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
Recent funerals – as posted on the Chesed Shel Emes website
| Cecil Phillip Breslauer | Zelig Feivel ben Chaim Yosef v’Bluma | 07/06/1929 | 30/10/2026 | 19 Cheshvan 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Murray Kravetsky | Michael Moonie ben Zeesel v’Bluma | 24/01/1946 | 26/10/2026 | 15 Cheshvan 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Ruben Helman | Ruben ben Aba v’Sarah | 06/06/1932 | 22/10/2026 | 12 Cheshvan 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Bert Minuk | Dov Ber ben Mendel haKohen v’Chaya Leah | 03/02/1928 | 19/10/2026 | 8 Cheshvan 5787 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Patricia Charad | Rut bat Avraham v’Sarah | 19/03/1927 | 15/10/2026 | 5 Cheshvan 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Debra Lynn Hirsch | Devorah Leah bat Tuvyah v’ Chaya Mindel | 10/09/1953 | 08/10/2026 | 27 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Harry Kaplan | Tzvi ben Gershon Yosef v’Dina | 16/03/1931 | 29/09/2026 | 19 Tishrei 5787 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Maurice Azuelos | Moshe ben Yehuda | 15/08/1943 | 29/09/2026 | 18 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Lillian Burke | Leah Dvorah bat Shmuel v’Basia | 31/05/1928 | 28/09/2026 | 17 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Zinaida Pinski | Zinaida bat Michael v’Rachel | 22/12/1946 | 27/09/2026 | 16 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Aarona Perlov | Aharona bat Eliyahu v’Liba Freida | 11/05/1950 | 25/09/2026 | 14 Tishrei 5787 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Beth Shore | Bat Sheva bat Susman v’ Craindel | 30/12/1939 | 23/09/2026 | 12 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sydney Herbert Weidman | Shimshon ben Moshe Leib v’Shoshana | 24/01/1962 | 18/09/2026 | 7 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Danny Rich | Dan ben Sender v’Mindel | 30/04/1938 | 17/09/2026 | 6 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| June Marie Black | Zahava bat Avraham v’Sarah | 30/06/1931 | 16/09/2026 | 5 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Ruth Billinkoff | Rachel bat Moshe v’Shaindel | 25/04/1928 | 15/09/2026 | 4 Tishrei 5787 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Adele Heidinger | Odela bat Avraham V’Freida | 14/05/1924 | 11/09/2026 | 29 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Fred Arnold Rosenblatt | Ephraim ( Freidel Chuna) ben Zvi haKohen v’Gusta | 10/12/1947 | 10/09/2026 | 28 Elul 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Jack Shrom | Yaacov ben Aryeh Leib v’Rachel | 02/03/1931 | 08/09/2026 | 26 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Raymond Richard Green | Reuben Rafael ben Leib Natan v’Yetta | 04/02/1951 | 31/08/2026 | 18 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rhoda Kravetsky | Tziril Tovah bat Mendel v’Doba | 21/05/1948 | 29/08/2026 | 16 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Brent Drew Cohen | Binyamin ben Zvi ha’Kohen v’Esther | 02/10/1958 | 28/08/2026 | 15 Elul 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Liza Lyuber | Laya bat Lazer v’Malka | 05/12/1926 | 28/08/2026 | 15 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Michael Tennenhouse | Melech Shimon ben Hersh Tzvi v’Gileh | 22/04/1949 | 28/08/2026 | 15 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Inf |
