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
MAY TADMAN TALLMAN (nee MINDESS)
On June 10, 2024, the world lost a loving mother, grandmother and friend when May Tadman Tallman peacefully passed away at her home in her sleep, three days shy of her 100th birthday. In her final days May was surrounded by family members, Michael, Candis, Julia and Joshimar Tadman, Rebecca (Rebbie) and Alan Schacter and Bob and Cathy Tallman.
May was born on June 13, 1924, and grew up in the North End of Winnipeg. Her life changed when she attended a dance at Winnipeg Beach and a young man, Alexander B. Tadman (Alex), came up to her and asked if she would be his steady. On April 7, 1944, she and Alex (who later became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants) were married. They raised two children, Michael and Roberta, and spent 51 very happy years together. During that time May did volunteer work with the Girl Guides of Canada, volunteered at various Winnipeg hospitals, was active in the bridge community and became president of the Chartered Accountants’ Wives Club of Manitoba. Alex died in 1995 while he and May were wintering in Palm Springs. May subsequently married a kind and loving gentleman, Daniel (Danny) Tallman in 1999. May was lovingly welcomed into the Tallman family and she and Danny spent 13 wonderful years together until his passing in 2012.
May enjoyed socializing at the Glendale Golf Club; she loved travelling and spent many of those long, cold Winnipeg winters in Palm Springs with Alex and then Florida with Danny. She travelled to Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Caymen Islands and enjoyed various cruises with her family. May was an avid bridge player and throughout the years belonged to many bridge groups and stopped playing only when prevented by her failing eyes and arthritic hands. She enjoyed shopping, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. May planned her meals like a chess master, always several meals ahead.
May was devoted to her family; nothing was more important to her. Their well-being and happiness came first and foremost to her.
May very much looked forward to and enjoyed family gatherings with her niece Rebbie (Alan) Schacter and their children and great-grandchildren. May always appreciated the welcoming and love the Schacter family extended to her. May also looked forward to and always enjoyed her lunch dates with her nephew Marty Tadman.
May retained her sense of humour, quick wit, warmth, charm and memory right to the end. Despite her physical pain and limitations, she didn’t complain and considered herself fortunate to be able to live in her own home and have the care that she received from Marian, Clem and Cora.
May was predeceased by her parents, Morris and Rebecca Mindess; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Mary Mindess and Harry and Diana Mindess; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jack and Sooky Tadman and Bill and Anne Tadman; brothers-in-law, Harvey Tallman and Erwin Tallman; husbands, Alexander Tadman and Danny Tallman; daughter Roberta Chochinov and son Martin Tallman.
May is survived by her son Michael (Candis) Tadman, Gloria Tallman (whom May considered a daughter), son-in-law Ronald Chochinov, grandchildren, Julia (Joshimar) Tadman, Jennifer Chochinov, Carrie (Andy) Sundberg, Krissy Goodhand and Alexander Tallman. May leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Alexander and Bailey Sundberg and Morgan Tallman.
May was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Obituaries
MATTHEW GLASS
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Glass, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Zaida), and community pillar on Friday June 28, 2024. Matthew passed away at the age of 92, having lived a long and wonderful life alongside his devoted wife, Dianne. This August, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Matthew was born in 1932 in Winnipeg to immigrant parents, and he was the third of four sons and grew up in an entrepreneurial household where his parents owned a corner grocery store in the North End of Winnipeg. Matthew was the only one of his siblings to pursue higher education, earning a professional degree in pharmacy. At the age of 18, he began an apprenticeship as a pharmacist and shortly after entered the faculty, graduating in 1954. This marked the beginning of a long and esteemed career as a community pharmacist.
Once he purchased his first pharmacy, Talbot Pharmacy in 1962, located at the corner of Talbot and Grey, and got married, Matthew began his long career serving generations of families in the community. He and Dianne spent the first ten years of their marriage without children, working hard at the pharmacy while traveling the world and sharing his love for the game of golf. In 1980 Matthew had the opportunity to open a second pharmacy in the same community, Munroe Pharmacy, located at the corner of Munroe and London. Later he would amalgamate both pharmacies at the one location. Matthew worked long hours and loved his profession, dedicating almost 60 years to pharmacy, with 50 of those years as a pharmacy owner in the Elmwood/East Kildonan community. He was deeply respected for his expertise, empathy, and respect.
As a pharmacist and pharmacy owner, Matthew had the privilege of not only managing people’s health and medication but also acting as their advocate, in many aspects of their life. He truly cared for his clients and their families, with generations seeking his services and guidance. Even though he retired over 10 years ago, he remained a cherished figure in the community, with many still asking about him and sharing kind words. At work he led by example with his strong work ethic, compassion and heart. He created a legacy at the pharmacy, one that his daughter Michelle, who followed in his footsteps, continues to uphold with pride.
Matthew was a role model and mentor for his family. He excelled in many activities, from winning bowling championships to curling and playing golf. He was very active throughout his life, achieving a hole-in-one in his 70s—a modest yet proud accomplishment. He supported the Arts with his wife with season tickets to the RWB, MTC, and Virtuosi to name a few.
Despite his busy career, Matthew made time for his family, especially as a Zaida to his three grandchildren, Miri, Gabi and Saully. Matthew was predeceased by his parents Fanny and Joseph Glass, siblings Ervin, David and Alfred Glass, son Frederick Glass.
Matthew is remembered as a kind, gentle, and generous man by all who knew him. He lived a full life, achieving everything he wanted to while being surrounded by his loving wife Dianne, daughter Michelle (Roni Estein) and his entire family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of Matthew Glass.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at Chesed Shelemes and may be viewed at chesedshelemes.org
May his memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
Unveiling for Jerry Silbert
The family of the late Jerry Allan Silbert wishes to inform their relatives and friends of the unveiling of a headstone dedicated to his loving memory on: Sunday, July 14, 2024, 11:00am at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park 2795 Main St. Winnipeg, MB
Meal of Condolence to follow at the Congregation Etz Chaim, 1155 Wilkes Avenue Winnipeg, MB
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