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Obituaries

MOJLUF MUYAL z”l

Surrounded by his loving family, Mojluf Muyal z”l passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Sunday, July 9th, 2023 (20th day of Tammuz, 5783) at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Mojluf is predeceased by his parents, Yamin Muyal and Rachma (Bensoussan) and his sisters Esther Levy and Mary Benarroch. Mojluf is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Mary Muyal, son Yamin (Karla), siblings Anita Muyal (Mojluf z”l), Moses Muyal (Darcy z”l), and grandchildren Josh and Hannah.
Mojluf was born July 29th, 1932 in Casablanca, Morocco. Mojluf & his family eventually moved to Tangier where he grew up. Mojluf left high school early in order to work and help support his family. In 1957, at age 25, Mojluf decided he and his family deserved better, and alone, set sail on a long, strenuous trip to Canada, arriving many days later in the town of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Once in Halifax, Mojluf eventually made his way to Winnipeg where he began working as a long haul truck driver, in order to save money to bring the rest of his family over from Morocco. After a few years of saving up, he sent for his sisters and parents to come to Canada.
While driving truck was paying the bills, Mojluf had higher ambitions in life and eventually discovered his love for electronics. Mojluf decided to become a licensed electrician and opened up his own TV & radio repair shop called Yuma Television on Maryland St, eventually moving the business into the basement of his home on Inkster Blvd.
In 1967 while attending “Festival 67” in Montreal, Mojluf met a beautiful young Moroccan girl named Mary who happened to be from the same town he was born in. It was truly love at first sight and Mojluf knew right then and there that Mary was going to be his wife. Within a matter of weeks, the two were married.
Mary eventually left Montreal and moved to Winnipeg with her now husband Mojluf where they had a son, Yamin, in 1970. Mojluf and Mary raised their son Yamin in an orthodox Jewish household, sending him to the private Jewish school Mary happened to teach at, Talmud Torah.
As time went on, and Yamin got older, Mojluf got to welcome a daughter in-law Karla, and two grandchildren, Josh and Hannah. Mojluf absolutely adored his grandchildren, and loved being their Abuelo. Whether it was taking Josh fishing at the Selkirk docks, or making Hannah’s favourite pancakes, Mojluf dedicated the last 20+ years of his life to his family. Hosting many Shabbat dinners, taking the grandkids to Talmud Torah synagogue and just spending time with his family.
As time went on, and Mojluf and Mary got older, they sold their home on Inkster Blvd after 60+ amazing years. Mary moved into the Simkin Centre where she could receive extra care, and Mojluf moved into his son Yamin’s home. During the last few years of Mojluf’s life, he went daily across the city, to sit and be with his wife, Mary, at Simkin. Nothing was more important to him at this time, than being with and spending all the time he could with the love of his life.
In mid June of 2023, Mojluf went into the Grace Hospital for a hip replacement, but quickly endured some medical complications, and passed away peacefully in the ICU with his family by his side.
Mojluf’s family would like to take a moment to thank the amazing staff at Grace Hospital, especially nurse Marie, who went above and beyond in Abuelo’s care (or as he was known on the ICU ward, “Mo”) We are eternally grateful to all of you.
Abuelo. The path that you paved for your family, is one we are proud to take with your memory in mind. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, we love you so much. May your Neshama have an Aliyah.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Mojluf’s memory to your local synagogue.

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Obituaries

BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025

A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.

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Obituaries

MINNIE BELL

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.

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Obituaries

MICKEY HOCH

April 3, 1930 – March 23, 2025

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mickey Hoch announces his passing.

Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, survived by his children from his first marriage: Irv (Michele Rose), Jeff (Janet), and Michele (Gerry Faintuch); grandchildren, Ashley, Stephanie, and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Moshe, Emelia, and Yehoshua. He is also survived by his stepson Marc (Debbie) Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Rita; his parents, Simcha and Fanny; and his four siblings, David, Miriam, Yosi, and Avrum.

Born in Gurahontz, Romania, Mickey’s childhood was marked by adventure and exploration. He spent his early years fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, with Shabbat being a cherished time in his home. Despite the challenges of growing up during difficult times, Mickey’s resilience and determination shone through. He was entrepreneurial from a young age, learning the ropes of business from his parents and starting work in their store. When the Second World War forced his family to relocate to Arad, Mickey started his first business at the age of nine, selling snacks near a concert hall. He also delivered newspapers and worked in a candy factory. During the war, his family was moved to a ghetto, and Mickey bravely aided Polish refugees and supported people in labour camps by delivering food, money, and mail.

In 1948, Mickey immigrated to Winnipeg, while his family moved to Israel. He began his new life working at Crown Cap and soon launched his own hat factory in the basement of the Mazo home, his adopted family. From these humble beginnings, he expanded the business into a large garment company that produced hats, parkas, and pants, eventually employing over 400 people at Century 21 Apparels. Mickey was known as a respected and fair employer, regarded as one of Winnipeg’s leading apparel manufacturers.

A pioneer in workforce development, Mickey traveled to the Philippines in the 1960s through the Manitoba Fashion Institute, where he recruited garment workers. He helped bring the first group of Filipino workers to Winnipeg, providing them opportunities and a new life. Decades later, those same workers held a banquet in his honour to thank him for his profound impact on their lives.

In the late 1970s, Mickey joined sons, Jeff and Irv to start Century 21 Promotions in Seattle. After returning to Winnipeg in 1987, he co-founded Marathon Threads Canada with his daughter Michele, working there well into his 90s. Mickey remained an active and respected figure in both the garment and promotional product industries.

Outside of work, Mickey was deeply involved in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He spent countless weekends enjoying outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling, golfing, and racquet sports. In his later years, he took joy in cycling, poker, and bridge with friends.

Mickey travelled extensively, exploring destinations in Asia, South America, the U.S., Israel, and more. He especially cherished travelling with his granddaughters, with memorable trips to Alaska, Europe, Israel, and beyond.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Lisa for the love and care she gave Mickey, calling her his best friend.

Though his journey has come to an end, Mickey’s love, legacy, and remarkable story will live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Mickey and Rita Hoch Fund” supporting the Holocaust Education Centre at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 204-477-7520.

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