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
BARBARA CONSTANCE SLUTCHUK (née Stratton) MAY 9, 1941 – MARCH 3, 2026
Barbara Constance Slutchuk passed away peacefully. She was born on May 9, 1941, in Carmen, Manitoba to Lena Galbraith and Arthur Stratton.
Barbara was the beloved wife of George Slutchuk, whom she married on March 28, 1971. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rishona Hyman (Hartley Hyman) and Dama Slutchuk (Tom Aldridge), and by her cherished grandchildren, Gregory and Izzie Hyman. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents; her second mother, Lyla “Winnie” Stratton; her sisters Mary Beighton (Ted) and Patricia Morton (Robert); and her brothers Keith Stratton, Grant Stratton, John Stratton, Bryan Smith (Eleanor), Lyle Smith, and David (Gail).
Barbara was a trailblazer in nursing. Over her long and dedicated career she managed an emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital, later oversaw the operating room at Seven Oaks Hospital. Eventually moved into Human Resources at Misericordia Hospital.
She had a deep passion for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and attended many games, events, and Grey Cups over the years. Barbara was an avid reader and bridge player. A proud Canadian, she loved football, hockey, curling, figure skating, the theatre, Rainbow Stage, rural Manitoba, and tending to her flower garden. She loved seeing the first robin and geese of the season.
Barbara had a special love for animals, both her own and those belonging to others. She rescued animals and people alike, always making room in both her home and her heart.
Barbara was a natural leader, a volunteer, and an organizer. Above all, her most important role was as a devoted mother and grandmother.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate and loving care provided by
Veronica and Lenora, as well as all of Barbara’s caregivers over the years.
A funeral service was held on March 5, 2026, at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
Donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice, Jewish Child and Family Service, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Obituaries
WILLIAM (BILL) MARANTZ SEPTEMBER 14, 1935 – NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Sadly, just after his 90th birthday, celebrated with four generations, Zaida Velvel passed away at Deer Lodge Centre following a brief illness.
He grew up in the storied North End mostly on Scotia Street, and it was there at Luxton School and St. John’s Tech that he made many of his lifelong friends.
But the shining star of his life was his beautiful Brenda, his loving wife and soulmate of over 65 years, who passed away in 2023. He was also pre-deceased by his parents Sophie and Frank, his brothers and sisters-in-law Cyril and Irene, Gary and Shirley-Anne, and his daughters-inlaw Andrea and Ruth.
He is survived by his children Josh, Ari (daughter-in-law Ilana), Allan (Jackie) and David; grandchildren Sarah (Chris), Noah (Nahla), Jesse (Lauren), Evan (Maddy), Dan (Tracy), Lauren (Kyle), Tamara (Robin), Ali (Wyatt), Neil; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Isaac, Sadie, Jack, Brandon and London; and nieces, nephews and cousins..
Bill graduated with his law degree from the University of Manitoba in 1960 and after articling, went into private practice.
Bill was a supportive and loving father who always came to watch the boys’ games and helped coach when needed. He and Brenda never tired of watching their sons play sports.
Bill’s eclectic career included time as a lawyer, part-time provincial court judge, movie critic, screenwriter, autobiographer, actor, Jewish Post columnist and novelist.
His most successful writing efforts were radio or screenplays, several of which were produced by CBC, and his self-published novel Christmas Eve Can Kill You.
After early retirement, he continued to write from home, the cottage and Palm Springs where he and Brenda drove to each winter for about 40 years.
Out of all his writing efforts, Bill was most proud of writing the memoir of a local Holocaust survivor.
He had another accomplishment for which he was also extremely proud. Just over three decades ago, Ari and Bill bought an old cottage at Winnipeg Beach and completely rebuilt it. This would become the new family summer home. He and Brenda lovedspending summers out at the beach with family.
For their 50th anniversary, it meant the world to them that all their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren came in to celebrate at the cottage.
Winnipeg Beach was enjoyed for many, many summers until Brenda could no longer climb the front steps, shortly before becoming housebound. Bill took outstanding care of her as her health declined.
Bill was able to live independently and was driving until just a couple months before his passing. He loved spending time with family at dinners and Jewish holiday celebrations and adored his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,especially.
He was buried next to his beloved Brenda at Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, the Temple Shalom cemetery, with son Allan officiating and grandchildren Noah, Jesse, Evan, Dan, Tamara and Neil serving as pallbearers.
If so desired, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Camp Massad of Manitoba.
Obituaries
AGNES FUNK (nee POLLAK) August 12, 1927 – February 18, 2026
Agnes (Anyu) peacefully passed away at the age of 98. Predeceased by her husband Fred and son George, she is survived by her daughter Kathy Shefrin, grandsons, Mark Shefrin (Laurie) and Allan Shefrin (Stephanie) and her great-grandchildren, Abby, Seth, Livia and Frankie.
Born and raised in Hungary, Agnes – known to many as Agi – was a survivor. During the Second World War, her parents made the difficult choice to hide her with righteous neighbours, thus saving her life during the Holocaust. In post war Budapest, she met the love of her life Fred. Their new life took an abrupt turn when communism took over Hungary. In 1956, with nothing, Fred, Agi, Kathy and George moved to Winnipeg to join family.
Initially, life in Winnipeg was not easy, but they found safety, community and opportunity. Their greatest joy was time spent with their children and grandchildren. They loved to travel, especially to Hawaii. Agi had a dry sense of humour infused with a Hungarian accent and mixed up words that made everyone around her laugh. Though she was quiet, her big blue eyes and infectious smile could fill a room.
In 2007, her beloved Fred died, followed by her adored son George in 2016. Both times her resiliency and strength saw her though, and those qualities served her well again when she rebounded from a life-threatening infection while visiting her family in Ottawa.
Agi experienced life’s greatest joys as her four great-grandchildren arrived. She treasured them, as they did her.
The family expresses their utmost thanks to Agi’s devoted companion, Robin Davis for her love and care for Agi over the last four years. Special thanks to the Weinberg 3 team at the Simkin Centre.
The funeral took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fred and Agnes Funk Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or the charity of your choice to honour her remarkable life.