Obituaries
MOLLY LACHTER (nee) MINUK
With heavy hearts we announce that Molly Lachter, our dear sweet mom, grandmother and mother-in-law, passed away peacefully December 12, 2019, with family by her side.
Molly will be sadly missed by her daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori, son-in-law Marty, and grandchildren, Mark (Julianna), Michael, and Ryan (Rena). She also leaves to mourn her sisters, Yetta, Clara; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Annette; brother-in-law Jack, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Tybel and Beryl; husband Norman; son-in-laws, Murray and Darryl; sister Evie, and brother Norman.
Mom was born May 21, 1923, the eldest of six children, to Tybel and Beryl Minuk and was raised in a loving close-knit family. After graduating from St. John’s High School, Mom attended a bookkeeping program and then implemented her skills at Western Glove.
Mom and Dad met at a wedding and it was love at first sight. They married in 1948 and thereafter, welcomed three daughters, Marilyn, Carol and Lori. While we were young, Mom stayed home with us. We all remember Mom helping with homework, cooking great meals, sewing costumes for our various activities and always there to support us. Mom was a best friend to each of us, whether it was to comfort or celebrate, and it remained that way throughout our lives.
As youngsters, we saw Mom’s compassion for animals blossom. From the beginning, she babied and helped care for Marilyn’s pup and later enjoyed Carol’s dogs too. While out walking, Mom stopped to pat every dog along the way.
Later, when Dad had his own electric sign business (Allied Signs), Mom joined him in the office. Even the accountants marvelled at how meticulously she kept the books. In spite of their busy schedules, we experienced wonderful family trips, such as to Detroit Lakes, the Seattle World Fair, B.C. and California. Mom also loved travelling with Dad to Florida, Hawaii and New York. After Dad’s passing, Mom had a memorable trip to Alaska with some of her siblings. She also had a blast with Lori on a 10 day road trip in a sportscar to Minneapolis.
Mom was very social and enjoyed participating in the B’nai B’rith, Gwen Secter, and later the Luther Home day programs. She also stayed a member of the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. Yiddishkeit was important to Mom and she imparted her love of it to her family.
Mom and Dad had a wonderful, loving relationship. After Dad’s stroke, Mom literally stayed by his side. At the bowling alley, she would hand him the ball so he could continue his love of the game. While watching the Miss America Pageant, Dad proclaimed Mom was the most beautiful of all.
Following Dad’s passing, Mom enjoyed countless times at the Golub household, which for many years became the hub for family holiday dinners and special celebrations. While she was able, Mom loved bringing over special dishes she had carefully prepared. She was always the centre of attention.
For the next 20 years Mom continued going on trips to Clear Lake with Marilyn’s family. She enjoyed a special loving connection with Murray and they would spend countless hours schmoozing and laughing together. Mom and Marilyn also cherished their times together. Mom was very fit for her age and would trek over the hilly golf courses, scorecard in hand, keeping everyone honest. She delighted in every experience, from volunteering at the annual triathalons and cheering Michael and Mark on, to stargazing through Mark’s telescope and viewing the Auroras.
Lori took pleasure in regularly taking Mom out for dinner. They treasured their times spent together. Marty would also often join them. It was a tradition for Lori to include Mom on New Year’s Eve. They celebrated many years at the Velvet Glove, (with private viewing of fireworks) and later for many years at Hy’s Steakhouse, arriving back at Mom’s at 1:30 a.m.!
Mom and Marty enjoyed a close loving relationship. He fondly recalls the motorcycle ride on the back of his Harley was quite the thrill for her.
For approximately 18 years, Mom loved spending time with Lori and Marty’s many horses, patting them and giving them treats. She enthusiastically travelled with Lori and Marty to many horse shows and took pride in seeing the horses successfully compete. It was also a thrill for Mom to see their newborn foals, at one day old. Up until the very end talking about the horses would put a smile on her face.
After Dad’s passing, Mom’s strength was an inspiration to Carol. She affectionately remembers Mom beaming so proudly, walking down the aisle at Ryan and Rena’s wedding. Carol also holds dear the wonderful visits and so many lengthy phone chats she enjoyed with Mom.
Mom’s grandsons brought her so much joy. Her love and involvement in their lives was priceless, from simply playing with them to beaming with pride at all their birthday celebrations, concerts, Bar Mitzvahs and graduations. Mom also enjoyed hearing about their many diverse experiences. Mark, Michael and Ryan have so many loving memories of their Baba. Oh, how she will be missed!
Funeral services were held at the Etz Chayim Synagogue on December 16, 2019, with interment at the Shaarey Zedek and shivas at Marilyn’s home. A special thank you to Rabbai Kliel Rose for officiating, to Irv Vinsky for leading the shiva services and to the pallbearers, grandsons, Mark, Michael, and Ryan and nephews, Doug, Keith and Jeff.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mom’s caregivers, Violeta, Noemi, Paz, Thelma, Jamie, Linda H., Sanu and Linda E. for their loving care. With their dedicated support, Mom was able to remain in her own home. To our family and friends, thank you for your thoughtfulness. Your generous donations, cards, flowers, meals and food items were greatly appreciated.
Donations in Molly’s memory may be made to the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue, the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
DAVID BLOOMFIELD
Sadly, David Bloomfield passed peacefully on December 19, 2024, age 79.
