Obituaries
PHYLLIS NEWMAN
With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Phyllis Newman on September 28, 2017, at the age of 86, surrounded by her family.
She will be greatly missed by son and daughter-in-law Mark and Natalie, daughter Reesa, and grandchildren Lee, Michael, Jeffrey, and Sydney.
Phyllis was born in 1931 in Chrobesz, Poland. She was a survivor of the Holocaust, immigrating to Canada at the age of 16, as an orphan, landing in Halifax in January 1948.
Despite this horrific beginning to her life she built a new life in Canada, marrying Jack in 1950 at the age of 19. She moved to Toronto, then to Barrie, Ontario and back to Winnipeg. Phyllis and Jack worked hard to build a new life together, they were married for 63 years. They enjoyed life, they entertained and traveled, and in later years spent winters in Florida.
After Jack’s passing in January 2014, Phyllis remained active. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, going to movies and concerts, out for lunch and dinner, and trips to the local casino. She especially loved to dote on her grandchildren.
Even though she developed some recent health issues, she remained independent and active. Just the week before her passing, she was busy cooking for the Rosh Hashanah holidays.
Phyllis will be remembered as a kind and generous person who valued family above all, and who could and did talk to anyone and everyone.
Funeral services were held on October 1, 2017 at Etz Chayim Synagogue. Pallbearers were Elliot Goszer, Steven Tritt and Sheldon Zipursky, and her grandchildren Lee Starr, Jeffrey Starr, and Michael Newman. Donations in her memory can be made to Jack and Phyllis Holocaust Education Fund, c/o The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart
Obituaries
GERTRUDE “GERTIE”NEPON (NEE PIERCE) JUNE 1, 1926 – DECEMBER 26, 2025
Gertrude “Gertie” Nepon (née Pierce), aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, Baba, sister, and friend, whose love, warmth, and strength touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving children Allan (Reeva), Mark (Leslie), and Jack (Carla) and her cherished grandchildren Jordan, Hillary (Ariel), Joshua, Hayley (Richard), Taryn and David. Born on June 1, 1926, in Winnipeg, Gertie was the daughter of Esther and Benjamin Pierce. She was predeceased by the love of her life, David Harry Nepon, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of marriage. Their enduring bond was an inspiration to family and friends alike. David passed away in 1988 and losing him left a void in her heart that never truly healed. They are now reunited in peace.
Gertie was also predeceased by her beloved siblings – brothers Moe, Max, Fred, and Jack Pierce, and by her sister Patty. She is survived by her sister Brownie Fleishman, and by many loving nieces and nephews.
Gertie was known for her ever-present smile—even during life’s most difficult moments. Her family and friends were always her greatest priority. She was a homemaker, often volunteering in schools where she tested the hearing of nursery and kindergarten children. She was known for her organization and meticulous nature, keeping her home in perfect order, with everything in its place. She enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong and sharing lunches with her many friends, well into her 90’s. Even in her final year at the Simkin Centre Nursing Home, at age 99, she retained that magical smile—a smile that could light up any room and stood as a testament to her resilience, positivity, and love of life.
Gertie’s funeral was held on Monday, December 29, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, with Cantor Leslie Emery officiating. Pallbearers were Allan, Mark, Jack, Jordan, David Nepon, and Ellen Fleishman. The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Weinberg 2 at the Simkin Centre for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SONYA KAMINSKY MAY 24, 1925 – JUNE 12, 2025
Beloved mother and Bubbi passed away peacefully at 100 years old.
Sonya is survived by her children Brenda (Marvin) Kass and Sheldon Kaminsky, her grandchildren Josh (Samantha) Hartley (Erin), Jordan (Jenn), Nikki (Patrick) as well as eight great-grandchildren and cherished nieces and nephews.
Sonya was predeceased by her parents, sister and beloved husband Bill.
Sonya married the love of her life Bill and they spent 53 wonderful years together, Theirs was a true love story filled with laughter and many wondrous moments and grounded by devotion, respect and unconditional love for each other, Their home was always open to family and friends and at the center of it all was Sunny ( lovingly named for her for her sunny disposition). Sunny loved entertaining. She was a great hostess and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family whether it was Friday night dinners -holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
Sunny enjoyed 10 pin bowling and volunteer work with Bnai Brith Women.
However at the centre of her life was always her Family and her role as BUBBI filled her heart and kept her strong.
She was the best – MOM- Bubbi – Aunt – always there for everyone to listen , guide, advise, and support and always with unconditional Love. She adored each of her great grandchildren and imply could not get enough of them….they were her pride and joy!
We all feel so blessed to have her share our lives.
MOM you were our Rock and you will always be our “Sunshine.”
SUNNY will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family as well as all those whose lives she touched.
Our gratitude to Simkin center and especially to Moms caregivers Marianne, Odette, Marinel and Mina.
Special thanks to Rabbi Matthew Leibl for his ongoing support.
Our Heartfelt thanks for the donations, meals, love and support extended to our family.