Obituaries
MINDEL OLENICK
After a prolonged period of poor health, Mindel (Rady) Olenick passed away at home in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the age of 96.
She is survived by: her daughters and sons-in-law Gail and Arne Wagner of Piedmont, CA, Debby and Brian Hirsch of Winnipeg, and Roberta Olenick of Vancouver; her grandchildren Laura Wagner (Seth LeJacq), Moshe (Chani) Hirsch and Aron Hirsch; and her six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by: her sister Marjorie Blankstein, her brother Ernest (Evelyn) Rady, her sister-in-law Bess Plosker; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, Vancouver, San Diego and Hawaii. She was predeceased in 2007 by her beloved spouse of almost 60 years, Tom. She was also predeceased by: her parents Rose and Max Rady; her parents-in-law Anna and Zalman Olenick; and her brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Morley Blankstein, Eva and Max Natch, Edel Direnfeld and Max Plosker.
Mindel was born in Winnipeg on October 8, 1924, the oldest child of Rose and Max Rady. She had a brilliant mind and excelled at school. She graduated from Kelvin High at the top of her class and was school valedictorian. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba followed by a year of work in microbiology at the Banting Institute in Toronto. She returned to Winnipeg where, on June 11, 1947, she married Tom Olenick, who had proposed to her a few years earlier on their very first date.
The most important things to Mindel were her husband and three daughters and then later on, her sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. She always wanted for them whatever they truly wanted for themselves and selflessly supported them in whatever way she could. Without ever expecting or wanting anything in return, she was always there in every way, not only for her immediate family, but also for her extended family and friends. She was much loved by everyone for her wisdom and her warmth.
Through both word and especially deed, Mindel taught her children the importance of compassion and empathy. She was always able to see things from the perspective of others and thus treated everyone with kindness and respect. She exemplified diligence, honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, reliability and above all, keeping your word. If she said she would do something, you could count on her to do it without fail.
Characteristic of Mindel was her unwavering positive outlook on life. She was truly content with herself and her circumstances. More than once she said, “I know people who keep wishing they were younger than they are. Not me – I have always liked whatever age I am right now.” (Though in her early 90s she did admit to wishing to be 85 again because she was still able to drive then.) She always looked for the best in any situation and believed that things would work out. If not, she knew she could handle it. With her calm confidence and clear perspective, she was unflappable!
Mindel was a generous supporter of a wide variety of causes including: Israel and the Jewish community, medical research and education, and environmental issues. She funded the first hospital building of her daughter Gail’s project providing medical care in rural Kenya.
Mindel Olenick was truly an exceptional person. Her passing has left a void in the lives of all those she touched. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the team from HomeInstead for their tireless, loving care of Mindel, making it possible for her to remain at home until her very last day. We extend particular thanks to those who were with her the longest: Edna, Rosemarie, Jessielyn and Dolores.
A private graveside service was held on March 31, 2021 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with Rabbi Kliel Rose officiating. Pallbearers were: Brian Hirsch, Sydney O’Bray and David Salita. Pallbearers in absentia (due to Covid) were: Arne Wagner, Laura Wagner, Moshe Hirsch, Aron Hirsch, Alan Direnfeld, Gary Direnfeld and Donald Rady. Honorary pallbearers were: Marjorie Blankstein, Ernest and Evelyn Rady, Bess Plosker, Bryan Natch, Barry Tessler, Arlene Wall, Gloria Mendelson and Milton and Brenda Tenenbein.
Donations in Mindel’s memory can be made to Technion Canada (Suite 206-970 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6A 3B6, Tel 416-789-4545) or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN LEVY
On January 6, Alan Levy, age 71, died at Grace Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan spent his childhood in the North End and later moved to River Heights, where his family settled on Brock Street.
After studying in Winnipeg and Tel Aviv, Alan moved to Toronto, where he lived for over 30 years. It was in Toronto where he raised a family with his first wife, Sylvia Bashevkin, worked in public sector human resources and fell in love with Chinese food.
In 2017, after brief stints as an academic in Regina and Brandon, Alan moved back home to the Peg, where he spent many fulfilling years with his devoted wife of 20 years, Cheryl Karlinsky, and their loving dogs. In his later career, he was appointed to the Labour Relations Board of Canada where he served as a skilled adjudicator and proud Canadian.
Alan was endlessly proud of his family, daughters Dalia Levy and Aviva Levy (Adam Walman) of Toronto, and two grandsons, Jonah and Ethan.
Predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Audrey Levy (nee Myers) of Winnipeg, Alan was a dedicated news junkie with a sharp sense of humour. He thrived most when discussing current events, cracking jokes and debating geopolitical crises. Much to his family’s frustration, he would stay up all night glued to the news, and they’d wake up to endless articles he’d shared the night before.
Alan had an exceptionally strong spirit of generosity and focus on ‘tikkun olam’ – repairing the world, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful to the staff at Simkin for providing him with a phenomenal level of care over the last few years, especially Dr. Chung and Sara Reid, Assistant Director of Care. Special thanks to Paul, Victor and Almaze, his kind and patient caregivers.
The funeral took place at Chesed Shel Emes on January 8.
Donations in his memory can be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre https://www.simkincentre.ca.
Obituaries
DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025
Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.