Obituaries
MIRIAM FLEISHER
November 05, 1941 – May 21, 2017
Miriam Fleisher, 76, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017, corresponding to the 25th of Iyyar, 5777, in the comfort of her own home.
She is survived by her brother William, sister-in-law Doreen, nephews, Ryan, Gideon, Zach and Ben, and nieces Dara and Raisa. Miriam lived a full and fruitful life as an independent woman, till the very end. She was predeceased by her father Samuel (Simcha), mother Regina (Rivke) and brother Frank.
Miriam was fortunate to survive the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust, thanks to the ingenuity of her parents, who placed her in a Catholic convent. After her parents were separated and miraculously survived the atrocities surrounding them, they somehow were reunited and returned to gather their daughter. Miriam, who had in her first few years been raised Catholic, recalled she was not initially pleased to learn her fate or faith. She was returned to her parents on the condition that she be raised Catholic, an agreement that soon fell by the wayside, as she and her newly born brother Frank came with their parents as refugees to Canada and started a new life. Her brother William was soon to follow and the family entered the wholesale cattle and meat business. She graduated high school, took some post secondary education at the University of Manitoba and soon moved to Toronto for work.
Miriam subsequently moved on to California, working in real estate, property management and at IBM. She was a trailblazer for women in the workforce, and built a full life on the west coast. She kept in touch with many of her friends from that period of her until her death.
Miriam was truly the life of the party, and a social force with which to be reckoned. Her penchant to find trouble and mischief made for a great many tales. When asked at a cocktail party in California by Ronald Reagan, the future American president, if he had her support in the upcoming election, she remarked that she wasn’t an American citizen, but if she was, there was no way she would vote for him. Suffice it to say, her friend at the Associated Press didn’t invite her to many more such parties. While many of us today have become increasingly sensitized and filtered, Miriam was not afraid to speak her mind.
Because of her financial success and close attention paid to the market, Miriam was able to retire in her late 40’s, returning to Winnipeg to care for her mother, who was alone after her husband’s passing. She cared meticulously for her mother while at the same time taking on new responsibilities with nieces, nephews and extended family.
Her love of the arts, cinema and theatre knew no bounds. She read voraciously; history, politics, fiction, nonfiction and her favourite newsmagazines. She strove to stay current in politics and world events, and enjoyed her connections with the Chavurat Tefilah and the Jewish Reading Circle.
While she appeared to be a larger than life persona, Miriam was also a very private individual, one who was able to speak volumes without really letting you in to the struggles that she faced. She emanated warmth and left an impression on everyone she encountered.
Her family is comforted in knowing that her memory and dedication will continue to inspire us for years to come.
She was laid to rest at the B’nai Abraham Cemetery on Tuesday May 23. Donations in Miriam’s honour may be made to the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre ( http://gwensecter.com/donations/ ) or to a charity of one’s choice.
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.