| Lillian Neaman | Leah Rivka bat Eliyahu v’Chana | 16/02/1934 | 21/08/2026 | 8 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Malik Juravsky | Melech ben Levi Yitzchak v’Luba | 24/03/1931 | 19/08/2026 | 6 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Harvey Appelle | Chaim Tzvi ben Yehoshua v’Bayla | 08/05/1940 | 15/08/2026 | 2 Elul 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Mordy “Buddy” Brownstone | Mordechai Leib ben Yishia v’Machla | 28/07/1926 | 11/08/2026 | 28 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Karen Leslie Gomori | Gayla bat Shlomo haLevi V’Chaya Sarah | 15/02/1950 | 10/08/2026 | 27 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rhona Shnier | Rachel bat Shaul v’Chana | 04/07/1927 | 09/08/2026 | 26 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Belle Burke | Bluma bat Zalman v’ Sara Elka | 12/05/1926 | 06/08/2026 | 23 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Reesa Gail Langhans | Reesa bat Yishayahu haKohen v’Faigel Tzipora | 17/09/1948 | 06/08/2026 | 23 Av 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Gerald Kalef | Gershon ben Yitzchak v’Chana | 24/06/1928 | 01/08/2026 | 19 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Arthur Joseph Nitikman | Aharon Yosef ben Yisrael v’Devorah | 17/05/1940 | 29/07/2026 | 15 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sheldon Berney | – | 06/10/1936 | 28/07/2026 | 14 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Arthur Arkin | Avraham ben Yitzchak haLevi v’Sarah | 22/05/1927 | 24/07/2026 | 10 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Dick Bell | Daniel ben David v’Chana | 28/12/1927 | 19/07/2026 | 5 Av 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Reesa Nerman | Rivka bat Shlomo v’ Shaindel Leah | 30/05/1954 | 18/07/2026 | 4 Av 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Garry Israel Frankel | Gershon Israel ben Shlomo Moshe v’Miriam | 14/08/1953 | 13/07/2026 | 28 Tamuz 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Caroline Shelley Raber | Tzipi bat Yisrael v’Ita | 30/01/1955 | 11/07/2026 | 26 Tamuz 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Estelle Meyers | Esther Tzivia | 26/10/1941 | 10/07/2026 | 25 Tamuz 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Alice Grace Lazar | Sarah bat Avraham v’Sarah | 27/12/1926 | 08/07/2026 | 23 Tamuz 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Paula Wolfman | Piya bat Mordechai v’Esther | 15/09/1953 | 08/07/2026 | 23 Tamuz 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Sharon Ricki Feuer | Sharona Rivka bat Avraham v’Sarah | 14/05/1940 | 08/07/2026 | 23 Tamuz 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Neil Margolis | Nissan ben Chaim Nechemia v’Deveorah | 29/07/1936 | 01/07/2026 | 16 Tamuz 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sheldon Paul Nemy | Solomon ben Moshe haKohen v’Rachel | 01/04/1947 | 23/06/2026 | 8 Tamuz 5786 | Hebrew Sick Cemetery | More Info |
| Murray Kadys | Moshe ben Shmuel v’Bayla | 12/01/1945 | 19/06/2026 | 4 Tamuz 5786 | Beit Chayim Mikdash Shalom, Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Ave | More Info |
| Richard Gordon | Yitzchak ben Yaakov v’Dina | 06/11/1943 | 14/06/2026 | 29 Sivan 5786 | Grays’ Ridge Cemetery, Alonsa MB | More Info |
| David Harold Diamond | David ben Avraham Yehoshua haLevi | 08/04/1929 | 09/06/2026 | 24 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Sidney Green | Simcha ben Aharon v’Rosa | 01/08/1929 | 07/06/2026 | 22 Sivan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Cecile Kowall | Tzivia bat Shlomo David v’ Sluva Mata | 24/05/1935 | 03/06/2026 | 18 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Joan Hargrave | Chana Henya bat Binyamin Mayer haLevi v’ Miriam Dina | 14/07/1953 | 01/06/2026 | 16 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Irwin Barry Stronger | Yitzchak Dov ben Matityahu v’Baila | 16/09/1941 | 31/05/2026 | 15 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| David Ivan Cohen | David Yitzchak ben Yaakov Moshe v’Sara Liba | 06/06/1956 | 30/05/2026 | 14 Sivan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Phyllis Maxine Hochman | Tziporah bat Shmuel v’Esther | 31/12/1940 | 30/05/2026 | 14 Sivan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Alvin Murray Zivot | Avraham Moshe ben Yaakov v’Leah Miriam | 03/08/1931 | 27/05/2026 | 11 Sivan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Tova Vickar | Tova bat Nachum v’Yenta | 24/08/1949 | 22/05/2026 | 6 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Karen Leipsic | Chaya Tova bat Kalman v’Raizel | 03/04/1944 | 21/05/2026 | 5 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Phyllis Lee Dana | Fayge-Leah bat Moshe BenZion v’Chaya | 05/10/1936 | 17/05/2026 | 1 Sivan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Betty Brina Simon | Bayla bat Yitzchak v’Miriam | 27/07/1935 | 15/05/2026 | 28 Iyar 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Basia Bayla Fliegel | Bayla bat Leib | 31/05/1930 | 13/05/2026 | 26 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Harold Diamond | Tzvi ben Yaacov v’Chana | 04/12/1935 | 12/05/2026 | 25 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gary Rayburn | Gershon Aaron ben Hersh Ber v’Masha | 21/09/1965 | 09/05/2026 | 22 Iyar 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Ray Schnoor | Raizel bat Ephraim v’Rachel | 13/06/1927 | 05/05/2026 | 19 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Gila Ruth Fainstein | Rachel bat Kiva v’Leah | 25/06/1935 | 04/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Toby Schwartz | Chaya Tovah bat Moshe v’Chana | 16/07/1932 | 01/05/2026 | 14 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Rachel Wolman | Rachel Bayla bat Moshe v’Malka | 03/02/1962 | 24/04/2026 | 7 Iyar 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Leah Gitlin | Laya bat Yosef v’Frayda | 04/09/1926 | 08/04/2026 | 21 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Lin Joseph Rosenbaum | Yosef Levi ben Hershel Zvi v’Dvorah | 17/10/1952 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Hebrew Sick Benefit Cemetery | More Info |
| Norman Stein | Nachum ben Avraham v’Chaya | 10/06/1932 | 06/04/2026 | 19 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Marvin Saul Silver | Menachem Shaul ben Avraham v’Chana Gitel | 20/11/1941 | 05/04/2026 | 18 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
| Kimberley Dawn Kirshenbaum | Isabella bat Avraham v’Sarah | 09/12/1969 | 03/04/2026 | 17 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Walter Ganetsky | Zev ben Yosef haLevi v’Tziporah | 23/09/1940 | 02/04/2026 | 15 Nisan 5786 | Bnay Abraham Cemetery | More Info |
| Lorelei Camille Lavitt | Rachel bat Yaakov v’Raisa | 11/04/1936 | 26/03/2026 | 8 Nisan 5786 | Rosh Pina Memorial Park | More Info |
| Melvin Myers | Moshe ben Chaim v’Rachel | 24/04/1936 | 24/03/2026 | 7 Nisan 5786 | Shaarey Zedek Cemetery | More Info |
To see more funerals go to https://chesedshelemes.org/records-of-the-deceased/
Obituaries
DR. BARRY RAYTER
June 12, 1941 – November 4, 2026
Peacefully at age 85.
Predeceased by Maggie in 2014, his wife of over 50 years, his parents, Bobby and Tubby Rayter, sister-in-law Dale Rayter and brother-in-law Mel Frasier.
Barry leaves to mourn his children, Jason, Kelly and Scott; sister Sharon (Benson) Labinsky; brothers, Bailey (Karen), Mark, and Ian (Lynnie) Rayter; brother-in-law David (Marilyn) Coubrough; nephews and nieces, Jordan (Shari), Brent (Tammy), and Ellen (Simon) Labinsky; Lindsay (Tyler) and Mika (Keith) Rayter; Jared and Aaron (Wendy) Rayter; Bill (Susan) and Joy Coubrough; and many more great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins.
Barry also leaves behind dear friends Winnie and Jim McPhee and their children, Terry Lynn (Dave), Michelle (Rob), Jim, Colleen, and Lisa (Dwaine) and their children. He was predeceased by his close colleagues Tom Dobbs and Ross McIntyre and dear friends Keith and Joan Thompson, who are survived by their surviving children Rob, Margot and Chris.
The help, support and friendship from many people have meant a great deal to both Barry and his family, including Beddie Nagle, Imelda Horbas, Julie Clark, Pam Swystun, Ryan Cormack, Neil Wilson, Laurie Lebel, Pat Karpasho, Kelly Wiebe and Mike Loyd.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Joel Gingerich and the staff at both CancerCare Manitoba and Park Manor Care Home.
