Obituaries
MYRNA RABER
June 29, 1936 – May 24, 2025
Myrna Raber passed away on May 24th 2025, the 26th of Iyar, 5785, with family by her side, just a month before her 89th birthday. She was born June 29th 1936 in Winnipeg, where she was raised and lived her entire life.
She was the Matriarch of our family, with 10 grandchildren (and their spouses and significant others) and 3 great-grandchildren, who were the ‘apple of her eye’: Mark and Samantha, Daniel and Diana, Jonathan, Benjamin and Jessica, Joshua, Rachel and Eric, Arielle and Daniel, Matthew and Rachel, Megan and Ariel, and Mika and great-grandchildren: Ethan, Jacob and Isaac.
Myrna was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Baba and Great-Baba, aunt, and cousin. Her parents, Fanny and Murray Golden(z”l), raised her with love and worked tirelessly to make a better life for her, and instilled in her the importance of family, lessons she passed on to her children and grandchildren.
In high school, at the Jewish Youth Club, Habonim, Mom met the love of her life, a skinny savant with an odd sense of humor whose mission was Tikkun Olam, the original “Mr. Fix-it”, our Dad, Monte(z”l). They were married on June 9th 1957, at an elegant affair at the Herzlia Synagogue, on a rainy day with the aisle romantically lit by candle-light. Once Myrna joined the Raber family, she always treated her in-laws, Marcia and Aron (Harry) Raber(z”l), as she did her own parents, with the utmost love, respect and care. She was a little sister to Ruth (Joe)(z”l), with whom she was extremely close, and she became and remained very close to her sister-in-laws Leah(z”l) and Carol (Arnold), and all their families throughout her life.
Our Mother’s and Father’s was a traditional marriage: our dad worked hard outside the home, and our mom supported him, and worked hard inside the home. They set out to start and raise a family and built a new home on Coralberry Avenue, in the brand-new development community of Garden City in the North End, where they made new life-long friendships. There, Mom and Dad raised 3 strong independent children, Avis (Ari z”l), Eileen and Earl, with deep roots in Yiddishkeit and Jewish values, and led by example how to raise our own children, and the importance of family. On top of her work at home, Mom did volunteer work with the National Council of Jewish Women, including in-school Audiology testing and Play Reading in high schools.
At home Mom was a Balabusta. She was a skilled cook and baker and ran a tight and clean ship, being supremely organized. Our Mom took great pride in her family, and in creating a warm and loving Yiddishkeit home for us. She hosted regular Friday Shabbat dinners with Babas and Zaidas Golden and Raber and countless family birthdays, holidays, Seders and Simchas were celebrated with the Golden, Raber, Kettner, Weinberg and Shapiro families. All our cousins and friends were always welcome, and the fridge was always full and over-flowing. She was always there for us. That is how we remember her: working hard, cooking over a hot stove, her sleeves rolled up, her apron on. She was strict, but she spoiled us, especially with our favorite recipes and birthday cakes. Her kamish, rolly-polly and apple cakes were legendary!
Mom was also a good sport, and agreed, against her better judgement, to let our Dad live out his dream of long adventurous family road trips and camping vacations all across North America, which was NOT her style.
Mom had a special ‘presence’, and you knew when she walked into a room. She paid very close attention to her appearance, and all our presentation, and always dressed gracefully and elegantly, like a queen.
Over the years Mom and Dad travelled to Israel, Europe, the Orient (Hong Kong and Japan) and even South America. The last several years together our parents also enjoyed wintering in Palm Springs, where they made many new friends. In later years, our parents moved to their Lanark Street home, closer to their daughters’ Avis and Eileen and their Winnipeg grandchildren who they saw frequently, sometimes just for a drop in or lunch. They made regular trips out to Calgary to visit Earl and his children, for the holidays and sometimes just for a school performance or sports event. Mom did not want to miss ANYTHING, if it involved her grandchildren.
Our mom was a very social person. She always had many and different groups of friends and enjoyed her walks and coffee ‘with the girls’, movies and book club, Rady Centrę exercise classes, and the opera and ballet, especially if it was with her daughters. She loved to meet new people, and make new friends. And she loved to talk. Boy, did she love to talk! Everyone we’ve met seems to have an ‘I just met Myrna Story’. Legend has it, that in her Graduating High School Year Book, Myrna Golden’s caption read: Silence is Golden; Myrna is NOT.
