Obituaries
SYLVIA TOPPER
Our deeply loved Sylvia Topper left us on the evening February 2nd, 2020, a few hours before her 77th birthday, eventually succumbing to the dementia that ate away at her personality for last six years of her life. Mourning their loss are her husband David, sons Steve (Hope) and Romi (Cathy), and granddaughter Alexis. Her siblings Judy (Mark), George (Janet), and many relatives, friends, and neighbours.
Also, her dear friends Lynne, Faye, Hilda, Ruth, Becky, Mary, and many other others, especially our family at Temple Shalom – all of whom always treated her with proper dignity throughout the dark times.
Sylvia (née Aronson) Topper was born in 1943 and grew up in Chicago. She attended High School in Evanston, and after graduation spent a year in Israel working on a kibbutz. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Social Work (BSW) from Ohio State University, and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, specializing in psychotherapy. After working in Cleveland and Chicago, she moved to Winnipeg in the summer of 1970 with her husband. She resumed her career in Canada and eventually opened a private practice in psychotherapy, working mainly with adults (individuals and couples). She was a group therapist for the River Heights Family Life Education Centre from 1973-1981, where she ran grief recovery groups, a program that she developed. For the Centre, she also designed the Mothers and Twos program, which was offered extensively in Winnipeg for many years. In addition, she was President of the Centre for a year. During her career in Winnipeg, she was active in her profession, giving lectures, acting as a consultant, attending conferences, taking professional development courses, and acquiring advanced accreditations. As well, she was a member of several organizations (often assuming various executive roles): River Heights Family Life, National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba, Woman’s Health Clinic, and especially Temple Shalom. Sadly, near the end of 2015, Sylvia was forced to terminate all this work and involvement because of the progressing dementia.
Sylvia was an empathetic but gutsy woman. When son, Romi, at five-years-old, was in hospital with a case of cellulitis that almost killed him, she insisted in being provided with a cot so that one parent could stay the night; she was not going let Romi sleep alone.
It may be little known that Sylvia was also a very skilled seamstress. She would cover the dining room table with scraps of tissue and cloth, and turn them into dresses, blouses, even a coat. She was very proficient. David was in awe; he called the process a metamorphosis.
The toil on Sylvia’s family during this long ordeal was mitigated by the support of family and friends, and the kindness and gentleness shown by the many caregivers who have passed though these latter years of her life. These include both the caregivers and the administrative staff at the Simkin Centre (notably Simkin 2 and Weinberg 1), and those in the WRHA who the family depended upon. We feel blessed to live in such a compassionate culture.
A graveside service took place on February 6, 2020 at Bet Chaim/Mikdash Shalom in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Romi Topper, Steve Topper, George Aronson, Marc Hilton, Hayden Aronson, & Rebecca Toolan. Honorary pallbearers were Hope Topper, Judy Aronson, Lynne Ostrow, Faye Mount, Hilda Schwartz, & Ruth Livingston. Donations in Sylvia’s memory may be made to Temple Shalom, 1077 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 1Y6, or the charity of your choice.
Obituaries
DONALD (DON) BASS
1938-2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donald (Don) Bass on May 14, 2025.
Don is survived by his partner of 25 years Darlene, children, Eileen Fortin (Tim) and Hartley Bass, stepchildren Pyper (Jesse) and Palmer and sister Lynda. He was also a beloved grandfather to Kelsey and Taylor and Zaidie to Rooney and Lux.
Don was predeceased by his parents Abe and Gloria Bass and by his son Jonathon.
Don was born in Fort William, Ontario in 1938. He came to Winnipeg to attend university but ultimately made his mark operating Dutchmaid Ice Cream, including manufacturing ice cream for dairies across Western Canada gaining him the title of “Emperor of Ice Cream”.
During and after operating Dutchmaid, Don also managed rental properties in and around the Osborne Village.
Don was more than an entrepreneur and an astute businessman; he was a man of decency, generosity, integrity and compassion. He treated everyone he met with respect, offering help in any way he could.
Don was also known for his sarcasm and sense of humour earning him the added title of “Real Character”.
