Obituaries
MERLE ROCHELLE GARFINKEL
Merle Rochelle Garfinkel (née Vinsky) passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Friday, August 26th, 2022, after a brief but difficult battle with lung cancer.
Pre-deceased by her parents Arthur and Betty Vinsky, sister Molly (Clarice) Pitsch and niece Betty Sucharov, Merle is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Marvin, her children Ara (Jeff Morris), Jeffrey (Dana) and Sadira (Nick Chuback), her grandchildren Harlan, Emma, Kenzie, Edward and Margot, brothers-in-law Paul (Barbara) and Barry (Lili) and her nieces and nephews.
Born July 23, 1947, Merle grew up in Winnipeg’s North End, attending Peretz, Champlain and Machray schools, then St. John’s and Tec Voc high schools, where she completed her vocational training as a stenographer. After losing both of her parents at a young age, Merle learned the importance of independence and hard work early on, values she passed on to all three of her children. She was very close with her sister Clarice, who we lost too young.
Merle was known for her easy smile and quick wit and her love of music, dancing and socializing in general meant she was always the life of the party. Whether it was in school, at work, in Palm Springs or playing bridge or mah-jong, Merle made friends easily and for life. In fact, in many cases Merle could count the duration of her closest friendships in decades rather than years, and in some cases, lifetimes.
Family was always the most important thing in Merle’s life. Marrying Marvin at the age of 22, they built a true partnership based on love, trust, and patience. Together, they built the family she had always dreamed of, including their three children, their sons and daughter-in-law, and their five grandchildren, whom Merle always showered with love and affection. A perennial presence at her kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and dance performances, Merle was known for her exuberant shouts of encouragement, and the occasional jeer at referees.
Whether in celebrating major family occasions, or at casual get-togethers or visits, Merle took great joy and pride in being surrounded by her loved ones, and her presence will be sorely missed by the many who loved her.
Merle’s funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek cemetery on August 28th, 2022. Pallbearers were Jeff Morris, Harlan Morris, Al Benarroch, Martin Kluner, Regan Katz and Steven Offman. Honourary pallbearers were Paul Garfinkel, Barry Garfinkel, Jack Offman, David Katz, Barry Hyman and Nick Chuback. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charitable organization of your choice in memory of Merle.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart
Obituaries
GERTRUDE “GERTIE”NEPON (NEE PIERCE) JUNE 1, 1926 – DECEMBER 26, 2025
Gertrude “Gertie” Nepon (née Pierce), aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, Baba, sister, and friend, whose love, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children Allan (Reeva), Mark (Leslie), and Jack (Carla) and her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Hillary (Ariel), Joshua, Hayley (Richard), Taryn and David. Born on June 1, 1926, in Winnipeg, Gertie was the daughter of Esther and Benjamin Pierce. She was predeceased by the love of her life, David Harry Nepon, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Their enduring bond was an inspiration to family and friends alike. David passed away in 1988 and losing him left a void in her heart that never truly healed. They are now reunited in peace.
Gertie was also predeceased by her beloved siblings – brothers Moe, Max, Fred, and Jack Pierce, and by her sister Patty. She is survived by her sister Brownie Fleishman, and by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gertie was known for her ever-present smile—even during life’s most difficult moments. Her family and friends were always her greatest priority. She was a homemaker, often volunteering in schools where she tested the hearing of nursery and kindergarten children. She was known for her organization and meticulous nature, keeping her home in perfect order, with everything in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and sharing lunches with her many friends, well into her 90’s. Even in her final year at the Simkin Centre Nursing Home, at age 99, she retained that magical smile—a smile that could light up any room and stood as a testament to her resilience, positivity, and love of life.
Gertie’s funeral was held on Monday, December 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, with Cantor Leslie Emery officiating. Pallbearers were Allan, Mark, Jack, Jordan, David Nepon, and Ellen Fleishman. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SONYA KAMINSKY MAY 24, 1925 – JUNE 12, 2025
Beloved mother and Bubbi passed away peacefully at 100 years old.
Sonya is survived by her children Brenda (Marvin) Kass and Sheldon Kaminsky, her grandchildren Josh (Samantha) Hartley (Erin), Jordan (Jenn), Nikki (Patrick) as well as eight great-grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.
Sonya was predeceased by her parents, sister and beloved husband Bill.
Sonya married the love of her life Bill and they spent 53 wonderful years together, Theirs was a true love story filled with laughter and many wondrous moments and grounded by devotion, respect and unconditional love for each other, Their home was always open to family and friends and at the center of it all was Sunny ( lovingly named for her for her sunny disposition). Sunny loved entertaining. She was a great hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family whether it was Friday night dinners -holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
Sunny enjoyed 10 pin bowling and volunteer work with Bnai Brith Women.
However at the centre of her life was always her Family and her role as BUBBI filled her heart and kept her strong.
She was the best – MOM- Bubbi – Aunt – always there for everyone to listen , guide, advise, and support and always with unconditional Love. She adored each of her great grandchildren and imply could not get enough of them….they were her pride and joy!
We all feel so blessed to have her share our lives.
MOM you were our Rock and you will always be our “Sunshine.”
SUNNY will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family as well as all those whose lives she touched.
Our gratitude to Simkin center and especially to Moms caregivers Marianne, Odette, Marinel and Mina.
Special thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his ongoing support.
Our Heartfelt thanks for the donations, meals, love and support extended to our family.