Myrna was not shy. She spoke her mind, and with our Dad fostered independence in her children and grandchildren. She offered her wisdom and advice to us, and to many others, solicited, and un-solicited. “Make sure you work hard” was one of her favorite counsels… “but not too hard”! Our Mom had a special and unique relationship with each and every grandchild, taking great interest in all their activities, friends and achievements. She loved a good joke, and in later years she had fun teaching her grandchildren Yiddish.
The last few years, especially following our dad’s un-timely passing, were very hard for our mom, forcing her to face difficult challenges alone, but she persevered, and she made a new life for herself and new friends at the Shaftesbury and the Simkin Centre. She struggled sometimes with her health and her memory, and yet at other times she was sharp as a tack. Over time, one thing never wavered: Mom’s immense love for her family, her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were ALWAYS top of mind for her, and she literally lit up when they walked into her room.
Myrna was dedicated, proud and fiercely protective of her family. We are the luckiest family in the whole world to have had her and Dad as our parents, role models, life mentors and protectors. Myrna’s passing is so devastating for us, but we are glad that she is not suffering, and we are happy that she is re-united with the love of her life, her life-partner for almost 65 years of marriage, her Mottel. We are comforted as we realize how very blessed we have been to have had her in our lives, and our children’s lives for so long.
Myrna Raber had a life well lived and loved. She had such a wonderful smile and laugh, and taught us so very much, especially about the importance of Yiddishkeit, community, love and FAMILY, which we will always cherish and never forget.
A graveside funeral service was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery May 26, 2025. Pallbearers were her grandchildren, Mark, Daniel, Jonathan, Benjamin, Rachel, and Arielle, with honorary pallbearers, Joshua, Matthew, Megan and Mika.
For all who provided messages of condolence, calls, meals and support to the family, we gratefully thank you.
For those who wish to honor the memory and legacy of Myrna Raber, a donation may be made to The Monte and Myrna Raber Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, www.jewishfoundation.org (204) 477-7520.
Obituaries
ROSE KNIGHT(nee Yager) MAY 18, 1929 – NOVEMBER 28, 2025
Rose Knight ( nee Yager) passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025 in Winnipeg surrounded by family.
Rose was a petite woman who was larger than life. A firecracker. A personality. A glam queen. And a beauty.
She was born in Drohobych Poland in 1929 and came to Canada in 1934 the age of five. Her story is typical of many people of that era who left Eastern Europe seeking a better life. Her aunt Lena had pioneered the move to Canada as a young woman, later, sponsoring Rose’s father. He arrived first, leaving his wife, Sara, daughters Bess and Rose and son Joe. Through years of hard work, the family saved to reunite in Winnipeg, settling in the north end with humble beginnings on Alfred Avenue until her father and uncle purchased Crust Furrier and moved into anapartment behind the shop.
When she was 18 or 19, she started a job as a secretary where she met her future husband; the boss, “Solomon” (Sol) . She settled into the life of being a married lady and homemaker with three children under the age of five by the time she was 26. She raised three children Paul (Debbie), Marcia (Ira), Alan (Brenda).
Family was everything to Rose. And as in every family, the children, grandchildren Josh (Abby), Michael (Ashley) Sarah (Emmy), Sean (Lana) Sara (David), Sal and great-grandchildren Mikaela, Kendrik, Mila, Saul, Louis, Solomon, and Sonnie were the topping on the cake. Her home included her mother Sara, for years following the early death of Rose’s father.
Family extended to include her three nieces Marla, Maureen and Debbie who lost their mother when they were very young ; with weekly Friday night dinners, sleepovers, and weekends. When her brother Joe remarried, the family grew to include his additional family of Edith, Jerry, Libby and Mardy. Rose’s sister Bess Hendler (Dave) and family, Marvin and Mark, moved to Los Angeles. The distance did not diminish the closeness between the families which included travel for visits regularly and for all family celebrations. Rose was also very close with Sol’s sisters Adele Borg (Willie) until their early passing and sister Ruth Silverberg (Stan) and Joe; and including multiple generations of Sol’s uncles, aunts and cousins who resided in Toronto.
