Obituaries
Mary Benarroch November 11, 1930 – May 29, 202321 Cheshvan 5961 – 9 Sivan 5783
Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Mary Benarroch z”l passed away at the age of 92 on Monday, May 29, 2023 (9th day of Sivan, 5783). Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Salomon Benarroch, parents Yamin Muyal and Rachma (Bensoussan), and sister, Esther Levy. Mary is survived by her children Rabbi Yossi (Elana Carrol), Rabbi Yamin (Rivka Ohayon), Michael (Kim Bailey), and Albert (Brenlee Sucharov), siblings Mojluf Muyal (Mary), Anita Muyal (Mojluf z”l), Moses Muyal (Darcy z”l), fifteen grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.
Mary was born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1930 and moved to Tangier, Morocco at a young age where she was raised and closely connected to Jewish life. The vibrancy of the cosmopolitan Tangier and its tightknit Jewish community permeated her family life. As a young woman, Mary worked at a woman’s clothing boutique, Fifth Avenue, which sold the height of Western fashions. She met her soulmate in the shy and gentle Salomon and were married on September 15, 1954. Children soon followed – twins Yossi and Yamin in 1957, and Michael in 1959. Life for Jews in Morocco was generally positive, until Arab-Jewish tensions began to slowly escalate following the birth of the State of Israel. With the massive exodus of Moroccan Jews in the late 1950’s thru early 1960’s, Mary and Salomon made the big move and set off for Canada in 1963. First by ship, aboard the Queen Frederica to Halifax, and then by train, they settled in Winnipeg, with three young children in tow. Soon came the arrival of their youngest, Albert, in 1964. Mary was the consummate homemaker, creating a strong Jewish home built on the core values and principles of love, respect, total devotion to husband, and children.
In her early years in Canada, Mary was a devoted homemaker preserving the Sephardic traditions of Morocco, while also learning the nuances of Ashkenaz recipes from her newfound community. Devotion to the family home and the cycles of Jewish life were at the centre of Mary’s life – with Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and all fast days, observed to the highest degree.
In the mid 1970’s, Mary started a home daycare providing much needed childcare for many children, something needed by many orthodox parents. She had a natural rapport and magnetism with young children, something that she turned into a career over the next 30 years, first at home, then as an Assistant at Talmud Torah’s nursery and kindergarten, and finally at Aleph-Bet Daycare.
Mary was the consummate aunt and grandmother to her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She maintained regular contact with many of them, even though they were all over the world. Mary was an active member in Jewish community life, both at synagogue and in the Winnipeg Chapter of Emunah Women, where she made countless, lifelong friends. She was a second mother to many of her children’s friends, ensuring that the home was always open and welcoming to all. As many of those friends have attested, the Jewishness and warmth of the Benarroch home made lasting lifelong impacts on many of them.
Mary spent her final years at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre, whose care and compassion cannot be measured. Though her final years were ravaged by dementia, Mary never forgot her family, her many early memories, or her gregarious social skills. The ultimate testament to Mary’s legacy is the unwavering support she afforded all her children and her investment in their educations – all of whom excelled in their respective fields, are community leaders, and devoted to Jewish life. As she would often say, even at the end “All my children are educated.”
Loved by all and deeply missed, Mary’s funeral took place at the Chesed Shel Emes, 1023 Main Street, on Tuesday May 30, 2023, officiated by close family friend, Rabbi Charles Grysman of Toronto. Pallbearers were Mary’s grandsons, Aden Benarroch, Keenan Benarroch, Netanel Benarroch, Zion Benarroch, and nephews Yamin Muyal and Aaron Benarroch. Interment followed at the Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Adas Yeshurun- Herzlia Synagogue (204-489-6262) or Jewish Child and Family Service (204-477-7430).
Obituaries
NELLIE (NELL) LABOVITCH
Nellie (Nell) Labovitch passed away peacefully in her home on December 1, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Our hearts are grateful for the 103 years she blessed our lives.
Nell was predeceased by her beloved husband Morris of 56 years (2000), her eldest daughter Shelley Nimchonok (2019) and son-in-law Robert (Bob) Walker (2015). Nell will forever be missed by her children Connie (Darrel) Donen, Joy Walker (Bob), Sharon Elston, and son-in-law Meyer Nimchonok (Shelley) and her grandchildren Kevin (Mony) Nimchonok, Shauna (Aaron) Lindzon, Maury Donen (Jennifer Luong), Jason Donen (Kristin Macaraeg), Erin Walker, Adam (Samantha) Walker, Sean Walker (Lindsey Markusson), Chad (Sawako) Elston, Cori (Tonio) Ettienne and her great-grandchildren Jay, Eli, Jordan, Emily, Max, Carmen, Matteo, Logan, Dylan, Caleb, Hana, Jun, Prism and Onyx and her brothers, Sam (predeceased Rita) Bebchuk, Dr. William (Elaine) Bebchuk and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Nell was predeceased by her parents, Ettie and Joseph Bebchuk, her sisters, Marian Margolis (Joe Berz), Bessie (Mitchell) Schachter and parents- in-law, Rachel, and Hymie Labovitch; brothers and sisters inlaw, Sam Labovitch, Dr. Bill Lyons, Jack Lyons; Brina Bressler, Lil Seigel, Rose Weiner, and Sylvia Fritz.
