Obituaries
SHIFFRA FENSON
An unveiling for Shiffra Fenson was held August 13, 2023 at Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetery in Winnipeg.Shiffra Fenson passed away January 4, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with services held at Etz Chayim Synagogue in Winnipeg. Pallbearers were son-in law David Bronstein, nephew Robert Kligerman, great nephew Ben Elkin, Paul Knight, Brian Scharfstein and David Shnider.
Shiffie (as she was known to her friends and family) was first generation Canadian, born February 19, 1926 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Sarah (Sedletsky) and Morris Kligerman of Nicolayev and Odessa, Russia. Her parents gave her a loving, nurturing home, traits she inherited and embodied as she was raising her own family. Her father Morris was the proprietor of Kligerman Bindery. Shiffie always remembered his quiet demeanour – but when speaking, a man of deep knowledge and respect for others. From her mother Sarah, Shiffie learned much – patience, the traditional values of keeping a Jewish home and, notably, the art of cooking. It was from her mother’s lessons that Shiffie’s kitchen became legendary. There wasn’t a dish she didn’t master, from the most delicate pastries, to the main courses of the Jewish holidays.
Raised in Winnipeg’s north end, Shiffie attended elementary, junior and senior high school where she made close friendships that would last a lifetime. No matter the challenges that prevailed at the time for most children of immigrant families, she had a happy childhood, and along with elder sister Eva and brother Bill, she enjoyed a home of security and love.
In 1944, Shiffie would meet Morley Fenson, a sailor on leave from his World War II naval duties. In 1946, they married and in the following years would have 3 children; Ronna, Kenny and Carla. Hoping to advance Morley’s business career, the family left Winnipeg in 1960. It would be the beginning of a multi-year adventure that would take them to Tupelo, MS, back to Winnipeg, to San Diego, CA, St, Louis, Mo. and finally back to Winnipeg. During that period Shiffie navigated taking care of her family, making warm, loving homes in 8 different houses and settling her 3 children in over 10 different schools. And yet despite all the challenges, she managed it with the grace, focus and love that were the hallmarks of her life. Somehow, she managed the time to forge her own lifelong friendships at every stop.The family’s return to Winnipeg in 1966 gave her the opportunity to spend time with her family and cherished childhood friends. Her kitchen table was famous not just for the delights of her cooking, but for coffee and conversation with all, not the least of which were her children’s friends who felt her warmth, understanding and compassion.Although steeped in the traditions of the times, Shiffie always had a wide variety of interests. During the day her home was filled with the classical music and news shows of the CBC. She was a voracious reader of books of all kinds, always up to date on world events and enjoyed whatever latest exhibit happened to be at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.As her children grew older and with more time available to her, she pursued interests outside the home, including volunteer work at what was then the Rape Crisis Center and reading to the children at the Norquay School.In 1985 she and Morley retired to Palm Springs, CA where they spent their time hosting friends, and enjoy playing bridge and golf. In 2002 they moved to Chapel Hill, NC to be closer to family. Even at this stage, Shiffie embraced and established new friendships and is remembered there for her lifelong traits of intellect, grace and generosity.
Shiffie was all about family. Even though they were often separated by distances, she would do all she could to ensure that her children knew their uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends. She insisted on travel to anywhere there was a family celebration and nothing would bring a happier smile than seeing all her family and friends together at a celebratory occasion. She took great pride in seeing this legacy take root in her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, who remain connected and close.
A woman who lived a long, event filled and gratifying life, Shiffie is predeceased by her husband Morley, mother Sarah Kligerman (Sedletsky), father Morris Kligerman, sister Eva and brother in law Lou Elkin, brother Bill and sister-in-law Selma Kligerman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leo and Shirley Fenson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harry and Leah Fenson, sister-in-law Anita Fenson.
We are forever grateful to have had her for all these years, but nonetheless she is so very much missed by daughters Carla (David Bronstein) and Ronna, son Ken (Susan), her 7 grandchildren: Mira, Shana, Ben, Sarah, Joel, Danielle and Jacqueline, great -randchildren Morgan, Preston, Taliah, Remy and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Obituaries
SAMUEL SEARLE October 29, 1930 – December 1, 2025
Our dear father, Sam, passed away on December 1, 2025, after a long, rich life of 95 years.
Dad shared almost 67 of those years with our dear mother, his beloved wife, Betty, who predeceased him in April of 2024. Sam was also predeceased by his parents, Dora and David Cirulnikov; three of his four older sisters, Bernice Brownstone, Marion Toffick, Luba Sitchin, and their respective spouses; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doreen and Garry Shapera.
He is survived by his children Sharna, Lorne (Barbara) and Beverlee (Barry); grandchildren Evan, Aaron, Jamie and Matthew; sister Eve Blank; many nieces and nephews who adored him and for whom he was Uncle Sammy; several cousins; and many friends and former colleagues. All delighted in his company.
Sam was the youngest and only son in a family of five children. His parents emigrated from Russia in the late 1920s with his three oldest sisters. Eve was born shortly after they arrived in Canada and Sam in 1930. The family lived in Winnipeg’s North End and Sam attended public schools and the Talmud Torah night school. During the summers, and part-time throughout the years while continuing his education, he worked as a short order cook at both the Silver Grill Restaurant and Arcade Deli. Dad made his legendary, piled-high sandwiches into his eighties!
After graduating high school from St. John’s Tech, Sam was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, and ultimately went on to enjoy a very accomplished career as a partner with MMP, a major local architectural firm, and later, as a founding partner/developer with Duraps Corporation and Pine Hill Development Corp. In a career that spanned almost half a century, Sam made his mark on the landscape of Winnipeg and other North American cities, having been involved in the design and construction of private residences, schools, concert halls, fire halls, university and government buildings, and the development of condominiums, residential subdivisions, shopping centres and industrial land.