Rose was a brilliant cook as were her mother and sister. The three of them were to food what the three tenors were to music. They created a culture of food in her home long before there was such a thing as ‘foodies’ . Rose was the inspiration and food teacher to her daughter, nieces, and grandson. Her home was always open and included family and friends; friends of the children, friends of the grandchildren and friends of the friends of the children and the grandchildren. Or simply put there was always room for one more at the table.
Rose was deeply involved community. Rose and Sol were founding partners of their synagogue,the Herzlia-Adas Yeshuran, and its day school.
Rose served as president of the sisterhood, organized, fundraisers, and participated in synagogue theatre productions. She was involved in both Hadassah and ORT organizations and the community outreach programs.
Rose was beloved in the family neighbourhood of Niagara Street where children played outside from dawn until dusk in community shared yards. She was a fixture calling for the children to come in for bedtime and supper and fostered the close-knit community of neighbourhood and outdoor play.
Rose was passionate about beauty and culture. She loved fashion, makeup, design, tableware, music, movies, all things Broadway and art. She had opened an art gallery on Selkirk Avenue and when the gallery closed she worked at the Eaton’s art gallery on the seventh floor. She loved people, their stories and laughter.
Rose was flirtatious and uplifting. She brightened vibes with compliments like. ‘you are gorgeous’ to those around her. She embodied values of family, community, generosity, and joy, echoing the values and teachings from Pirkei Avot ‘If I am not for myself, who am I? If I am only for myself what am? If not now, when?’ Rose was an inspiration in these ways and more.
Sadly dementia robbed her of her life. There are two deaths with dementia. The death of a personand later the death of the body.
Rose was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Sol, her parents, Sara and Morris Yager, both her’s and Sol’s siblings.
We are thankful to Rose’s dedicated caregivers over the years, including most recently Liza, Odette, Antonio, the staff at the Shaftsbury and Simkin Centre and the doormen at 180 Tuxedo for their early support.
Donations in Rose’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, or suggested to the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre’s Sol and Rose Knight Fund, which honours Rose’s passions for art, culture, music, beauty and Jewish life.
Obituaries
Charlton Gavriel Garland
August 10, 1984 – January 14, 2026
Beloved and devoted husband of Katrina Bittner, proud and loving father of Logan, Mia, and Luke
Son of Marshall and Gail Garland
Son-in-law to Norbert and Carolyn Bittner
Brother to Gideon (Bracha), Matthew (Leah), and Josepha (Adam)
Uncle, nephew, cousin, Charlton Gavriel, z”l, loved his family and loved being with family and friends. Many people commented on his big welcoming smile, good humour and non-judgmental attitude, his tendency from early childhood to help out, how he stood up against bullying, and how much fun it was to be with him. Day camp, picnics, Purim carnivals, Shabbatons benefited. Bartender, then shift supervisor at the Green Brier were on-the-job steps towards his dream of owning his own bar.
Charlton Gavriel’s family was everything to him. Nothing was as dear to him as spending time with his wife and children. His biggest distress was inability to take care of them. He endured so much to keep going as long as he could. They were his greatest love.
These last five years have been very difficult, at times very hopeful and at times almost unbearable with the pain of each chemo, each side effect, and ever increasing weakness.
Sincere thanks for all the love, prayers, anecdotes, photos, things that made us all laugh during these long years.
Heartfelt thanks to far-flung family, to all who came to visit, who helped make visits possible, who ensured Charlton Gavriel, z”l, was surrounded with love and support to the end. He was awake, aware, and acknowledging during his final hours. He passed painlessly and at peace, for which we all are very grateful.
Special thanks to JCFS, Auntie Michelle, and the staff at Concordia Hospital and at Riverview.
Special thanks to Rabbi Altein, Rabbi Benarroch, Rabbi Charytan, and Rabbi Heidingsfeld.
Pallbearers:
Gideon, Marshall, Matthew, and Max Garland
Daniel Saidman
Kas Kuropatwa
Those wishing to help support Charlton Gavriel’s, z”l, family can be in touch with Katrina, Marshall, or Gail for details on how to donate.
