Obituaries
YETTA LEVIT
With heavy hearts and much love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Yetta Levit, at the age of 96.
Mom was born on May 6, 1928, into a close-knit orthodox family with three sisters and two brothers. She attended William Whyte School, Talmud Torah night school and St. John’s Tech. During her youth she was involved in Young Judea and was later active in the I.L. Peretz School. She met our dad Jack when she was 18 and they married four years later. They had three children.
Mom had a gift for seeing the good in everybody. Her welcoming smile and the way she truly listened made everyone feel special. She lit up the room with her warm, vivacious personality.
She was young at heart and had an incredible zest for life. Her energy was remarkable. Everything was a new adventure that she couldn’t wait to undertake. Every person was a rich encounter.
Mom had a special love for little children. She effortlessly engaged with them and always made them smile and feel special. Her appreciation for beauty extended to everything in nature. She never missed an opportunity to admire colourful flowers or marvel at a Banyan tree in Hawaii. She taught us to slow down and see the world through her eyes, always pointing out the beauty that surrounded us.
As our family record keeper, she lovingly recorded every detail of our lives. She was unbelievably organized. Once when we asked to find an invoice from her wedding five decades earlier, she located it within minutes.
Theatre and music were a big part of her life. She had season’s tickets to the opera, to MTC, to the ballet and to the symphony. In later years, when illness slowly diminished her mobility and spontaneity, her strength of character and good, calm nature remained. Music comforted her and she attended the Stay Young Club and Gwen Secter.
Mom built a close-knit Jewish home full of Yiddishkeit and Zedakah – her focus always being on keeping the family close. Friday night dinners were very special with all the children and grandchildren gathered around, lighting the shabbat candles. Mom especially enjoyed sharing shabbat and holiday dinners with her siblings. It gave her such pleasure being the hostess at these simchas – she just sparkled!
Mom was a very devoted and loving daughter to her parents, Tybel and Beryl. Her dedication to them as unparallelled, which she demonstrated by caring for them with compassion, patience and unwavering commitment. She also treated our dad’s parents, Velodie and Molly, as her own.
Mom and dad spent 64 wonderful years together until his passing in 2014. She was always there to support Dad’s many creative business endeavours. Her wise counsel helped make everything easier. The saying “behind every great man is a great woman” couldn’t be more true.
Travel was an enjoyable and important part of her life. She loved our family trips where she was excited to expose us to different cultures, different geography and different experiences. She also loved travelling with her siblings and friends.
Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband Jack, parents, Tybel and Beryl Minuk, sisters, Molly Lachter (Norman), Clara Zamick (Max), Evie Rosenbaum (Jack) and brothers, Harry Minuk (Annette) and Norman Minuk (Goldie); her parents-in-law. Molly and Velodie Levit and sister-in-law Eva Moser (Leo). She was the last of a very close-knit family.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Raymond), Shelley (Jaye) and Keith (Linda), her grandchildren, Brent (Anna), Tara (Jed), Darren, Hannah, Marina, Vanessa and Natasha and her great-grandchildren, Micah and Ivy and many nieces and nephews.
We are extremely grateful for the kindness and gentleness shown by mom’s wonderful caregivers, many of whom have felt like extended family to us. They are Marga Torres, Terry Cristobal, Nancy Bilibli, Lorenza del Rosario, Sally Magana, Fe Yap, Cathy Tan, Ginah Guaro and Evelyn Dela Cruz.
We also extend special thanks to Dr. Fotti and family friend Dr. Manishen for their genuine compassion and concern.
Pallbearers were Raymond Hall, Darren Hall, Brent Calnitsky, Jaye Miles, Sheldon MInuk and Mark Golub.
Mom lived her life as a beacon of selflessness. Her heart had room for everyone.
Mom, you gave us so much. You taught us to love deeply, to cherish family and family traditions, and to find joy in the simplest things.
You are loved beyond measure. You will be missed. You will be remembered.
Obituaries
SIDNEY RITTER
August 30, 1936 – June 20, 2025
Surrounded by his loved ones, Sidney left this world peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
He is survived by his children Michael (Flynn Gerb), Beth Goldberg (Bobby), Alan and Andrea, and his sister-in-law Elsa Swedko (the late Norman). His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Zachary Goldberg (Karlene), Jessica Goldberg (Rhys Sharkey) and Stefanie Steigerwald (Alex), Halley Ritter, Brianna and Madeline Ritter, Francie and Sari Goldenberg, and great-grandchildren Brooks Goldberg and Ava Steigerwald.
Sidney was born and grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He moved to Winnipeg following his marriage to the love of his life, Hinda, of blessed memory. Together, they built a beautiful home for their family, filled with love and caring for their community. Sidney’s commitment to making his world a better place is evident in his extensive volunteer work with the Chai Folk Ensemble, his synagogue, Folklorama and the Folk Arts Council, and his exemplary 62 years of perfect attendance at the Rotary Club of Winnipeg.
