Obituaries
SALLY NELKO
Sara Wolinsky Nelko was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan on March 3 1924.
The daughter of Rose Kantor and Louis Wolinsky The sister of Morris(Mazy) Wolinsky and Esther (Soski) Wolinsky Pessis… mother to two daughters Wendy (Sam) and Lynne (Henry)and 6 grandchildren Lisa (Earl), Raven ,Jonathan (Kylie ) ,Robbie(Buffie) Jennifer, Michael (Moran)and seven great grandchildren
She graduated business school in Winnipeg and married Maxwell (Max) Harold Nelko on July 5th 1944
Their union was a an equally shared partnership .In 1952 they moved to Portage la Prairie and literally with their own hands built a thriving business combining a Portrait Studio with a Camera shop
They were a team..They took school pictures thruout Manitoba…our mom would do the posing and our dad would do as they say ‘the shoot”
Then they retired to Margate Florida…but they didn’t know the definition of ‘retirement’
Our dad decided to sell real estate…in most cases the child takes after the parent..but in this case it was reversed..but my mother joined my dad and made ‘the team’..the first real estate ‘team” in South Florida..they retired when my dad got sick
That was their professional life…
As parents they had their defined roles..Our dad was the kind nurturing parent who loved unconditionally..Our mother was the disciplinarian she loved us but had her own set of rules..She was a force not to be reckoned with
Curfews were strictly enforced..She was very protective of her girls..In a condolence letter Wendy received from a former suitor of 56 years he said “Wendy although it has been many years since I saw or talked to your mother I will always have fond memories of being in her kitchen and being grilled about where I was planning to take you..and when I was planning to get you home and what I was planning to do on the way..Your mother had an impact on so many people in her life..I know she will be dearly missed”
Our mother was a member of Hadassah, a member of the Portage la Prairie Golf Club ,belonged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was thoroughly involved in the Portage business community
Living in Portage during our growing up years put many miles on the family car..’Shelping ‘us to Winnipeg for our BBYO events and conventions..to orthodontic appointments..and making sure we felt a part of the Jewish teenage life in Winnipeg ..This was not looked upon as a burden..it was a natural sacrifice Jewish parents made when they had children growing up in an non Jewish environment such as Portage
Retiring in Florida changed many lives…Wendy and Sam followed Mom and Dad to Margate..Pompano and finally Boynton Beach..They’ve been going there for 43 winters..2-3 weeks..now 4 months a year
Because of Mom and Dad the Chicago Pessis cousins all 26 of them come to Florida for the holidays..Mom was the focal point..and drew everyone there
For the last 3 years mom visited Wendy and sometimes Wendy and Sam in Florida..She travelled there on her own..even to this year.had the best time.. went to concerts..was wined and dined by Wendy and Sam’s friends…. they thoroughly loved her…and of course she shopped…Fashion was very big in her life..She was a charter member of Chico’s .This year her need for an extended wardrobe very important..She moved into The Portsmouth and felt she had to dress every day..She persevered in Bridge..went to all the programs and thoroughly enjoyed her last 6 months
Her last hurrah was her 93rd birthday…only a few weeks ago..She booked a private room at The Portsmouth..Lynne and Mom took a flower arranging class so there would be a table centre for the dinner Little did they know Lisa was sending a most magnificent one also..Kylie brought the cake Mom was in her glory..she was surrounded by family ..her first love
That was our mother…the teacher of roly poly..the student of bridge and computers…and fashion role model to all.
Contributions may be sent to The Woman’s Endowment Fund ..Jewish Foundation 204-477-7525..or a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.