In addition to his professional life, Sam was also a dedicated community volunteer. A long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg North, Dad was awarded Rotary International’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow medallion, for his contributions and service to the organization. He also served on the board of the Rosh Pina Synagogue for several terms and was a charter member of the Bel Acres Golf & Country Club.
Dad was also a talented, and ambidextrous, artist, a curler, green thumb, dapper dresser and terrific dancer. He and Betty always lit up a dance floor!
Sam shared a wonderfully rich family life with Betty. Married in 1957, they moved four years later into the mid-century modern masterpiece that Sam designed for them in Garden City (a then new, north end Winnipeg neighbourhood) and in which they remained throughout their entire marriage. The house magically expanded and contracted as needed and saw its share of fabulous parties, Passover Seders and a multitude of family simchas and other joyous gatherings. As parents, they were loving, excellent role models who encouraged strong family connections. As grandparents, Zaida Sam and Bobbie Betty were the best – adoring, proud, involved and a lot of fun!
Locally, Sam and Betty enjoyed attending the symphony, chamber music and jazz concerts, the opera, the Folk Festival and the theatre. Their worldly travels took them to Mexico, Israel, China, Cuba, Europe, the Caribbean and North American camping trips and ski holidays. Closer to home, their cottage in Gimli (Loni Beach), MB, was a focal point for family and friends every summer.
Our father was a man of unwavering integrity, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a generosity of spirit. Respected and respectful, Sam Searle was a great guy, a real mensch. He will be deeply missed.
The last year and four months of Dad’s life were spent at the Simkin Centre. Sharing an ice cream and a smile, singing with him, particularly at the “Friday Night Lights” Shabbat service, were precious moments.
Sam passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital. We are grateful for the care and kindness provided by the staff at both institutions. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to Sharon Merrells, the ultimate “Sam whisperer,” for her years of care and dedication, especially over those last challenging 16 months.
The graveside funeral service, held on December 4, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park, was warmly officiated, on a freezing morning, by Rabbi Kliel Rose. The pallbearers were grandchildren Evan, Aaron and Jamie Searle and Matthew Pearl, son-in-law Barry Pearl and great nephew Gavin Shapera.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba’s “Betty & Sam Searle Memorial Fund” or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
JEAN SHIRLEY KOPSTEIN February 14, 1934 – January 11, 2026
Jean Shirley Kopstein passed away peacefully, a month shy of her 92nd birthday, with her three devoted children by her side.
Known to her family as Shaney, Jean will be deeply missed by her children, Ivy (Murray), Ruth, and Alan; her grandchildren, Louis, Minnie (Patrick), Leo (Ashley), and Max (Brynne); her great-grandchild, Margot; her brothers, Martin (Grace) and Gary; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jean was born on Valentine’s Day in 1934 in Montreal. In 1939, her family returned to Winnipeg, where they settled in the city’s North End. During her second year at the University of Manitoba, Jean met Bobby Kopstein, the light of her life. They married on June 23, 1954. That same year, Jean graduated as a teacher and taught for three years before choosing to stay home to raise their family.
Later in life, Jean embarked on a deeply meaningful professional career and left her mark on every organization she served. She worked as a counsellor at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, went on to become Director of Staff Development and Training for the provincial Department of Corrections, and was seconded by the government to establish the Manitoba Women’s Directorate. She was often described as an inspiration – a wonderful colleague, a thoughtful leader, and a great friend.
Jean had many passions and immersed herself fully in all of them. She loved travelling with Bob and had a keen appreciation for music, art, design, fashion, film, and food from many cultures – always in search of the perfect muffin! She formed deep bonds with family and friends, with constant concern for the well-being of those she loved. Jean and Bob were humanists who led by example, instilling strong values in their family.
Jean had a unique and engaging presence. She was outgoing, vivacious, curious, and intelligent. She lit up a room with her energy and her beautiful, warm smile.
Diagnosed with glaucoma in her 60s, Jean began a long and challenging period in her life. After the loss of Bob in 2014, she faced further health difficulties. Despite these challenges, her desire to live fully never waned. She remained interested in the world around her and took great joy in family dinners, trips to Winnipeg Beach, and spending time with family and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in Jean’s care over the many years, especially those who went above and beyond. They are deeply grateful to Shaftesbury Park for its support, and in particular to Jean’s caregivers for their outstanding care, compassion, and kindness. The family also thanks the clergy and staff of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue for their services and support.
Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
ISADORE (IZZY)MINUK (Z”L) JULY 5, 1927 – DECEMBER 30, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Isadore (Izzy) Minuk, on December
30, 2025, at the age of 98.
Izzy was born on July 5, 1927, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third of five boys born to Tibel and Ben Minuk. Izzy was predeceased by his beloved wife Merle Minuk and his
cherished son Morley Minuk.
Izzy leaves to mourn his children Martin Minuk (Stephanie), Linda Rabkin (Jack), Jeffrey Minuk (Lora) and Cheryl Bokhaut (Bradley), thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Our father was a man of great wisdom, kindness, strength and resilience. He was
fiercely devoted to his family. He was committed to his health and well-being and a longtime member of the Rady JCC.
Izzy spent his last years at the Simkin Centre. Our family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the Staff and Administration of the Simkin Centre for their attentive care.
Donations in Izzy’s honour may be made to the Merle and Isadore (Izzy) Memorial Fund
at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Simkin Centre or the Rady JCC.
Daddy will always be our sweetheart