Funeral services were held on June 23, 2025, at the Rosh Pina Memorial Park. Contributions in Sidney’s memory may be made to The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, or to a charity of your choice.
Obituaries
BARBARA KAPLAN (z” l) April 7, 1942 – May 16, 2025
A star back in the sky – the life and story of Barbara Kaplan.
The story of Barbara Kaplan is as unique as the woman herself. On April 7, 1942, a creative and gifted soul was born to Sidney and Rose Rosenblatt. She will be deeply missed by her entire family, including her beloved husband of 55 years, Harry, her two children, Shawn and Carrie, her siblings Shelley Rosenblatt and Robbie Rosenblatt, and sisters-in-law Lorraine Kaplan (David z”l) and Sharon Rosenblatt. Barbara will also be fondly remembered by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Barbara lived her life in full colour. This was evident in everything she did, from how she raised her children and nurtured her family through special celebrations, to bringing a canvas to life, playing the piano, and the many creative words she put to paper throughout her life. She lived with a higher purpose; one she often mused about in her writings or through the art she created.
Barbara had a unique talent for both imagining beauty and creating it. She embraced what she was gifted to envision and the beauty she saw before her. She made things beautiful and saw the beauty in everything. Best once described by her son Shawn, “she was like a human paintbrush, touching things and adding vibrant colour and life.” Barbara brought these gifts into her professional life, graduating from Interior Design in 1986, at the age of 44. She mused and collaborated with her dear friend and business partner, Toby Vinsky, to run Interiors by Design for 25 years. She lived and taught by example, passing on her passion for the creative world to her children.
Barbara often said that “there are no mistakes in art,” and if life imitates art, the story of Barbara Kaplan is one of a profound life lived with vibrancy, passion and love. May Barbara’s special way of observing, representing, and living in the world be a blessing to all who knew her.
Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, where the BABS Scholarship (Better Arts, Better Souls) will be created to support aspiring young artists.
Obituaries
MINNIE BELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Minnie Bell on June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Dick Bell; her children, Joady Bell (Larry Bloom), David Bell, Karyn Burleigh (Paul), and Debby Brown (Bob); grandchildren Cory, Breanne, Jenna (Adam) Jordan (Kady), Jason, Jonah (Danielle), and Justin; and great grand-children Charlize, Zack, and Mimi.
Minnie was predeceased by her parents Freda and Abraham Bay; sisters and brothers- in-law, Jen and Alec Goldman, and Dorys and Morris Silver. She was Aunty Minnie to nieces and nephews; Tannis and Sheldon Mindell, Glenda and David Segal, Les and Andi Silver, Fern and Narvey Goldman, and Andi Bell.
Minnie was born in Winnipeg on September 11, 1932 and grew up in the city’s North End. She attended William Whyte School for grades 1 through 9 and graduated from St John’s Tech.
Minnie and Dick initially met at a YMHA dance. They were later reacquainted in Winnipeg Beach, which was when their love story began. They were married October 10, 1955 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue.
The Bell family was a very busy household. Minnie had her hands full with four active children, especially while Dick travelled for business for over half the year. Minnie volunteered for several organizations including Hadassah and Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood. She chaired and canvassed for CJA Campaigns and Men’s Youth Aliyah.
Minnie and Dick were always strong supporters of the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Holocaust Museum, the Combined Jewish Appeal, and the State of Israel. They had a mutual love of music and international travel. They also shared a love of cruising and embarked on over 30 cruises before slowing down and spending their winters in Palm Desert.
Dick had quintuple heart bypass surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in 1986 when he was just 58 years old. Minnie made it her life’s mission to advocate for Dick’s every medical and emotional need from that time forward. Thanks to Minnie’s tremendous efforts on Dick’s behalf, and to Dick’s own commitment to daily walks and a heart-healthy diet, he is still alive today at the age of 97.
Minnie always took great pride in her appearance – her hair, makeup, lipstick and perfectly manicured almond shaped nails were all of utmost importance to her. She was also known for her beautiful heels – Naturalizers or Clark’s were never an option! Minnie especially loved her off the shoulder sweaters and blouses. She also loved hats and typically donned a selection from her extensive collection for synagogue services.
The family wants to especially acknowledge a number of individuals for their exemplary love, care and devotion to Minnie- Dr. Cynthia Sawatzky and Dr. Keevin Bernstein; Dr. Harvey Chochinov; the staff of the outstanding Simkin Centre and, particularly, the staff on Weinberg 1.
Minnie and Dick’s caregivers and companions, namely, Mae, Sandra, Nettie, Estella, Amanda, Cora, and Tammy were all of invaluable assistance in caring for both of them over the past few months. They truly became a part of our family and we thank them all from the bottom of our hearts
For those who wish, donations in Minnie’s memory may be made to the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre or the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue Choir and Music Fund.