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
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, 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.