Gavriel Garland, you made the world a wonderful place.
Obituaries
SAMUEL SEARLE October 29, 1930 – December 1, 2025
Our dear father, Sam, passed away on December 1, 2025, after a long, rich life of 95 years.
Dad shared almost 67 of those years with our dear mother, his beloved wife, Betty, who predeceased him in April of 2024. Sam was also predeceased by his parents, Dora and David Cirulnikov; three of his four older sisters, Bernice Brownstone, Marion Toffick, Luba Sitchin, and their respective spouses; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doreen and Garry Shapera.
He is survived by his children Sharna, Lorne (Barbara) and Beverlee (Barry); grandchildren Evan, Aaron, Jamie and Matthew; sister Eve Blank; many nieces and nephews who adored him and for whom he was Uncle Sammy; several cousins; and many friends and former colleagues. All delighted in his company.
Sam was the youngest and only son in a family of five children. His parents emigrated from Russia in the late 1920s with his three oldest sisters. Eve was born shortly after they arrived in Canada and Sam in 1930. The family lived in Winnipeg’s North End and Sam attended public schools and the Talmud Torah night school. During the summers, and part-time throughout the years while continuing his education, he worked as a short order cook at both the Silver Grill Restaurant and Arcade Deli. Dad made his legendary, piled-high sandwiches into his eighties!
After graduating high school from St. John’s Tech, Sam was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, and ultimately went on to enjoy a very accomplished career as a partner with MMP, a major local architectural firm, and later, as a founding partner/developer with Duraps Corporation and Pine Hill Development Corp. In a career that spanned almost half a century, Sam made his mark on the landscape of Winnipeg and other North American cities, having been involved in the design and construction of private residences, schools, concert halls, fire halls, university and government buildings, and the development of condominiums, residential subdivisions, shopping centres and industrial land.
In addition to his professional life, Sam was also a dedicated community volunteer. A long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg North, Dad was awarded Rotary International’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow medallion, for his contributions and service to the organization. He also served on the board of the Rosh Pina Synagogue for several terms and was a charter member of the Bel Acres Golf & Country Club.
Dad was also a talented, and ambidextrous, artist, a curler, green thumb, dapper dresser and terrific dancer. He and Betty always lit up a dance floor!
Sam shared a wonderfully rich family life with Betty. Married in 1957, they moved four years later into the mid-century modern masterpiece that Sam designed for them in Garden City (a then new, north end Winnipeg neighbourhood) and in which they remained throughout their entire marriage. The house magically expanded and contracted as needed and saw its share of fabulous parties, Passover Seders and a multitude of family simchas and other joyous gatherings. As parents, they were loving, excellent role models who encouraged strong family connections. As grandparents, Zaida Sam and Bobbie Betty were the best – adoring, proud, involved and a lot of fun!
Locally, Sam and Betty enjoyed attending the symphony, chamber music and jazz concerts, the opera, the Folk Festival and the theatre. Their worldly travels took them to Mexico, Israel, China, Cuba, Europe, the Caribbean and North American camping trips and ski holidays. Closer to home, their cottage in Gimli (Loni Beach), MB, was a focal point for family and friends every summer.
Our father was a man of unwavering integrity, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a generosity of spirit. Respected and respectful, Sam Searle was a great guy, a real mensch. He will be deeply missed.
The last year and four months of Dad’s life were spent at the Simkin Centre. Sharing an ice cream and a smile, singing with him, particularly at the “Friday Night Lights” Shabbat service, were precious moments.
Sam passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital. We are grateful for the care and kindness provided by the staff at both institutions. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to Sharon Merrells, the ultimate “Sam whisperer,” for her years of care and dedication, especially over those last challenging 16 months.
The graveside funeral service, held on December 4, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, was warmly officiated, on a freezing morning, by Rabbi Kliel Rose. The pallbearers were grandchildren Evan, Aaron and Jamie Searle and Matthew Pearl, son-in-law Barry Pearl and great nephew Gavin Shapera.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s “Betty & Sam Searle Memorial Fund” or to a charity of your choice.