Obituaries
NAOMI CHAPMAN
With deep sorrow and in gratitude for the memories we have of her, we announce the passing of Naomi Chapman (née Romalis), peacefully on March 15, 2019 at the age of 84.
Naomi is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Arthur and Jo-Ann, Stephen and Sima, and Kenneth and Michelle as well as her grandchildren Shari, Jess and Grant Morgan, Yael, Daniel, Orli, Leora and Noa and her great-grandson Mikel as well as her brother and sister-in-law Brian and Miriam Romalis. She was predeceased by her parents Morris and Sophie Romalis and her beloved husband of 55 years, Jack Chapman.
Naomi was born on November 7, 1934 in Winnipeg. She grew up on Mountain Avenue and she was educated at Faraday School and St. John’s Tech. Following that, she attended the University of Manitoba and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Throughout all her years of education, Naomi was a dedicated scholar and was cited many times as a brilliant student. Soon after her graduation, Naomi and Jack were married and together raised three sons. The home on Sweetwood Bay was a gathering place for family and friends and many happy occasions were celebrated there.
Naomi had a life-long passion for the arts. Symphonies, books, plays, movies, operas and Saturday afternoon ballet performances with her beloved Aunt Rita Sarbit were attended on a regular basis. In addition, Naomi was a fabulous cook and many memorable meals were served. Whether it was for two or forty, she always served meals that were delicious and skillfully presented.
Naomi and Jack enjoyed travel both with their sons and each other. We have fond memories of our trips to California, Chicago, Israel and even just to Grand Forks.
After her sons were capable of taking care of themselves, Naomi decided to enter the workforce, first as a volunteer for the United Way and then to positions with ACTRA, the Manitoba Theatre Workshop (now the Prairie Theatre Exchange), CKY Radio and the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Upon her retirement, Naomi embraced the role of grandmother and, after three sons, thoroughly enjoyed shopping for her granddaughters. Naomi and Jack had many Sunday night dinners which have created countless happy memories for all of us.
Funeral services, led by Shames Bill Weissmann, were held on March 17, 2019 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Active pallbearers were Shari, Yael, Daniel, Orli, Leora and long-time family friend Jeff Slusky. Honorary pallbearers were family friends Michael Lazar, Howie Gilmore, Marvin Hendin, Brian Shuster and Lawrence Goldstine.
We gratefully thank the staff at Maples Personal Care Home for the excellent care they provided Naomi over the past eight years.
Donations can be made in Naomi’s honour to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba or a charity of one’s choice.
Obituaries
ESTHER MINUK Dec. 27, 1932 – April 3, 2026
Esther Bat Hershel Ve Devorah
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Esther Minuk, beloved matriarch of our family. She was predeceased by her bashert, her beloved husband, Julius; her parents, Doris and Harry Golub; and her sister, Evelyn (Herbie).
Esther was a loving and proud mother, Baba, and Great-Baba to her children Yale, Rhonda (Tom), Perry (Abby), Jody, and Marla (Franklin); her grandchildren Jordan (Amy), Daniel (Allie), Allie (Jordan), Hannah, and Lily; and her great-grandchildren Julian, Aidan, and Eddie.
Known to many as `Queen Esther’, she led with kindness and integrity, always seeing the good in others. Her home was open and welcoming, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She was sharp, compassionate, and deeply devoted to her family. We are heartbroken and forever grateful for the love and legacy she leaves behind. She will be eternally missed by her family.
Memorial donations may be made to B’nai Brith of Canada Foundation, 416-633-6224, https://bit.ly/4bRsabI or Sunnybrook Foundation, 416-480-4483, www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).