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
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).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.