Barry grew up surrounded by a large and close family, first on Aberdeen, then on Mountain and Inkster, attending Peretz School, St. John’s, and then on to University of Manitoba where he studied Dentistry before opening a practice of over 45 years in East Kildonan, first on Watt Steet and then on Henderson Highway.
Barry was committed to the care and well-being of his patients, their families and to the profession, assuming the presidency of the Manitoba Dental Association in 1996 and serving as chair of the economics committee for over 30 years, he was recognized for his service including the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Density’s Alumni of Distinction Award in 2013 and he was the first inductee into the Manitoba Dental Association’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
After his years as a general practitioner, Barry joined the academic staff at the Faculty of Dentistry, assisting and teaching in several areas including the Emergency Clinic, making a lasting impression on the many students he taught and mentored – work he found richly rewarding and forming ongoing friendships with students who went on to work in the field, always available for guidance, offering advice, a caring ear, a free lunch, and a good joke.
Barry had both a keen aesthetic sense and skill as a visual artist, and the family home was filled with his many drawings, paintings and sketches. He also had a strong musical ear and could sit down at the piano and play a tune he had only just heard. He loved all kinds of music, including opera (which he attended with Winnie and Jim McPhee), classical, but also pop and rock and took his kids to concerts such as Supertramp, The Police, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, David Bowie, Styx and many more. He read widely, including fiction, history, travel literature, nature, and art.
Anyone who knew Barry can attest to his ability to tell and appreciate a good joke – all of which reflected his affable nature and his optimistic outlook on life.
Barry carried on the values his parents instilled in their children, including their generosity and kindness to those in need. He was caring and attentive to his patients and devoted to the learning experience of his students, who in turn would become excellent care providers. His presence in his family, community and profession were profound and we will all miss him dearly.
Service at Chesed Shel Emes (1023 Main St.), 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026 followed by burial at Rosh Pina Memorial Park (2795 Main St.). Shiva at 59 Vanier Drive following burial, and Sunday, November 8, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Monday, November 9, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Pallbearers: Bailey, Mark, Ian, Jared, and Aaron Rayter and Simon Flesischer.
Donations can be made to https://www.hscfoundation.mb.ca/donate/ (Dale Rayter GD6 Nursing Education Fund) at the Health Sciences Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, or charity of your choice.
Obituaries
PATRICIA (PAT) CHARAD
Patricia (Pat) Charad passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, and community service.
Born in Detroit, Pat arrived in Winnipeg as a baby and grew up in the city’s West End. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre High School, Pat began her working life as a clerk at Great-West Life before moving on to various administrative positions. In the early 1950s, she and a friend ventured overseas, found work in London, and hitchhiked through the south of France. Pat was very much ahead of her time!
Pat met Issie Charad at a mutual friend’s party and they married in 1963, following Pat’s conversion to Judaism. Issie’s calm and steady presence was the perfect balance to Pat’s fiery spirit. They globe trotted and raised their two daughters, Judi and Reegan.
Their home was always warm and welcoming. Gatherings and celebrations were constant, as were teen drop-ins. Oak Street was a hive of activity, driven by Pat.
Pat devoted decades to volunteering with the Manitoba Children’s Hospital Foundation, contributing to fundraising efforts and serving as a board member. Her extraordinary commitment was recognized this past year when she was honoured for more than 60 years of volunteer service. She was equally dedicated to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, where she served as Vice-President, Co-President of the Sisterhood and served on the board of the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre.
Although Pat began life as an only child, she certainly did not end it that way. Along the journey, she gathered an enormous circle of family and friends, comprised of adopted family, chosen family, honorary cousins, and nieces and nephews by the droves. To so many, she was simply and affectionately, Aunt Pat.
Pat will be remembered for her cracking bridge hand, her open door and her extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Reegan Charad and Judi Charad, and her cherished grandson, Isaac, along with the many family members and friends whose lives she enriched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
If you wish, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

