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
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.