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Obituaries

RONNA FILKOW

September 19, 1948 – Winnipeg, Manitoba January 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Ronna Avis (Turner) Filkow was born on September 19, 1948 in Winnipeg, and passed away on January 22, 2024 in Calgary, after a brave battle with cancer. She was 75.

The second of four children born to George and Muriel Turner, Ronna grew up in a loving and close-knit Jewish family in north-end Winnipeg. George, an ex-Air Force drill sergeant, was a formidable person with a strong work ethic and a huge heart. Muriel infused a mother’s love into her delicious food and warm home. Ronna somehow combined these qualities – she was kind and assertive, caring and confident, a fabulous cook, and a fierce supporter for those she loved.

Ronna was a tomboy who loved to play and watch sports, and also a graceful ballerina and beautiful catalogue model. She was valedictorian at West Kildonan Collegiate, Sweetheart Queen at the YMHA, and enjoyed many wonderful friendships, especially with the “Lovelies” at their epic reunion weekends. Ronna worked as an elementary school teacher, a postpartum doula and childcare provider. She loved animals, healthy eating, jogging and watching tennis and hockey. She was a lifelong learner who loved to read, research and discover. She also loved meeting new people and hearing their stories. Her warm, positive energy made people feel welcome, comforted and special.

When Ronna was 11 years old, Colin Filkow moved in across the street. He was a jokester who made her laugh and had a cool go-cart. They became fast friends and would use walkie-talkies to chat with each other from across the street. Within a few years, the two were inseparable. They were married in 1969 and went on to have many great adventures as partners, travellers, parents and grandparents in Los Angeles, Winnipeg, Mexico, Palm Springs, China and Calgary.

Ronna and Colin were married for nearly 55 years and had three children: Amie, Dylan and Annie. Ronna’s favourite job was being a stay-at-home mom and later a devoted Baba to six grandchildren ranging in ages from 2 to 17, attending each one of their births. She was an honorary Baba for countless other babies and kids, whether it was providing newborn care, offering wisdom and guidance to grateful new parents, or making the children in her life feel loved and cherished.

Ronna will be lovingly remembered by her husband Colin, her children Amie (Paul LaPointe) Filkow, Dylan (Dana) Filkow, and Annie (Joel) Merrifield, and her siblings Barbara (Barry) Cutler, Gerri (Bob) Ostry, and Bryan (Wendy) Turner. She was predeceased by her parents George and Muriel Turner. Her grandchildren Leo, Asher, Sylvie, Lilly, Bowie and Georgie will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ronna’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral service was held on Friday, January 26 in Calgary.

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Obituaries

ALAN LEVY

On January 6, Alan Levy, age 71, died at Grace Hospital with his wife and daughters by his side. 

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alan spent his childhood in the North End and later moved to River Heights, where his family settled on Brock Street.

After studying in Winnipeg and Tel Aviv, Alan moved to Toronto, where he lived for over 30 years. It was in Toronto where he raised a family with his first wife, Sylvia Bashevkin, worked in public sector human resources and fell in love with Chinese food.

In 2017, after brief stints as an academic in Regina and Brandon, Alan moved back home to the Peg, where he spent many fulfilling years with his devoted wife of 20 years, Cheryl Karlinsky, and their loving dogs. In his later career, he was appointed to the Labour Relations Board of Canada where he served as a skilled adjudicator and proud Canadian. 

Alan was endlessly proud of his family, daughters Dalia Levy and Aviva Levy (Adam Walman) of Toronto, and two grandsons, Jonah and Ethan. 

Predeceased by his parents Sheldon and Audrey Levy (nee Myers) of Winnipeg, Alan was a dedicated news junkie with a sharp sense of humour. He thrived most when discussing current events, cracking jokes and debating geopolitical crises. Much to his family’s frustration, he would stay up all night glued to the news, and they’d wake up to endless articles he’d shared the night before. 