Nell and Morris were married within a short courtship of only three weeks as they knew immediately that they were for each other. The connection that they had was undeniable. They were renowned for their shared love of dancing and moving together with extraordinary elegance and effortless skill. They met life’s challenges with a united front, setting a beautiful example of their lifelong commitment.
Nell took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and always made each one of them feel special. She enjoyed pampering everyone with their favourite dishes. Her life was filled with an abundance of family, laughter, love, and optimism.
Even in her later years Nell remained vigorous and active, powerwalking at her gym into her late 90’s. One had to stand in line for a chance to be one of her walking partners, even when she was walking with a walker. Her nightly ritual was to say special prayers not only for everyone who needed praying for, but also for those who were close to her. On special occasions it was a treat to receive her amazing poetry. Nell retained a remarkably keen mind and enjoyed tackling word games well into her 90’s.
In her later years, she was surrounded by a phenomenal team of caregivers who considered her as close as a grandmother. With special gratitude to Ruth, and Amandeep who were by her side until the end. With thanks also to Jenna and The Right At Home staff. She was truly an extraordinary soul, matriarch, and an inspiration to us all.
Nell’s joyful spirit is heartfelt and will forever be with us. We will all live by three words that she recited endlessly to everyone that she met – “Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy.”
Funeral Services were held on December 3, 2025, at a private graveside ceremony for immediate family members. Thank you to the Pallbearers: Maury Donen, Jason Donen, Adam Walker, Erin Walker, Chad Elston, and Tonio Ettienne.
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Nell’s memory.
Obituaries
FAYE VICKAR LAZER November 18, 1950 – December 3, 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce Faye Vickar Lazer passed away on December 3, 2025 at the age of 75. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, patience, and quiet strength.
She will be greatly missed by her husband Joel Lazer; son Lawrence Cohen and daughter-in-law Szandra Temesvari; daughter Jilda Lazer, son-in-law Cameron Quinn and grandchildren, Noa and Eli; daughter Sara Lazer, son-in-law Christopher Maissan and grandchildren, Elliot, Simone and Lila; twin sister Reva Micflicker and brother-in-law Allan; brother Larry Vickar and sister-in-law Tova; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Florence Vickar.
Faye grew up in Melfort, SK and lived there until she moved to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba. First studying nursing, she quickly changed her focus to education. She taught for 34 years in the Winnipeg School Division, teaching nursery and kindergarten at Victoria-Albert, River Elm, King Edward, and Glenelm. She was her students’ first, and often favourite, teacher and over the years, fostered a love of learning and reading in hundreds of kids.
Faye and Joel were married in 1987 at Birch Island Resort in Minaki, Ontario, where family and friends were invited to celebrate their love and share in their love of fishing. Since then, they have spent their summers in the area fishing for pickerel, enjoying shore lunches of fish and fries, and in more recent years, spending time on the lake with their grandchildren.
Faye spent the last part of her life living at the Simkin Centre. When asked about it she would tell people happily “if you have to be in a place like this, this is the best place to be!” The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Simkin Centre and especially the team in Simkin 2 for their attentive care. The family is also grateful to the team of caregivers – Lovely, Luisa and Maria – who helped keep Faye happy and healthy for so long.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 5, 2025. Pallbearers were Elliot Lazer-Maissan, Noa Lazer Quinn, Sam Vickar, Stephen Vickar, Heather Micflikier and Liam Gutkin. Donations can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation in Faye’s memory at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/.
Obituaries
KEVIN PAUL STEINBERG June 1, 1967 – October 29, 2025
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kevin Steinberg (O’Neil) on October 29, 2025 at the age of 58 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He will be forever remembered by his mom Donna, sister Debbie (Marc), brother Jeff (Jocelyn), nieces and nephews, Josh (Dena), Zach, Samantha (Sean), Jaidyn, Jordyn, Jilliyn, Jayson and great-nephew Benny, his aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends across Winnipeg, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs and beyond. Kevin was predeceased by his dad Eddie and stepdad Ernest.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kevin moved to Toronto at 19 years of age. He attended Ryerson Theatre School and quickly earned his Equity and ACTRA cards. After winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery he moved to Los Angeles. Within a couple of years he appeared on Seinfeld, Frasier, Married with Children and more. He later worked behind the scenes in TV and film. Kevin also had a great job in catering and told fun stories of the famous people he worked for in L.A.
In 2006 Kevin returned home to Winnipeg, where he continued acting and design. He later moved back to Toronto to join a design firm. It was there he was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare head and neck cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Kevin lived fully – auditioning, writing and travelling. During COVID he launched a podcast – Everyday Heroes. He also shared cooking videos, learned to sketch and kept creating. Kevin thrived, inspiring everyone around him with his resilience, humour and zest for life. Kevin always lived “in the moment”, he embraced life as it came. He will be remembered for his creativity, humour, courage and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Hochman, CancerCare Manitoba, Lisa and the whole team at Palliative Care, Rabbi Matthew Leibl, Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and MAID.
Kevin requested that donations be made to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation www.accrf.org