as well as the staff of Realcare Inc, especially Cathy, Felix and Olumide, for the dignified and exemplary care they showed Mel.
Mel’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 27th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mel’s son, Noel, and sister, Gayle.
Pallbearers were Noel Myers, Paul Myers, Harris Kaplan, Kevin Marks, Seth Marks, and Evan Roitenberg. Honorary pallbearer was Brian Kaplan.
In honour of Mel’s memory, donations can be made to the ‘Mel Myers Endowment Fund’ (in support of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada) at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (call 204-477-7520 or online at https://jewishfoundationofmanitoba.crowdchange.ca/146553) or to the ‘Mel Myers, Q.C. Award’ at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law (call 204-474-9195 or online at https://give.umanitoba.ca/) or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JENNIE GOLDSTINE
September 25, 1929 – March 6, 2026
Surrounded by loved ones Mom passed away on March 6th at the age of 96.
Mom is survived by her three sons, Marc (Robyn), Ian (Elaine) and Lawrence. She was also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacque (Tyler), Steven (Jani), Daniel (Lainie), Jason (Gen) and Kyle as well as five great-grandchildren, Asher, Beckham, Jakob, Quinn and Abby. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis (Alvin).
She was predeceased by her husband Allan; her brothers, Boris and David; and her parents, Aaron and Manya Margolis.
Mom’s journey began in Kremenets, Poland on September 25, 1929. Mom came to Canada with her parents and brother Boris in the summer of 1930 and her story was in many ways the classic immigrant story. Raised in the North End, first on Euclid and Barber and then the big move in 1938 to Atlantic and Aikins, her parents ran a grocery store and times were not easy. However, the way out was education and in 1946, Mom graduated from St. John’s high school. Her high school was a point of pride for her throughout her life and when the 75th anniversary festivities took place in 1985, she had the time of her life. Mom’s education continued after high school and she attended United College (University of Winnipeg today) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was one of the few women of her generation to graduate from university and she took great pride in that fact. That push came from her own mother who had attended Gymnasia (secondary school) in Poland, a rarity for women.
Mom and Dad met in 1949 and were married on May 17, 1950. They were supposed to get married at the new Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on the corner of Wellington Crescent and Academy Road, but the first flood of the century intervened and they took refuge in Regina where my Dad had an aunt. They were married in aunt Eleanor’s living room. The family grew in the 50s and 60s with Marc arriving in 1952, Ian in 1955 and Lawrence in 1962.
In 1963 Dad graduated with his CA and as a celebration the family went out to Gimli and stayed at the Shoreliner Motel. While visiting Gimli, Mom and Dad made one of the great decisions of their lives when they purchased 25 2nd Avenue. The family shared so many fantastic experiences and has so many memories throughout the 50 years in Gimli.
Mom’s education continued in 1967 when she returned to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She taught for a year at Shaughnessy Park and spent a year on supply for Winnipeg School Division. Mom took a break from teaching in 1970 but returned in 1976 in a new role that would define her teaching. Mom became a substitute teacher for Winnipeg School Division and would continue in this role until she retired in 1992. Although she had no specialized training in early years education, Mom substituted primarily in JK K and Grade 1. She spent the majority of her time substituting in North End schools such as David Livingston, Victoria Albert and Norquay to name only a few. You could take the girl out of the North End but you could never take the North End out of the girl.
After Mom and dad retired in 1992, they moved out to Gimli to live full-time. Mom had one condition for moving out to Gimli, there had to be cable TV. Dad made sure there was cable TV. Mom and dad had a magical 20 years in Gimli. They met some terrific people who would become very close friends and they loved life in the Interlake. In late January each year they would drive down to Palm Springs and spend wonderful winters in the Coachella Valley.
It was the best of both worlds.
In 2013 they made the necessary decision to move back to Winnipeg in order to be closer to family. Mom and Dad were married for 63 years when dad passed away in 2014. Fortunately for mom, she was always a people person and she stayed busy by meeting new people and staying active. She was a voracious reader and there was always a newspaper or book in her hands. She also loved TV and enjoyed watching her favourite shows such as Murdoch Mysteries, Hudson and Rex and Blue Bloods.
Mom’s last journey began in June 2023 when she moved into the Simkin Centre. She adjusted well to her new surroundings and was well liked by staff and residents. She looked forward to Friday afternoon bingo on Weinberg 2 and especially winning at bingo which she often did. The family is grateful for the wonderful care Mom received from all the staff on Weinberg 2. There is one person who deserves special recognition and that is Mom’s companion and loving friend Mary Ann. The family is forever grateful for the care, respect and love she showed towards mom. It added a special quality of life to Mom’s final years. We were blessed to have Mom in our lives for an incredible 96 years. When Mom was 93, I asked her what it felt like to be 93. Her reply, 19!!
Mom’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on March 9th officiated by Rabbi Carnie Rose. Beautiful words of tribute were given by Mom’s grandson Steven Goldstine. Pallbearers were Jacque Edwards, Daniel Goldstine, Steven Goldstine, Jason Goldstine, Kyle Goldstine and Honourary Pallbearer Alvin Slayen.
Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mom we will miss your smile, warmth and sense of humour. “You are my sunshine my only sunshine.”
Obituaries
WALTER (VEV) GANETSKY
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Walter (Vev) Ganetsky on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the age of 85.
He will be lovingly remembered by his son David, his son and daughter-in-law, Morgan and Tracie, grandchildren, Braden (Maya), Jori (Justin), Alix and pup Enzo. Vev is also survived by Penny Ganetsky, sister-in-law Sharon Ganetsky, nephew Leonard (Lynn), niece Michele (Myles), great-nephews, numerous cousins, life long friends and special friend Fay Reich.
Graveside service was held at B’nay Abraham Cemetery on April 6. Pallbearers were David Ganetsky, Morgan Ganetsky, Braden Ganetsky, Myles Levin, Howard Jesierski, Laurie Etkin and Mitchell Rosenberg. We would like to thank Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his kindness. A heartfelt thank you to Ashley Miller of WFPS and the other first responders for their care and compassion.
If desired, donations can be made to Jewish Child and Family Service, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.