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Obituaries

TOVA WEISZNER (née GUDELMAN) Feb 2, 1930 – April 27, 2023

Tova, at the age of 93, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones, after a brave battle with heart failure.
She was predeceased by her husband Ze’ev, her brother Norman, her parents, her baby sister, numerous family and friends, and the recent and very sad loss of her dear niece Dina. Those fortunate to have known her and love her will mourn her passing; her children, Noah (Myrna), Rina (Paul), Freda (Sholom), her grand children, her five great-grandchildren, and other numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Tova was born in Lipkany, Romania. When she was 8 years old, Lipkany was taken over by the Russian Red Army and life changed. Within a short time, she and her entire family were forced out of their home. The family had to travel on foot through open terrain from army barracks to camps, having to forage for food and shelter. During this time her parents and baby sister perished. In 1944 they were liberated, and then as a young girl, she was taken into the care of a relative in Israel, where she stayed until she married Ze’ev in 1950. Two of their children were born in Israel. In 1959 they travelled to Winnipeg, and a few years later their third child was born.
Tova was an extremely hard worker, clean, orderly and practical. For a tiny woman (4’8”) she was a force to be reckoned with. Everything she did, even right up to her passing, was for her family. Whether it be feeding them (constantly), or knitting them something warm to wear, or guiding them with her unbelievable common sense, she was always a mom and a baba, which was so heartwarming and genuine. Even to people who were practically strangers, she always offered food, a cozy knitted item, fruitful conversation and sound advice.
Tova also took part in endless volunteer activities. She spent many years at the CNIB in particular, even honored at the age of 87, by the mayor of Winnipeg, for those efforts. Tova’s devotion and commitment to giving had no bounds. This was who she was, right up to the end of her life, a devoted, giving, kind and generous woman.
Tova spent the last five years at Kildonan House, an assisted living facility. She still grew tomatoes and flowers on her balcony, even though she was becoming more and more limited in her physical abilities and could no longer do many of the countless things that defined her. The kindness and care that was shown to her, by the staff, management and so many residents, was truly heart warming. She was happy, comfortable, and well cared for.
Our family wants to thank her family physician of many decades, Dr. Norman Hechtenthal for his care and concern for her. She was exceptionally cared for by all her various doctors over the years and it probably didn’t hurt when she showed up to their offices with tins of her baked goods. Towards her end, Dr. James Tam and the Palliative Care team of Winnipeg, took over her care and helped her transition comfortably and peacefully. We thank you for that exceptional display of kindness and compassion.
A private graveside funeral was held by the family and officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl, whom we sincerely thank for his care and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice, should you wish to do so.
Mom’s love will always be in our hearts, and we will forever miss her.

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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.

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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

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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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