Obituaries
MARTIN CORNE
Martin Corne, beloved husband, father, brother, Zaida and uncle to both family and friends, passed in the night of March 22, 2022. Forever in the loving memory of his wife Gail; daughter Lisa Corne and her husband Michael Klein, and their children Max and Klein; son Ian Corne and his wife Janet Bright Corne, and their children Hugh and Sadie.
Martin was born and raised in River Heights, Winnipeg, where he resided for 87 of his 88 years. Growing up in River Heights he attended all the usual River Heights schools, including Lorraine Froggley’s nursery and kindergarten. He met the love of his life Gail at age 17, and serenaded her by playing her favourite tunes on the piano through the bedroom window whenever she visited family next door. Martin and Gail were the model of devotion and tenderness for 70 years.
He studied Law at the University of Manitoba, where he was later invited to join the faculty as a sessional instructor. He also enjoyed many years teaching for the Canadian Bankers Association, as well as the Manitoba Bar admission course. Martin practiced Law with his brother Alvin and their Uncle H.I., under the family firm name Corne & Corne. He was a general practitioner and well respected opponent in the court room. His clients became more like friends, often referring to him as Uncle Marty. Martin received the honour of being named a Queen’s Counsel in 1977.
In addition to being an outstanding lawyer, Martin possessed innumerable creative virtues, including playing piano, commanding a stage, and entertaining storytelling skills— his creativity was at the core of his personality. Having acted in multiple Manitoba Bar Association productions such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, and the lead role in Twelve Angry Jurors, he was invited by the Manitoba Theatre Centre to perform in the main stage production of Our Town.
Above all, family was Martin’s highest priority. Family celebrations and vacations were his favourite times, where everyone got together to enjoy each other’s company. Enjoying summers at Falcon Lake with family and friends was Heaven on Earth to him, and he often referred to it as Gan Eden.
His legacy will continue as it did during his life, through the many stories told by all he cared for, and who cared for him.
Obituaries
ESTHER MINUK Dec. 27, 1932 – April 3, 2026
Esther Bat Hershel Ve Devorah
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Minuk, beloved matriarch of our family. She was predeceased by her bashert, her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Doris and Harry Golub; and her sister, Evelyn (Herbie).
Esther was a loving and proud mother, Baba, and Great-Baba to her children Yale, Rhonda (Tom), Perry (Abby), Jody, and Marla (Franklin); her grandchildren Jordan (Amy), Daniel (Allie), Allie (Jordan), Hannah, and Lily; and her great-grandchildren Julian, Aidan, and Eddie.
Known to many as `Queen Esther’, she led with kindness and integrity, always seeing the good in others. Her home was open and welcoming, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was sharp, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. We are heartbroken and forever grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. She will be eternally missed by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation, 416-633-6224, https://bit.ly/4bRsabI or Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).