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It is with profound sadness, and immense gratitude for a life so richly lived, that we announce the passing of Dr. Neil Margolis on July 1, 2026, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday.
Neil was born July 29, 1936 in Winnipeg to Doris and Hymie Margolis. Raised with his beloved sisters, Shirley and Liba, he spent his early years in Transcona before the family moved to Winnipeg’s North End, where he forged lifelong friendships and developed a deep connection to the Jewish community.
One summer at Winnipeg Beach, Neil met the love of his life, Elaine. Their romance began with handwritten notes passed by his sister Liba and a first date to the movies, where Elaine was captivated by Neil’s blue suede shoes—and the man wearing them. They married in 1959 and shared nearly 67 years of unwavering love, partnership, laughter, and devotion. Together they raised three sons and built a home filled with warmth, generosity, humour, and countless celebrations.
Neil graduated from St. John’s High School before attending the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. He completed his pediatric specialty training in Winnipeg and Cleveland, returning home to begin what became an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades.
Affectionately known to many as “Dr. Marvelous,” Neil devoted his life to caring for children and their families. He practised pediatrics throughout Winnipeg, served for many years at the School for the Deaf, travelled to remote northern communities including Berens River, taught generations of medical students and residents, and helped develop the pediatric component of Manitoba’s Physician Assistant Program. His compassion, kindness, and exceptional memory left a lasting impression on thousands of families. Even years after his retirement, former patients would stop him to say hello, and he often remembered not only their names but those of their siblings and parents as well.
Neil was deeply committed to public service. He served on numerous professional and community boards, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, the Manitoba Medical College Foundation, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Talmud Torah, Rosh Pina Synagogue, Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, and later assisted Manitoba Public Insurance in assessing medical claims.
Beyond medicine, Neil embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved music, art, sports, travelling with Elaine, collecting sports cards and antiques.
Neil possessed a remarkable sense of humour and a generous spirit. He believed life should be celebrated, especially birthdays, which he marked with unforgettable parties, abundant laughter, and more than a few creative ways to ensure he received the most birthday cards.
Above all else, Neil treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, and loyal friend.
Neil was predeceased by his parents, Doris and Hymie Margolis; sister Shirley and brother-in-law David Permack.
He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Elaine; his three sons, Moish (Jodi), Aubrey (Kim), Evan (Elaine); his cherished grandchildren Lindy, Kelsea (Brando), Shelby (Noah), Jessie, Isaac (Kristin), Lexi (Drew), Ezi; his sister, Liba (Tom); along with nieces and nephews, countless friends, colleagues, and generations of grateful patients whose lives were enriched by his care and compassion.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Neil’s healthcare teams, whose compassion and extraordinary care meant so much to him and to all of us.
Donations in Neil’s honour can be made to Elaine & Neil Margolis Family Endowment Fund at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Elaine & Neil Margolis Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

MAY 31, 1930 – MAY 13, 2026

Basia Bayla Fliegel passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2026 at 95 years of age, just 18 days before her 96th birthday. She was born in Kalisz Poland, an only child. She remembers having fun, dancing and helping her parents. Life was happy and normal until 1939.
She, my grandmother and grandfather were on the run for about 3 months crossing in and out of Russia and Poland. During this time, her father was taken by the Germans to a work camp and never seen again. Basia froze her hands and feet badly during their final crossing into Russia, and she and her mother spent three months in hospital healing. Basia and her mother spent the rest of the war in work camps in Siberia and Uzbekistan. Conditions were harsh. They worked logging, picking cotton and fruit and Basia suffered from typhus, malaria and hunger.
When the war ended they returned to Poland but there was nothing there for them. Polish people had occupied their apartment and with no documents and no rights they left. They went to a displaced persons camp in Rosenheim, Germany. Basia’s mother remarried and set up a small kiosk selling beer and apples.
Our mother worked part time at the kiosk and learnt dress making at an ORT school. It was at the kiosk where she first met my father, Lazar, who liked the ‘apples’ in her rosy cheeks.
In 1948, Basia went to Haifa and lived with her Baba and Zaida. She worked in a dress shop on Herzl Street. One day while walking with friends, she bumped into Lazar and their relationship renewed. They were married on a rooftop on April 17, 1950. The heat did not agree with Lazar so along with my aunt they emigrated to Winnipeg. They arrived on a Friday and by Monday Basia was working piece work in a sewing factory. She worked until a week or so before her first child was born and then stayed at home taking care of her children. But, Basia didn’t just cook and clean. When Lazar started a family business providing cabinetry and construction services for residential homes and commercial ventures my mother worked alongside him. She answered the phone, paid bills, did banking and made sure all the paperwork was in order. She ran errands for their business and also helped in the workshop, holding plywood and lending a hand withwhatever was necessary. My parents considered themselves equal partners which was something Basia was very proud of.
And, Basia had a well-run household. Everything was organized and she was always prepared and on time. Basia valued good food and hospitality. She cooked wonderful meals, and always had cake and cookies for people dropping by. My mother’s closest friend stopped by every day after work to have coffee and cake. The two of them would visit, and simultaneously, mom would ensure dinner was ready. My grandmother dropped by almost daily and so did other friends as they knew they would be welcome. It was fun having a welcoming home and visiting with family friends.
My parents had a large circle of ‘greener’ or greenhorn friends, all of them immigrants escaping and recovering from the Shoah. They knew how to live. They worked hard and played hard. Every Saturday night there were card games at someone’s home. They served tons of food, and played poker and kaluki for money, until three or four in the morning. When it was New Year’s Eve, they dressed up in costumes, went to the synagogue dancing and celebrating until the wee hours. As teenagers their children never had curfews because the parents were always out later than them.
Basia sewed clothes for the family, knitted sweaters, hats and scarves for everyone. She loved doing big jigsaw puzzles with her children. Her hands were always busy. She loved music, particularly klezmer, and when tapes were still around had them in her car.
She was a caring and conscientious parent always making sure her children were well fed, safe, did their school work and lots of chores, had annual check-ups and a bed to sleep in. She was always there for us no matter how big or small our problems were. We knew we could call and she would help. She worked hard in her home, and in the family business. We always felt safe, loved and cared for.
Basia and Lazar started with absolutely nothing. Basia came here with virtually no education, no possessions and couldn’t speak the language. With hard work and incredible foresight, she and her husband accomplished their dreams of having a loving family and home. They always contributed to society and were never takers.
The last few years of Basia’s life were hampered by a progressing dementia and physical disability that slowly compromised her. But, her final few years didn’t define her life of success and achievement. She’ll be remembered for how much she accomplished and as the warm and devoted mother and wife she was.
Basia is survived by her children Miriam (Ron), Larry (Ann) grandchildren Sarah, Alex (Stefanie) and Danny and her greatgrandchildren Mia, Jake, Ava and James and sister-in-law Bella.
We would like to express our thanks to Helma, Herminie and Marilyn from the WRHA for their kindness and caring toward Basia. We would also like to express our thanks to the pallbearers, Barry, Bernie, Larry, Sarah, Alex and Ron.
Donations in Basia’s name can be made to the JNF, Alzheimer’s Society or charity of your choice.