Obituaries
MINNIE KARLINSKY
Minnie Karlinsky (nee Ratner), was born in 1923 in Norquay, Saskatchewan. She had a great and happy life – all 98 years. She lived in the centre of friends and family. She was a positive and loving woman who had great joie de vivre, charm, style, beauty, generosity, compassion and wisdom. She was important to her family. She maintained all of her relationships. Her death leaves a huge void.
Minnie was born the youngest of six children. In 1926, the family moved to Winnipeg. Minnie grew up in the North End. Minnie was close to her older sisters and a group of life-long friends. Minnie attended Machray and St. John’s high school where she enjoyed sports and social activities. She took a course at the Normal School and spent one year in the country teaching grades one to nine in a one room schoolhouse. Minnie took great pride in having had the experience of being a teacher in Kerrik, Manitoba. She met her husband-to-be Will Karlinsky at an Eagles’ picnic when she was 16 years of age. They dated on and off for eight years before marrying in 1947, living on Inkster Blvd, then Emerson, and a return to Winnipeg during the polio epidemic. Minnie stayed home and raised their children, imparting to them the importance of being tolerant of others and treating everyone equally. She was active in Hadassah, ORT and the Rosh Pina Purim ball for a number of years. Extended family events in the Jewish calendar and other family and friend celebrations marked her year. At the age of 53 she went back to the University of Manitoba where she continued her studies at the School of Art.
Minnie and Will had a lot of fun. They loved their retreat at Sandy Hook. They loved partying with a cohort of friends and family, singing, dancing, celebrating the holidays and milestones. Mom made everyone feel important.
Minnie was an extraordinary cook, a gourmet, leaving everyone with memories of amazing meals. She was an innovator who respected tradition. She hosted and was hospitable. The door was always open, the coffee was always on, and her kitchen table and generosity were open to all. She was an avid reader, a prolific painter, a brilliant bridge player and she maintained a positive attitude to the end of her life, enjoying family, friends, nature and sunshine. She loved art and artists. She loved beauty. Hers was the smile and presence that lit the room. She faced and dealt with adversity, illness and disappointments with strength and courage. Wherever she lived: Campbell Street, the Crescent, The Portsmouth, and briefly at the Simkin Centre, she remained interested in people, extending a hand of friendship, accustomed that love would flow. She brought light into every situation, loving babies, the sky, a good martini. She had a beautiful smile. She was fiercely adoring and proud of her children and grandchildren, lavishing them with praise, and she was central to the vitality and connectedness of her large extended family.
She is pre-deceased by parents Frank and Sarah Ratner; husband William Karlinsky; brother Harry Ratner; sisters and brothers-in-law Molly and Jack Secter, Bessie and Morris Whiteman, Sophie and Aubie Jacob, Doris and Stan Sachs; in-laws Avram and Sonia, Hy and Eve, Jake and Sharna, Leah and Tzvi Trefler; nephews and niece Kenny Jacob, Alan and Matthew Karlinsky, and Marcia Secter; and great-grandson Cabe William Crossman, all of blessed memory. Minnie is survived by children Karen and Barry Corrin, Ellen Karlinsky and Adrian Challis, Harry Karlinsky and Andrea Tuka, former daughter-in-law Sally Davis Karlinsky; and Amy Karlinsky and Bryan Magnusson; grandchildren Daniel (Deirdre) and Sarah (Lyndon) Corrin; Aaron (Amy) and Jon (Lisha) Challis; Franny (Travis), April and Elizabeth Karlinsky; Anna and Saul Magnusson; and great-grandchildren Madeline, Benjamin, Jacob, Phoenix, Hazel, Samaya, and Ruby.
Minnie loved Assiniboine Park, took great joy in nature and sang lullabies and childhood songs to her grandchildren right to the end of her life. No birthday can be celebrated without Minnie’s rendition of “May you live a hundred years”; and as she encountered the day: “How beautiful and blue the sky!”
The family will always appreciate Maria Arbuthnot for her loving care of Minnie over the last few years, and the wonderful staff at the Portsmouth where she resided for seven years. She died at the Simkin Centre, after a short stay, on August 12th (4th Elul) and was buried at the Rosh Pina cemetery on August 15th.
Minnie was concerned for those in need: the hungry, the homeless and those without families or support. She believed in causes of justice and children’s literacy. Donations in her memory may be made to Winnipeg Harvest Foodbank, The Bear Clan, One Just City and the Literacy Programs of the Winnipeg Foundation and Winnipeg Public Library. Loved and beloved, we will be inspired by her ability to lift her face to the beautiful blue sky.
Obituaries
ABBOT KARASICK
1930 – 2025
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Abbot Karasick on December 29, 2025, at the age of 95. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity and outgoing personality, always willing to lend a hand or an ear to others in need.
Abbot leaves behind Ruth, his wife of 72 years; son Brian and daughter-in-law Cheryl Shinfield; daughter Brenlee and son-in-law Matthew Posner; grandchildren Caleb, Sarah and Glen Boden, and Alex; great-grandson Eli, and many nieces and nephews.
The youngest of five children, he was predeceased by his brother Ben, and sisters, Eva (Bermack), Rebecca (Dobbs) and Ann (Yutman).
Abbot was born in 1930, at the beginning of the Great Depression. While that may have made for a difficult early childhood, another historic event provided a fortuitous opportunity; while sandbagging during the 1950 Red River flood, he met Ruth, the love of his life. They were married soon after, in 1953.
Never one to remain idle, Abbot had three careers over his lifetime: the first in the fashion industry, the second in the life insurance industry, and the third, following his retirement, setting up and managing Ruth’s fashion business. He thrived on being with people and nurturing relationships and brought his warm personality with him everywhere he went. He was athletic in his youth and remained an avid golfer until well into his later years.