Don loved family, he loved people, and he loved his annual trips to South Florida.
Funeral and burial were held on May 20 at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery with the Meal of Condolence at Temple Shalom.
Donations can be made to the General Fund at Temple Shalom or to the Gloria and Abe Bass Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
May Don’s memory be a blessing.
Obituaries
Clarice Yentel Shell (Marantz) May 7, 1927 – May 13, 2025
Surrounded by family, our beloved Mom and Baba said goodbye at age 98. She is survived by her son Barry, and daughters Miriam and Ruth, her daughter-in-law Dorinda Neave, grandchildren Davina and Sam (Elisha) and great grandchildren, Benjamin and Rose.
Clarice, known as “Cal” was the last of her generation to leave us. She was predeceased by her parents Joe and Razel Marantz, brothers Chip (Shirley) and Basie (Shirley) and her brothers and sisters-in-law in the Shell family, Hymie (Kay), Pauline (Sam Zinman ) and Bill (Ruth). She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Ben Shell and her son in law, Harry Sumner.
Born in Winnipeg, Cal was a trail blazer her entire life. She had numerous volunteer and professional achievements. One of her legacies was her ground breaking research to earn her Masters degree in Social Work in 1966. This led to Cal joining the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba where she made enduring changes to the core curriculum during her 15-year career.
Alongside her enormous contributions to the community, Cal was devoted to her large extended family. This was evidenced by her attendance at the weekly zooms and every major family event including her last visit to Winnipeg at age 97 for a very special Bat Mitzvah. She was a role model, a mentor, and a confidant to many. A skilled listener, Cal had an uncanny way of engaging others. She spoke her truth, helping to make changes and get things done. Cal knew the names and relations of the entire Shell and Marantz extended families and instead of counting sheep, she would often lie there recalling every single name, in every generation, all around the world, until she fell asleep. Her commitment to staying connected will always be remembered as one of her finest gifts.
In 2015, at age 88 Cal moved to Vancouver to be closer to her immediate family members. We thank the amazing staff and her friends at Legacy Senior Living who helped make the last 10 years of mom‘s life rich and full. We would also like to thank Dr. Alex Lecky for his years of excellent care, Colleen Riley and the gifted medical team at Vancouver General Hospital, who made her comfortable in her last days.
Cal was a remarkable person who lived a remarkable life. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, of which she was a founding member, or the Cal Shell‘s Endowment Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba. More details about Cal’s life can be found on her Book of Life page
https://bookoflife.jewishfoundation.org/ebol-donors/clarice-cal-shell
Obituaries
LOUIS COLISH FEBRUARY 15, 1945 – APRIL 23, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Louis Colish at the Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by friends. He was predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Bessie, whom he deeply cherished. Loui considered his father to be his best friend and he was a devoted caregiver to his mother in her later years.
Born in Winnipeg on February 15, 1945, Louis grew up in Garden City. He had a long and fulfilling career as a Reference Librarian at the West Kildonan Library, where he assisted countless patrons with their questions. Even in retirement, people he would meet often recognized him as “the librarian”.
Louis cherished his relationships with his family and friends. Those who had the privilege of knowing him described him as incredibly friendly, one of their favourite people, and simply the nicest guy.
A lifelong learner, Louis treasured his extensive book collection, with a particular love for astronomy and the works of Carl Sagan. He delighted in sharing stories of his travels to Europe, Hawaii, Arizona, Disney World, and his most cherished destination, Israel. He also enjoyed attending his bowling league, the Rady JCC’s senior program, and the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. He loved music from the 1940s and 50s and delighted in performing his favourite tunes in talent shows at the Rady JCC and Gwen Secter programs.
Louis was a devoted member of the Rosh Pina and Etz Chayim synagogues. Fellow congregants fondly remember his passionate and dramatic chanting of the Prayer for Peace from the bimah—a heartfelt expression of his deep hope for a peaceful world.
A graveside service was held on April 25, 2025, at Rosh Pina Memorial Park.
Louis was a kind and generous soul who will be missed but never forgotten.
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