Alan had an exceptionally strong spirit of generosity and focus on ‘tikkun olam’ – repairing the world, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. His family is grateful to the staff at Simkin for providing him with a phenomenal level of care over the last few years, especially Dr. Chung and Sara Reid, Assistant Director of Care. Special thanks to Paul, Victor and Almaze, his kind and patient caregivers. 

The funeral took place at Chesed Shel Emes on January 8. 

Donations in his memory can be made to The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre https://www.simkincentre.ca.

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Obituaries

DENNIS GERALD DITLOVE NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 1, 2025

Dennis Gerald Ditlove was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and most of all, humor. He was born on November 25, 1936 in the small town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Louis and Faye Ditlove, and if you knew him at all, you heard plenty of stories about his childhood there. Dennis was a man of unparalleled resolve and an entrepreneur who built Inland Steel through grit and determination.
He retired from Inland Steel in Saskatoon, SK in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to his work was only outshone by his love for his family and his community in Rancho Mirage, California. Dennis was a man of many talents and passions but he was best known for the relationships he cultivated with everyone he met, and his unparalleled sense of humor.
Dennis is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; and his loving children, Mark (Wendy) Ditlove, Shari Snow and Cindy (Stuart) Tapper; beloved grandchildren, Matthew (Mary) Ditlove, Jacob (Sydney) Ditlove, Danielle (Eli) Dresner, Emily (Max) Snow, Max Bermont, Jillian Snow, Jonah Tapper, Leo Tapper and Henry Tapper; and adored great-grandchildren, Sam and Wynn Ditlove, Goldie and Bernie Dresner. His legacy lives on in them, in the lessons he taught them and the love he gave. He was a pillar of strength and a beacon of wisdom in their lives, providing them with a firm foundation on which to build their own successes.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Faye Ditlove; his sister Zora (Walter) Stern; his first wife, Marlene Ditlove; and son-in-law Howard Snow. While there is sorrow in his passing, there is also joy in celebrating a life well-lived, a life that left indelible marks on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A service to honor and commemorate Dennis’s life was held on Friday December 5th at the Adath Yeshurin Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis.
We invite his family and friends to visit www. hodroff.com/DennisDitlove to rewatch the service. Contributions in name can be be made to the Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69710 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. May his memory be a blessing.

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Obituaries

DEBORAH DOLLY CHISICK (nee SEGAL) NOVEMBER 30, 1942 – DECEMBER 19, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dolly Chisick on Friday, December 19th, at the age of 83. Dolly passed peacefully with her family by her side. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Shannon Chisick-Harman and Sean Chisick; her grandson, Charlie Harman; her siblings, Elaine (Paul) Olin and Barney Segal; her husband, Ernie Chisick; and her nephews, nieces, and many friends. Dolly was predeceased by her beloved parents, Sam Segal in 1998, and Louise Segal in 2006. Dolly was born on November 30, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario. After a few years, her family settled in Winnipeg, where she spent her formative years growing up on Lansdowne Avenue. Dolly graduated from teachers’ college in 1962 and married Ernie in 1964.
Together, they travelled the world, stopping at every museum along the way.
An extraordinary art teacher, Dolly’s career spanned more than fifty years. A gifted educator and passionate artist, she inspired generations of students and instilled in them a lifelong love and appreciation for art. Her creativity, patience, and encouragement left a lasting impact on all who learned from her. Dolly was a deeply caring person who truly loved people, always opening her home and making everyone feel welcome. Her energy was endless. An extraordinary cook, she was especially known for her famous challah buns, lovingly baked and shared, which became a symbol of her care, hospitality, and the comfort she brought to those she loved.
Family and connection were the most important things in Dolly’s life, and she nurtured those bonds with warmth and generosity. Above all else, she adored her children and, later, her grandson, Charlie, taking immense pride and joy in being a devoted Bubi. The bonds and connections Dolly shared with those she loved will remain deeply felt, a lasting source of comfort and strength, and an enduring part of her legacy.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Riverview for their exemplary care and compassion over the past several years. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 22nd, at the Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Owen Davidson, Myles Davis, Marc Goldberg, Michael Goldberg, Jordan Hochman, and Jordan Farber.
In memory of Dolly, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the charity of your choice.

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