Abbot and Ruth travelled extensively, taking cruises around the world, from the Caribbean to Europe, and with their last cruise being a long-awaited one to Israel. They spent many winters in Hawaii and Las Vegas. After their children moved from Winnipeg, they added trips to see them regularly in Montreal, Ottawa, Boston and Grand Rapids, along with trips to visit family in Toronto and Los Angeles. They also enjoyed spending weekends at their cottage in Winnipeg Beach.
Abbot spent his last six months at the Clara and Saul Simkin Centre. The family would like to thank the administration and management at the Centre, the caregivers at Blossom for their compassionate support, and especially the team in Simkin 1 for their attentive care and support.
Funeral services were held at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on December 31, 2025. Donations in Abbot’s memory can be made to the Simkin Centre Foundation, at https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving
Obituaries
NORMAN IRWIN SHORE
Norman Irwin Shore was born in Winnipeg on January 15, 1929 and passed away in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on December 27, 2025.
He was predeceased by his father, David Shore and his mother, Bertha Shore (Cossoy). Norm grew up in Winnipeg’s North End, a place that featured prominently in his many stories, along with his years at St. John’s High School.
Norm worked alongside his mother and father at the Shore Brothers family jewelry business on Portage Avenue. He later owned a collection agency, worked in property management, and ultimately spent the remainder of his working life as a manufacturer’s agent representing several well-known watch brands.
Norm married Beth (Slotin) in 1960, and together they raised two children, their daughter Sydney Shore and son Philip Shore.
Sports were a lifelong passion for Norm. He was an avid curler and loved baseball, but nothing rivalled his enduring loyalty to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a team he first watched in the 1930s when they were known as the Winnipeg Rugby Football Club. Norm loved to tell the story of how he and his gang of friends would sneak into the old Osborne Stadium in his youth to watch their team play. Norm remained a steadfast Bomber fan throughout his life, holding seats on the East (Wild) side of Winnipeg Stadium, then later the West side. He attended games at Princess Auto Stadium, extending his diehard support for the Bombers until he passed away.
Norm’s lifelong friendships were a source of joy for him, and, as he survived one childhood friend after another in his later years, he made a point of remembering each one of them fondly to friends and family.
Norm’s interests were wide-ranging. He enjoyed reading historical fiction, listening to jazz from his extensive music collection, and spending time in the kitchen. He traveled the world into his late 80s, partly because his wife Beth owned and operated a travel agency, and partly because he was determined to spend time with his children and grandchild who spent extended periods of time living in countries as far away as Japan.
Generous with his time, Norm volunteered often. He assisted with his children’s softball and ice hockey teams and later volunteered at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. He also volunteered as a driver for meals on wheels.
Norm is survived by his wife, Beth Shore; his daughter, Sydney Shore (Wayne Sharpe); his son, Philip Shore; and his grandson, Sam Sharpe.
Donations in Norm’s memory may be made to the Manitoba Jewish Foundation (Winnipeg).
Obituaries
ARTHUR WORTZMAN
Surrounded by his family Arthur Wortzman, lovingly known as Art, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Adele Wortzman; his three children, Anita Wortzman (Ron Yurman), Susan Wortzman (Glenn Smith), Jason Wortzman (Teresa Rogers); his grandchildren, Lexie (Jacob), Haley, Liam, Hannah and Jack and his great-grandchildren, Shiloh and River.
Born in Winnipeg in 1929, Art grew up in the vibrant West End of Winnipeg as the youngest of three children. His upbringing was unique for the time, with his parents, Harry and Tillie, working together in their ladies’ clothing stores in Winnipeg and Vancouver. This partnership allowed for a bustling household, filled with the laughter of friends and family.
Art shared a close bond with his siblings, George and Eleanor, and their respective spouses Glory and Howie(Silver), as well as with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Allan and Marsha Maslove. Art inherited many wonderful traits from his parents: from his father, he learned the importance of love and devotion to one’s spouse, and from his mother, he gained a sense of humor, fun, and adventure.
Art’s love for his wife was evident throughout their 66 years of marriage. Adele reciprocated his love and care, looking after him at home and then ensuring he was never alone during his stays at Shaftesbury and Victoria Hospital.
Art’s legacy extends beyond his family. He was a talented athlete, playing football for Gordon Bell High School and U of M Law. Art pursued law at the University of Manitoba and practiced law for over 50 years, known for his ethics, practicality, and dedication. Art’s sense of humor, wisdom, and kindness were well-known. He was a mentor and friend to many, offering wise counsel and support to many clients, friends and other lawyers.
Art’s adventurous spirit was evident throughout his life in Winnipeg, at Falcon Lake and travels to Mexico and Israel. He introduced his family to many activities, from snowmobiling to cross-country skiing, and completed a marathon at 52 years old. He was always game for fun, whether it was Lake Olympics or a historic bike ride on Pipeline Road. In his later years, Art continued to embrace new experiences, from ziplining across the Jordan River to making bread with his grandchildren. He was a talented craftsman, creating Adirondack chairs and vegetable gardens at the lake. Art’s love for learning inspired his family. His grandchildren, Lexie, Haley, Liam, Hannah, and Jack, shared countless adventures and cherished moments with their Zaida.
He was a talented card player, a voracious reader, and a lover of family dinners and games. Art’s legacy lives on in his children, Anita, Susan and Jason who have followed in his footsteps in various ways.
A special thank you to Juhn and Gerlie and several other dedicated caregivers who supported him like a family member. Thank you also to the wonderful staff at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence and the Victoria Hospital.
Services were held on December 23, 2025, at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Please consider a donation to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Art and Adele Wortzman Fund.
Art’s life was a testament to the values of love, family, friendship, and adventure. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Art, Dad and Zaida – you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on in each of us.