Obituaries
TANIA DOLOVICH September 5th, 1931 – May 2nd, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Tania Dolovich (née Fridell) four months shy of her 90th birthday. She is survived by her children Michael (Pat), Allan (Kayla), Jeffrey (Laurie) and Gary (Christa) and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived as well by her sister Miriam, her brother Jerry (Cynthia) and many nieces, nephews and other family members. Tania was predeceased by her parents David and Ruth Fridell, and her husband, Sam Dolovich.
Mom was born in Regina but lived her life in Winnipeg’s North End. She attended St. John’s High School.
Mom was a vibrant, vivacious woman with a strong independent spirit. She was a remarkable mixture of kindness and strength, bold when she needed to be, reticent when the occasion called for it.
Deeply intelligent, a voracious reader, and with a vocabulary few could match, it was near madness to challenge her to a game of scrabble or to try and outdo her in the most complex of crosswords. And yet she always seemed so proud when you put “boat” out on the board to her own word, “existential” (triple word score). When she saw the deep disappointment on your face, she would take pains to point out that luckily she just got some better tiles – the thing is, though, she meant it.
One of Mom’s proudest early achievements was her work with the Junior Chamber of Commerce. She became an integral part of that organization and gained the respect of the people she worked with. She spoke often of her time at the JCC and her face, inevitably, would light up.
Mom met her husband-to-be, Sam, when he rented a room from her parents while he was studying at university. Tania was still living at home and over time she and Sam became increasingly fond of each other.
Tania and Sam married on September 7th, 1952.
Mom and Dad were married for over 50 years and few couples have been as devoted to one another as they were. It is impossible to catalogue even a fraction of their life together as husband and wife, but it is also just as impossible to forget that magical moment when they danced together for hours under the moonlight at Disneyland as the Harry James Orchestra serenaded them with their children looking on.
Between 1957 and 1966 Tania and Sam had four sons together – Michael, Allan, Jeffrey and Gary.
Mom was deeply involved in community theatre and acting generally. She regularly performed in productions at Rainbow Stage, the Warehouse Theatre and MTC. She acted in productions such as The Diary of Anne Frank. She sang with the late Sara Udow and the Rosh Pina Choir, and performed with the Jewish Community Players at the YMHA. She also did commercials for both radio and television and appeared in magazines for companies such as Eaton’s and Simpson Sears. Additionally, she appeared in small roles on CBC Television.
Mom was always so humble about her achievements in the performing arts. She never thought it was a big deal – it was just something she enjoyed. She was, however, very proud of having worked with noted directors John Hirsch and Malka Lerner.
She was the consummate professional, always. And she was always available to help bring out the best performance in other actors.
For many years Mom worked at Alcan-Price Extrusions Ltd., and, in fact, retired from Alcan in 1996 after a long and successful career there, first as a part time secretary, and eventually progressing to become a business administrator with the company. She was dedicated to the company and became the representative major customers such as Loewen Windows and New Flyer came to depend upon.
Mom was devoted to her family and sustained it in the most trying of circumstances. When Dad took ill at a relatively young age, she engaged in Herculean efforts in order to ensure that the family not only survived, but thrived. Life continued unabated. Because of her tireless effort and incessant, heroic advocacy, Dad lived the rest of his life at home with his wife and family. For her sons, school, music lessons, summer vacations at Winnipeg Beach, Gimli and Sandy Hook all became part of the fabric of the family’s memories when by all accounts, given the magnitude of the challenges she was forced to confront, they shouldn’t have been. There was no shortage of other challenges she faced over the years and yet she faced each one with an indomitable spirit. Despite the many demands, she always made each of us believe she had all the time in the world. Mom’s greatest joys were her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
And throughout those years, during both good times and bad, there was always Tania and Miriam. It is difficult to put into words the nature of the relationship between these two sisters. During their younger years they looked so much alike even people who knew them well could have difficulty telling them apart. The fact is, though, they were very different people and yet the bond between them was unbreakable right from childhood to Mom’s last day. To say they were best friends as well as sisters, while true, doesn’t do them justice. They were inseparable.
During her final years Mom continued to be a joyful, musical presence in the lives of all who knew her. You always knew she was happy when you could hear her singing from the elevator.
For some time, a tall, handsome man has been waiting patiently for his dazzlingly beautiful wife to arrive, and together, now each loosened from the physical constraints that bound them in this world, they are free to spend eternity in each others’ arms and dance to the music of Harry James, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.
The family wishes to extend its deep appreciation for the incredible comfort, care and support she received from the staff of the Simkin Centre.
A graveside funeral service was officiated by Rabbi Anibal Mass on May 5th, 2021 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Avrom Charach, Howard Kideckel, David Litvack, Liam Pollock, Reese Ratson and Myron Schultz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Simkin Centre or to a charity of one’s choice.
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