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
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.
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.
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.