Obituaries
RIVKA SELCHEN
Rivka Selchen died peacefully in the embrace of her family on March 19, at the age of 95.
Rivka was born in Winnipeg on August 10, 1924, into a large Yiddish-speaking family. She was the seventh and youngest child of Abraham Israel and Fruma (Hertsman) Boroditsky. Throughout her life she remained deeply and lovingly involved with her siblings and three generations of their offspring.
Rivka lived in Palestine from 1932 to 1940, and spoke fluent Hebrew the rest of her life. Her family was returning for a visit to Winnipeg in 1940 when World War II broke out in the Pacific, resulting in many adventures throughout the Middle East, India, China, and Japan. She lived in Winnipeg for the rest of her life, except for a year in Israel in 1959-60.
She married the love of her life, Zalman Selchen, in 1946, and they lived in harmony for almost 54 years until his passing in 2000.
Rivka’s life was defined by two profound imperatives – selfless service (“doing the right thing”) and relationships. She unfortunately had to demonstrate this devotion at an early age, caring at home for her dying mother, whom she adored, while also nurturing her first, newborn child. She spent more than 20 years sustaining Zalman through many illnesses, adding years to his life.
Rivka was profoundly committed to a particular kind of duty, which extended well beyond her family. She was a regular visitor to the elderly and lonely, both in their homes and in care facilities. She never missed an opportunity to “visit” the cemetery. As her friends aged she was deeply devoted to their care and well being.
Her sense of duty also extended to the community. From an early age she was an activist in Habonim, and later in Pioneer Women and the Peretz School Muter Farein, and she helped form a successful Tanach Chug.
Her devotion to family reached far beyond her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had deep, ongoing relationships with a multitude of nieces and nephews and their offspring as well as the children of her large circle of close friends. Into her 90s she visited her family in Israel every year. As she got older she fielded regular, much appreciated phone calls from her devotees. A consistent theme in conversation with these extended family members and friends was that she had become a surrogate mother and grandmother for a remarkably large number of people.
Rivka was funny, joyous, and fully open to new people and experiences. She was always the “life of the party,” even at 93 and 94 at her eldest great granddaughters’ Bat Mitzvahs. She retained her interest in the arts, attending the symphony, theatre, ballet, and opera. She was always up for a new adventure–like going on a long motorcycle ride on her 80th birthday.
She remained socially engaged right until the end, establishing many new friendships in her 90s. Her sincere connection to people included the staff and workers at the Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence, where she lived for the last 10 years. She knew their stories and was deeply interested in them and their families.
Rivka was predeceased by all of her siblings and their spouses, all but two of her many close cousins, almost all of her life-long friends, and her beloved daughter-in-law Sharon Kirsh. She is survived by her children Moshe (Cathy Skene), Daniel, and Frumie (Doug McVicar); best friend Sharon Knazan (Murray); grandchildren Michael and Lisa, David and Brenlee, Steven and Anna, Nathaniel and Zena, Sarah, Malka, and Yale; and great-grandchildren Hayley, Gefen, Leah, Eden, Zachary, Matan, Elysia, and Akiva.
Due to the Covid 19 epidemic, services were private and there will be no shiva. A celebration of her life will be held when travel and gathering restrictions have been lifted. Donations in Rivka’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
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).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA CONSTANCE SLUTCHUK (née Stratton) MAY 9, 1941 – MARCH 3, 2026
Barbara Constance Slutchuk passed away peacefully. She was born on May 9, 1941, in Carmen, Manitoba to Lena Galbraith and Arthur Stratton.
Barbara was the beloved wife of George Slutchuk, whom she married on March 28, 1971. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rishona Hyman (Hartley Hyman) and Dama Slutchuk (Tom Aldridge), and by her cherished grandchildren, Gregory and Izzie Hyman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents; her second mother, Lyla “Winnie” Stratton; her sisters Mary Beighton (Ted) and Patricia Morton (Robert); and her brothers Keith Stratton, Grant Stratton, John Stratton, Bryan Smith (Eleanor), Lyle Smith, and David (Gail).
Barbara was a trailblazer in nursing. Over her long and dedicated career she managed an emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital, later oversaw the operating room at Seven Oaks Hospital. Eventually moved into Human Resources at Misericordia Hospital.
She had a deep passion for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and attended many games, events, and Grey Cups over the years. Barbara was an avid reader and bridge player. A proud Canadian, she loved football, hockey, curling, figure skating, the theatre, Rainbow Stage, rural Manitoba, and tending to her flower garden. She loved seeing the first robin and geese of the season.
Barbara had a special love for animals, both her own and those belonging to others. She rescued animals and people alike, always making room in both her home and her heart.
Barbara was a natural leader, a volunteer, and an organizer. Above all, her most important role was as a devoted mother and grandmother.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by
Veronica and Lenora, as well as all of Barbara’s caregivers over the years.
A funeral service was held on March 5, 2026, at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, Jewish Child and Family Service, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.