David was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Phillip Bloomfield, and older brothers, Joel and Auby. David will be deeply missed and mourned by his wife, Sheila, of 56 years, the love of his life, his children, Brenlee (Michael) and Evan (Ellen), as well as cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron, Lainee, and Lauren. David shared close relationships with his younger sisters, Naomi and Judi, and with their husbands, Shmuel and Larry, and with his sister-in-law, Linda. David also enjoyed meaningful relationships with each of his nieces and nephews.
David was born on January 20, 1945, and grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. He enjoyed many summers at his grandmother’s cottage in Winnipeg Beach, the place he first met Sheila. His love of the outdoors and beach life continued throughout his life.
David was proud of the varied jobs he held and businesses he created across his life. He opted for early retirement from Air Canada choosing to become an independent business owner, purchasing, developing, and operating three Subway restaurants. In later years he bought and sold RV trailers and was always the consummate deal maker.
Throughout his life, David was very involved in his community. He was a very active member of multiple synagogue boards and committees across several decades, later became an active member of his condo board, and ultimately continued to share his opinions and ideas as a resident of both the Courtyards and the Simkin Centre.
David enjoyed his down time and valued his relationships with family and friends. He loved simple things, like Sunday drives with Sheila. He relished weekly lunch and regular casino dates with Auby and enjoyed travelling with Sheila and his siblings and their spouses. David and Sheila enjoyed many holiday meals at Brenlee and Michael’s home over the years and made wonderful memories at Evan and Ellen’s Loni Beach cottage. Early retirement allowed David significant opportunity for travel, especially on cruises with Sheila, in North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. David owned various travel trailers over 30 plus years and enjoyed winters RVing in Texas and local “Good Sam Club” campground meet ups. He introduced his children to RVing in the 1980s, and later shared his love for RVing with his grandchildren.
Huge thanks to David’s sister Judi Fielding, and brother-in-law, Larry Fielding, who provided David significant support, and significantly improved his quality of life in the final few years. Thank you to staff of Simkin Centre who provided excellent care of David during his final year. For those who choose, donations can be made to the Simkin Centre or Jewish Child and Family Services. Further details: e_bloomfield@yahoo.ca
Obituaries
ANNETTE FREDA MINUK (NEE MASSIE) June 25, 1924 – December 21, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother who left us peacefully on December 21, 2024 at the age of 100. She was laid to rest beside her late husband Harry at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbears attending were Kevin Minuk, Blake Minuk, Hayley Trenholm, Doug West, Simmie Globerman and Keith Levit.
Annette is survived by her children, Arlene West (Doug), Sheldon (Shoshana), Jeffrey (Harriet); grandchildren Kimberley (Chris) Kevin (Simmie), Blake (Chelsea), Hayley (Chris) and Harel; her great grandchildren Kyler, Krewyn, Charlotte, Annie, Lachlan and sister in law Yetta Levit. She was predeceased by her husband Harry, her parents Rebecca and Dalton, her brother Jack Massie, brothers and sisters in law, Max and Clara Zamick, Norman and Molly Lachter, Norman and Goldie Minuk, Evie and Jack Rosenbaum and Jack Levit.
Annette was truly one of a kind. She was a warm and loving person whose kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to her family always putting their needs ahead of hers. She was always there for all the kids and grandkids activities over the years. She was present at countless milestones and activities, celebrating every achievement with unwavering pride and joy. Her wisdom and compassion were a guiding light, and she had the extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special, valued and deeply loved. She will be remembered for her generous heart, infectious smile and the countless memories that will forever live in our hearts.
Mom will be missed each and everyday, but now she is with our Dad where she wanted to be.
As we say goodbye, we celebrate her remarkable life and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind. Her spirit will continue to inspire us, and she will always be cherished and missed.
Obituaries
LOUIS ELFENBAUM March 12, 1936 – December 9, 2024
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Louis Elfenbaum. Louis was a popular Professor of Kinesiology at California State University, Sacramento. He taught for 38 years and then retired and moved to San Diego, California, with his wife, Elizabeth.
Born in rural Lipton, Saskatchewan, on March 12, 1936, Louis was the youngest of six children of Abraham and Dora Elfenbaum. With his siblings, Louis braved the harsh Canadian climate to maintain the family farm.
At age 14, Louis moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he lived with his sister and attended St. John’s High School. In high school, Louis was extremely popular, an excellent student, an accomplished athlete, and was voted school president.
After high school, Louis studied at Manitoba Teachers’ College and began his teaching career. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State College in Minnesota, followed by a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota. He earned his Doctorate in Kinesiology from Ohio State University in 1966. His early professorships were at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) and prestigious McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
In 1970, Louis accepted a full professorship at California State University, Sacramento where he taught Kinesiology for close to four decades. During his tenure as a professor, Louis pursued his interest in law, earning his J.D. degree from Lincoln Law School in 1982.
Louis cared deeply about his students, offering a special lecture about life that attracted students not only from his department, but also from the entire university. He valued intellectual curiosity and fostered that spirit in his students as well as his four children, who have all pursued higher education earning advanced degrees.
Louis had a magnetic personality. He was kind, patient, generous, caring, honest and selfless. Those attributes had a lasting positive impact on everyone he met. He was adored by his family including his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who greatly valued his wisdom, his guidance and his unconditional love.
Louis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lefcort, (pre-deceased by his ex-wife Esther—d. 2018–and mother of) his four children, Adrian Elfenbaum (JoAnne Winter), Ian Elfenbaum (Susan Adler), Marcia Elfenbaum, Pamela Elfenbaum (David Klein), 2 stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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